To encourage people to pursue their dream of owning a home, several sections in the Income Tax Act 1961 allow for a tax deduction for various components of the purchase or construction of a house, primarily if a home loan is taken. If you are planning to buy a house soon, here is a quick guide on the available tax benefits.
As a home loan borrower, you can claim tax exemption on principal repayment every year under Section 80C, interest payments under Section 24 (b), and an additional benefit on interest under Section 80EE if you are a first-time homebuyer.
Step 2: Enter the tenure (in years) for which you want to borrow
Step 3: Enter the rate of interest
Step 4: Click on “Calculate Your EMI”
Estimated EMI* (assuming rate of interest at 7% p.a.) | |||
Tenure |
Loan amount Rs 30 Lakhs |
Loan amount Rs 60 Lakhs |
Loan amount Rs 1 Crore |
5 years | Rs 59,403 | Rs 1,18,806 | Rs 1,98,011 |
10 years | Rs 34,832 | Rs 69,665 | Rs 1,16,108 |
20 years | Rs 23,259 | Rs 46,518 | Rs 77,530 |
30 years | Rs 19,959 | Rs 39,918 | Rs 66,530 |
If you are looking to get a new home loan or if you already have one, here are some tips to help you reduce your home loan EMI:
Check with multiple lenders before finalizing your loan. Choose the one that offers you the best deal.
Don’t borrow more than you can afford. If you can’t afford to repay on time, don’t borrow.
Make a higher down payment. Lower the amount you borrow, lower the EMI.
Choose a longer tenure (but this also means you will be paying more interest over the period).
Make a prepayment on your loan, if and when possible.
Apply for a balance transfer home loan to get a better deal.
Home loan borrowers can avail tax benefits under:
Yes, first-time homebuyers can avail extra deductions:
Yes, you can claim tax benefits on a second home loan. Under Section 24(b), you can claim a deduction on interest paid without any upper limit for rented properties. However, for self-occupied second homes, the total deduction is capped at ₹2 lakh.
No, Home Loan Insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended. Some lenders may suggest it as part of the loan package to mitigate financial risks for both borrowers and lenders