4 Home Loan Benefits for Women Borrowers in India

With financial independence coming to women, an increasing number of women are now understanding the importance of owning a property and how this step can be a vital aspect of financial planning. Now, many women are applying for a home loan to fulfil the dream of owning a house. Banks and other lending institutions are betting on women customers to expand their home loan portfolio. To lure them, lenders are offering customised home loan schemes, lower processing fees and other discounts to women.

Some of the other factors that are contributing to the surge in the number of women home loan borrowers include lower home loan interest rates, tax benefits and lower stamp duty. Let us understand in detail how women would benefit from availing home loans from either banks or Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).

1. Save on Home Loan Interest

With women having a better track record of repaying their loans, banks encourage women to invest in properties and to buy new homes. To take it ahead, many lending institutions offer a special concession of 0.05% to 1.00% on home loan interest rates.

Comparing Home Loan Interest Rates offered to Women & Others

Note: The home loan interest rates in the table are subject to change without prior information.

Also Read: Check & Compare Home Loan Interest Rates of other Top Banks and HFCs

The difference in the rate mentioned above might appear to be negligible, but it plays a big role in significantly reducing the monthly interest payment liability. Also, the money saved is money made which can be used for investment or for meeting other financial requirements.

An example illustrating the amount women expect to save on lower home loan rates.

As per the above example, the total amount saved by women home loan borrowers over other applicants is Rs. 60,406. Women can use this amount for their personal use or invest in Mutual Funds.

2. Lower Stamp Duty Charges for Women

Stamp duty is a compulsory tax that the state government imposes on the property during its sale or transfer. The rate varies from one state to another. Some of the factors on which the stamp duty rate depends are the status of the property, location of the property, type of property and usage of the property. The stamp duty charges usually vary from 4% to 10% of the property cost and since it forms a part of the property cost, even a small concession on the rate can make a huge difference in the property cost.

Many state governments offer a concession on stamp duty if the property is registered in the name of a woman, be it solo or joint ownership. The difference in the charges usually ranges from 1% to 2%, thus, helping to save a substantial amount while purchasing a house. Here are the rates for different states.

3. Enjoy Home Loan Tax Benefits

All taxpaying women borrowers are eligible to claim home loan tax deductions of up to Rs. 3.5 lakh. Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, borrowers can claim tax deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh on home loan repayment. And under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, borrowers can claim tax deduction of up to Rs. 2 lakh on home loan interest. In addition, there are other additional tax deductions that women can claim. Here are the details.

The above home loan tax benefits can be availed by women even on applying for a home loan jointly with their husbands or other eligible co-applicants. In fact, opting for joint home loans can increase the overall tax benefits. For instance, if a couple has applied for a home loan jointly, he/she can claim tax deduction of Rs. 1.5 lakh each on the principal paid and the interest paid under Sections 80C and 24(b) of the I-T Act, respectively. However, the couple should ensure that the conveyance deed/ sale deed has the names of both the applicants as the owners of the property.

4. PMAY Benefits for Women

Women can avail Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Credit Linked Subsidy (PMAY-CLSS) to fulfil their dreams of homeownership. The government scheme aims to provide “Housing for all” by 2022 through different initiatives, including the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme. Under CLSS, the government offers a subsidy of up to Rs. 2.67 lakh to eligible applicants on home loan interest rates. The subsidy amount is given upfront on the principal outstanding, thus lowering the interest amount. The benefits under PMAY-CLSS are provided according to the annual income of the family categorised as below:

Also Check: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Eligibility Criteria

Benefits for Women Under PMAY

To encourage home ownership for women residing in urban as well as rural areas, the government provided the following benefits under its PMAY scheme. As per the guidelines of PMAY:

• It is necessary for a family to have at least one woman member registered as the owner of a new house, irrespective of the fact whether she is buying the property
• Senior citizens, including elderly women, would get ground floor accommodation for their convenience

Other PMAY Benefits Enjoyed by Women and Men

Also Read: How to Apply for PMAY Scheme

Getting a home loan requires long-term planning and comparison of interest rates. Always check home loan eligibility to know the amount you qualify for and ways to improve the eligibility. You can also calculate home loan EMI through EMI Calculator.