Guide 04 · Before the EMI
Home-loan basics before you apply
Know what lenders assess, what the loan documents should show, and how to compare offers.
The principal
what you borrow
The interest
what the loan costs
The tenure
how long you repay
Three useful conversations
Ask better questions before you sign.
01 · Before applyingWhat will the lender assess?+
Know what a lender will look at
Lenders typically assess income, existing obligations, credit history, down payment, and the property documents before deciding how much they can lend.
A sanction is not the same as a final disbursement. The property and your documents still need to meet the lender's conditions.
Learn the terms behind the EMI
The principal, interest type, tenure, EMI, fees, and repayment schedule all affect the cost of the loan.
With a floating-rate loan, a benchmark change can affect the EMI, the tenure, or both. Ask the lender how a reset works before you accept the offer.
02 · Read the offerWhat should the KFS tell you?+
Read the Key Facts Statement
The RBI requires regulated entities to provide a standardised Key Facts Statement for applicable retail and MSME term loans. It includes the annual percentage rate, charges, and amortisation schedule.
Read the KFS in a language you understand. Charges not included in it cannot be added later without your explicit consent under the RBI directions.
Compare offers on total cost
Compare the annual percentage rate, processing and other charges, reset rules, prepayment terms, insurance requirements, and conditions for disbursement.
Do not choose a loan by EMI alone. A longer tenure may reduce the monthly payment while increasing the total interest paid.
03 · Plan the costDoes the full plan still work?+
Keep room for the rest of the purchase
Your down payment, registration and taxes, moving costs, and emergency buffer sit outside the EMI. Check that the full plan works before you commit.
For a personal recommendation, speak with a qualified financial adviser or the lender directly. This guide explains questions to ask; it does not approve a loan or give financial advice.
Keep the source nearby
Public records, not promises.
These links are the reference points behind the guide. Check the authority again for a current rate, charge, or lender requirement.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Get qualified advice for your situation.