The RBI is widely expected to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% in its next policy review, delaying any meaningful fall in home-loan EMIs. With retail inflation projected to hover around the 4.9% range, the central bank appears focused on stability rather than quick rate cuts, even as borrowers wait for cheaper repayments.
A Chartered Accountant has sparked fresh debate by arguing that buying homes in urban India can be a poor financial deal compared to renting. Citing cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, he notes rental yields stay low while home loan interest rates remain high, widening the gap for buyers. He adds that stamp duty and registration can take 5–7% upfront, worsening the upfront cost.
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SBI Chairman C S Setty has urged a review of the definition of “affordable home,” pointing to a rapid rise in loan sizes within the segment. The bank says average affordable housing loan amounts have increased to about Rs 51 lakh from roughly Rs 35–40 lakh just two years ago, despite the segment remaining highly competitive.
HDFC Bank has revised its Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rates effective May 7, 2026. Borrowers on loans linked to the MCLR regime will see some tenures fall by up to 5 basis points, while the 3-year MCLR increases by 5 basis points. Overall MCLR now sits between 8.05% and 8.60%.
Bajaj Housing Finance reported a 14% profit rise in the January–March quarter, with asset quality holding strong and loan assets plus disbursements growing meaningfully. Brokerages reacted positively to management commentary and a bullish outlook for growth, even as they flag rising competition from banks in home loans. The stock has also rebounded after a recent dip.
RBI has reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points, offering fresh relief to home loan borrowers by potentially lowering floating-rate interest rates. On a 20-year loan, EMIs are expected to fall notably, though the extent depends on how lenders recalibrate pricing. Further cuts hinge on inflation staying subdued and growth risks, with timing unclear.
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After the RBI’s repo rate cut, SBI has reduced its EBLR and RLLR lending rates by 25 basis points. The change is set to take effect from April 15, 2025. MCLR rates will remain unchanged, so the impact on EMIs will depend on whether your loan is linked to EBLR or RLLR.
The RBI kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.5% on October 1, 2025 for the second straight meeting, after cuts earlier this year. With inflation slightly higher and small savings rates steady, banks may struggle to push floating home loan rates down further. Loans linked to EBLR may still reset faster, but the overall window for immediate relief looks narrower.
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