Reactions from Real Estate Experts on reduction in home loan interest rates by leading banks

India’s top lenders, State Bank of India (SBI), Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Bank and now ICICI Bank have reduced the interest on home loan rates. In addition to the all-time low-interest rates, there are various offers including discounts on processing fees or special benefits for women buyers to lure the home buyers.

Mr. Pritam Chivukula
Co-Founder & Director, Tridhaatu Realty
Hon. Secretary, CREDAI-MCHI

“The reduction in home loan interest rates by leading banks for a limited period have extended the best buying opportunity for the homebuyers. The banks are competing to grab the home loan customers before the fiscal year ends. Currently, the home loan rates are at an historic 15 year low, as banks compete in a market with low credit demand. The benign interest rates environment will continue for some time and it is unlikely that interest rates will fall further from the current levels. For the next few days, the buyers can swoop in on good deals on the back of rock-bottom interest rates on home loans, stamp duty relaxation, offers and the availability of choices from good developers. We can already see that the demand for residential properties has picked up now as people are beginning to believe that this is the best time to buy a property.”

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Mr. Ashok Mohanani – President, NAREDCO Maharashtra

“There is already a growing desire of owning a home as consumers look at it as a necessity in this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the last few days left to avail the stamp duty benefit, there is a stiff competition amongst the financial institutions to provide the consumers with the best home loan interest rates. This is the best time to buy a home as it gives the aspiring homebuyers a lifetime opportunity to purchase their dream home with reduced stamp duty as well as all-time low interest rates. These factors are also proving to help spur the real estate demand that was temporarily hit as a result of the pandemic.”

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Mr. Jayesh Rathod, Executive Director, The Guardians Real Estate Advisory

“The reduction in home loan rates by leading banks is going to help the demand side immensely. Currently, the all-time low, sub-7% interest rates are encouraging consumers to proceed with their purchase and quickly close their transactions. Low interest rates also help enhance eligibility for home buyers thereby bringing more customers into the marketplace.

We have been maintaining since quite some time that banks need to pass on the benefits of the reduced repo rates to consumers and we are happy to see the same happen now. The real estate sector has benefited immensely from the record low home loan rates, apart from the temporary reduction in stamp duty charges in key states. A low interest rate regime is bound to catapult unimaginable, economic growth in the country as a result of enhanced consumption. The low interest rates coupled with negligible or nil transaction cost will augur well for ready-to-move-in homes and the affordable housing industry. Both of these categories will benefit immensely from the reduced rates.”