Fixed-Rate vs. Floating Rate: Choosing the Right Interest Rate for Your Home Loan

Home loans help make your dream of owning a home, a reality. However, it is crucial that you know which interest rate to opt for. The interest rates on home loans are of two types: fixed-rate and floating-rate. In this episode we’ll walk you through the features of both types of interest rates under home loans. Additionally, you’ll also learn how floating rates are calculated. And as a bonus, we’ll provide you with a few tips on what factors you must be mindful about before making an informed decision. 

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Key Takeaways

Fixed-rate home loans are characterised by features such as predictable payments, protection against hike in rates, and risk-averse nature

Predictable payments allow you to benefit from constant interest rates, consistent EMI, and the ease of periodical budgeting

Even when market rates rise unexpectedly, with a fixed interest rate on your home loan, you need not worry about incurring any additional costs

If you’re a risk averse individual, a fixed-rate home loan could help you avoid any uncertainty resulting from fluctuating interest rates

The formula to calculate floating interest rate on home loans is Benchmark rate + Spread*

Floating-rate home loans have lower initial rates, could potentially have a reduction in rates, and provide flexibility in terms of foreclosure or pre-payment

It is important to consider factors such as market interest rate trends, risk tolerance, financial goals, and so on before you decide

Choosing a combination of both the interest rates could also help be beneficial to you by reducing the interest liability 

Frequently Asked Questions
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*In India the benchmark rate that is used as a base is referred to as MCLR or Marginal Cost of fund-based Lending Rates.
MCLR or Marginal Cost of fund-based Lending Rates is a lending rate below which no bank is allowed to lend. This acts as a benchmark rate while floating rates on home loans are calculated.
*Spread is the additional percentage added to the base rate in accordance with the market conditions and other factors prevalent at the time.
Floating rates offer benefits such as lower initial rate, possibility of a rate reduction, and flexibility in terms of foreclosure or pre-payment.
Let’s assume that your home loan for a period of 10 years has a 7% floating rate and an 11% fixed rate. In this case, you can opt for the floating rate for the initial five years and then switch over to the fixed rate. By doing so you could effectively reduce your interest liability.
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