Home loans are a popular financing option for the middle-class segment and their availability through banks and other financial institutions has been made affordable
Impact of interest rate hike
The repo rate hike by RBI has made home loans more expensive and borrowers will have to be ready for higher monthly EMIs or tenor extensions or both
Four ways to reduce EMI burden
Following a few simple steps can help reduce the impact of interest rate hikes
Increase the down payment
Choosing to pay a higher down payment when buying a house to reduce the EMI burden, as it leads to a lower principal amount
Choose home loan prepayment
Prepayment is the process of making additional payments over and above your regular EMI payments, and can help reduce the overall interest burden
Opting for a floating interest rate
Choosing a floating interest rate instead of a fixed interest rate can also help reduce your EMI burden by decreasing your EMI when market rates are low
Benefits and risks of floating interest rate
Floating interest rate is subject to market fluctuations, and the interest rate can increase as well, resulting in a higher EMI
Prepayment penalty
Carefully review the terms and conditions of your loan agreement before making any prepayments as many banks and financial institutions charge a prepayment penalty for prepayments
Switch your lender
Switching to a lender who offers a lower interest rate than your current lender can significantly reduce your EMI burden
Conclusion
By reducing the EMI burden, you can save a significant amount of money in the long run, as you will pay less interest over the tenure of the loan