Most buyers overestimate their EMI capacity by 20%. Calculate your real budget before you start hunting.
Banks don’t just look at your salary. They calculate your "repayment capacity". Typically, banks assume that about 50% of your monthly disposable income is available for repayment. However, existing EMIs (car loans, personal loans) will reduce this eligibility.
A higher CIBIL score (>750) can get you a lower interest rate, saving you lakhs over a 20-year tenure.
Many first-time homebuyers in Chennai make the mistake of looking at the property price first and their budget second. This often leads to:
If the location significantly reduces your commute time or has high future appreciation potential (e.g., upcoming Metro).
If you expect a major career jump soon or haven't saved at least 20% for the down payment and initial expenses.
Typically, banks allow an EMI of 40-50% of your net take-home salary. On a 50k salary, a safe EMI is around ₹20k-25k, which could fetch you a loan of roughly ₹25-30 Lakhs depending on tenure and interest rates.
The 50% rule (EMI should be 50% of income) is a maximum limit, not a safety net. For a comfortable life, aim for the 30-40% range to account for emergencies and lifestyle inflation.
Apart from the property cost, factor in Registration & Stamp Duty (approx 11% in TN), GST (for under-construction), interior costs, and maintenance deposits.