Buying a home requires a series of evaluations and decisions, whether you are buying a home for the first time or already have one. You might feel squeezed on all sides, and increasing interest rates on home loans may worry you even more. This is where you need to take an important decision – choosing between fixed and variable home loan interest rates. This decision is of utmost importance as interest rates directly impact your payable amount during the loan tenure.
Each type of home loan interest rate has its own set of pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your long-term financial planning, risk-taking capacity, and current financial stability.
Let us help you understand the differences between fixed and variable interest rates to help you make an informed decision.
Fixed Interest Rates
Fixed interest rates offer stability and predictability that determine how much you have to pay. When you choose a fixed-rate loan, your interest rate remains constant throughout the loan term. Here are some key advantages of choosing a fixed interest rate:
- Predictable Payable Amount
With a fixed home loan interest rate, your monthly loan payments remain constant over the duration of the loan. This makes your financial planning and budgeting easier, enabling secured payments each month.
- Protection from Increasing Interest Rates
No matter if the home loan interest rates increase or decrease, you remove your chances of looping in changing market conditions. You agree to repay your home loan at a fixed rate that lasts throughout its tenure. This can save you money in the long run, especially during inflation.
- Long-Term Planning
Fixed-rate mortgages are ideal for you if you plan to stay in your home for an extended period. You can be assured that your loan payment won’t suddenly become unaffordable.
However, fixed interest rates also have their downsides:
- Higher Initial Rates
Fixed-rate loans often have higher initial home loan interest rates compared to variable rates. This makes it more expensive to borrow initially.
- Missing Opportunity for Money-Saving
If interest rates decrease after you lock in a fixed rate, you won’t benefit from the lower rates without refinancing your loan, which can involve additional costs.
- Less Flexibility
Fixed-rate loans are less flexible than variable-rate options. If you plan to sell your home or pay off your loan early, you may face prepayment penalties or higher costs.
Variable Interest Rates
Variable home loan interest rates offer more flexibility in terms of loan repayment but come with a level of uncertainty. With variable rates, your home loan interest rate changes at a certain period of time. This variation depends on the market fluctuations. We have listed some of its advantages here:
- Lower Initial Rates
Home loans at variable rates often start with lower initial interest rates, which can result in lower initial monthly payments. Such favorable instalments make home-buying more accessible.
- Potential Savings
If home loan interest rates steep down, your loan payments decrease, allowing you to save money. This flexibility brings huge monetary benefits during times of falling interest rates.
Like any other type of loans, home loans at variable rates also have some disadvantages:
- Higher Risk
Variable rates are susceptible to rising interest rates. If rates increase, your monthly payments rise unexpectedly. This can strain your budget, refraining you from meeting your monthly requirements.
- Uncertainty
Since variable home loan interest rates are uncertain, it makes your financial planning challenging. You should be prepared for fluctuations in your loan payment and keep aside some additional amount for repayment.
Factors to Consider Before Making a Decision
Choosing between fixed and variable interest rates can be confusing. Here are some factors to consider when deciding:
- Financial Goals
Consider your long-term financial goals. If you prioritize stability and predictability, a fixed home loan interest rate might be your best bet. If you’re comfortable with some level of risk and want to take the benefit of lower initial rates, a variable rate could be preferred.
- Risk Tolerance
It is important to analyze your risk tolerance and financial stability. If you can handle potential rate increases and fluctuations in your monthly payments, a variable home loan interest rate might be preferred. If not, a fixed home loan interest rate may be your go-to option.
- Market Conditions
Keep an eye on the current economic conditions. If interest rates are low for a long time, locking in a fixed home loan interest rate might be the perfect decision. On the flip side, if rates are high and expected to fall, you may consider starting with a variable rate.
Make the Right Decision with Tata Capital!
Though there are different options of home loan interest rates provided by the lenders, you can choose the best based on current market conditions. Each one has its perks and pitfalls that you can consider at the right time. If you are looking for a credible vendor to avail a home loan, choose Tata Capital. They offer one of the best home loan interest rates in the market and are also open to flexible eligibility criteria.
So, what’s holding you back? Apply for a loan today!