Everyone is on the lookout for a place that meets, if not exceeds, their expectations. Finding a dream home that you can call your own is rare. When you do find it, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the opportunity simply because it doesn’t align with your finances. In such cases, home loans assist in purchasing ready-made homes or constructing the ideal house. Easy monthly instalments allow you to systematically pay for the house without hampering your cash flow.

Most home loan borrowers opt for longer repayment tenures and choose between a fixed loan interest rate or a floating loan interest rate based on convenience. A fixed loan interest rate offers a pre-agreed and static rate of interest throughout the tenure. A floating interest rate fluctuates based on factors like market conditions, economy, and lender policies. Another flexible repayment option is a semi-fixed interest rate which contains of a fixed interest rate and a floating interest rate both.

How does semi-fixed home loan interest work? Here, the rate of interest on a home loan remains fixed for an initial period of a few years, as agreed upon, after which it is automatically converted into a floating interest rate for the remaining loan tenure.

A semi-fixed interest rate on a home loan offers several advantages over both fixed and floating interest rates. Here are a few benefits of the same -

• Stability & Predictability: A semi-fixed interest rate on home loans provides borrowers with a sense of stability and predictability during the initial fixed-rate period. This means that for a specific duration, usually at the beginning of the loan tenure, the interest rate remains constant, allowing borrowers to plan their finances accordingly.

   

• Agile & Adaptability: The semi-fixed interest rate is agile and has the ability to adapt to market conditions after the fixed rate period ends. Once the initial tenure is over, the interest rate automatically converts to a floating rate, which fluctuates based on factors as above. This flexibility can be highly beneficial, especially in scenarios where interest rates are expected to rise and then potentially decrease in the future.

   

• Benefit of Saving: By opting for a semi-fixed interest rate, borrowers can take advantage of potentially lower interest rates during the floating rate period. This can lead to savings on monthly instalments and overall interest costs, especially if market rates decrease after the fixed rate period. It offers borrowers the best of both worlds - the stability of a fixed rate and the potential benefits of a floating rate.

   

• Optimal Balance: A semi-fixed interest rate is particularly advantageous for those with medium-term home loan tenures. It provides an optimal balance between stability and flexibility, catering to borrowers who seek a long-term repayment plan while also considering the potential for changing market conditions.

   

The table below captures the key differences between the different types of home loan interest rates:

A semi-fixed interest rate on a home loan offers the advantage of stability during the fixed rate period, coupled with the potential benefits of a floating rate after the initial tenure. Thus, choosing a semi-fixed interest rate can provide borrowers with a favourable and well-rounded borrowing experience.

However, based on the key differences in the types of home loan interest rates, you should opt for an ideal interest rate based on your income and risk tolerance. Interest rates profoundly influence EMIs and play a crucial role in effectively repaying a loan. It is, therefore, essential to understand your options and choose one that doesn’t strain your finances while planning to buy or construct the house of your dreams.

Godrej Capital has recently introduced a semi-fixed rate home loan, wherein the interest rate for the customer remains fixed for an initial period of up to 3 years and then is converted to a floating rate for the remaining loan tenure. Both salaried customers and self-employed professionals/non-professionals (SEP/SENP) are eligible to opt for this offering when availing home loan from Godrej Capital.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for information purposes only and not a financial advisory. For more details, please refer to the product or service document and/ or connect with our customer representative prior to making any financial decision. The information is subject to update, completion, revision, and amendment and may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject Godrej Capital or its Affiliates to any requirements. Godrej Capital or its Affiliates shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for making any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.

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