HOME buyers have their plate full, at least in terms of financing options. A recent addition to the offer list is Canara Bank’s new home loan scheme. Let us take a look at some of the public sector bank schemes to check which of these involve the minimum outflow. After the stimulus package’s blanket offer (five-year fixed 9.25% interest rate for loans up to Rs 20 lakh taken till 30 June 2009), there are other equally luring offers. Be it the largest public sector bank SBI, or the likes of LIC Housing Finance, Bank of Baroda or Union Bank, every bank is vying for the same customer. However, there is a word of caution; one must keep the borrowing component low to avoid high leverage.

CANARA BANK’S NEW HOME LOAN

This scheme is applicable for home loans up to Rs 30 lakh. The interest rate will be 8.25% in the first year and 9.25% for the next four years. Thereafter, the benchmark prime lending rate (BPLR) will be applicable, less 2.5%, subject to a minimum of 10%.

For loans above Rs 30 lakh and up to Rs 1 crore, the rate of interest will be 9% for the first year, 9.75% for the next four years and BPLR less 2% subject to a minimum of 10.50%. These rates are only available for the new borrowers and up to December 31, 2009. The maximum loan tenure that can be allowed under this scheme is 25 years. The loan to value ratio would be 80%.

SBI had earlier unveiled its Happy Home offer. This scheme specified an interest rate of 8% for the first year, a discount of almost 200-250 basis points to the prevailing market rate. However, after the first year, it would be markedto-market.

OUTFLOW

The EMI for Rs 30 lakh loan would be Rs 29,104 in the first year, at an interest rate of 8.25%. For the next four years, the EMI would be Rs 30,783, calculated at 9.25%, resulting in increased outflow of Rs 1,679. But assuming that the minimum rate applicable after the fifth year would be 10% as per rules, the EMI payable would be Rs 31,774. This would be a marginal increase of 3.2%, which would not be heavy on the pocket.

A borrower would be protected against the rising interest rate regime, at least for the first five years. However, on the flip side, one would end up paying a higher EMI amount in case the interest rates decline during the first five years.

THE BEST OPTION

A cursory glance at the scheduled interest rates gives the impression that this is the cheapest home loan scheme, but it is not the case. A comparative analysis shows that the interest outgo of other public sector bank schemes is higher than LIC Housing or Bank of Baroda. However, the interest outflow is lesser compared to SBI’s offer. Nonetheless, each bank has its own payment schedule (whether the repayment will first be towards interest or principal). A customer must, therefore, undertake thorough analysis on his own before opting for a scheme. Happy home buying.