8 Things You Need to Know About Processing Fees for Home Loan

Planning to buy a home can be an exciting experience for all. But it is also an intricate and complex one, especially if you are keen on obtaining one of the most reliable home loans in the market to finance your dream abode. This is where you may have come across terms like "processing fee" – something that is part and parcel of all loan agreements. As an informed buyer, one should know everything about such terms that are a vital part of the home loan process.  

So, what exactly is a processing fee, and how does it affect your loan repayment? As someone looking to purchase a home, you may have a lot of questions on your mind regarding the loan processing fees.

Here are 8 things you need to know about processing fees for a home loan.

1. What is a processing fee?

A loan processing fee is a one-time charge that the lender levies on the borrower for processing and approving the loan application. It covers the administrative and operational costs involved in verifying your income, credit history, property value and other documents. The processing fee is usually a percentage of the loan amount, ranging from 0.25% to 2%, depending on the lender and the loan scheme.

2. How is the processing fee calculated?

The processing fee is calculated based on the loan amount and the loan-to-value ratio (LTV). What is LTV, you ask? Well, it is a metric that compares the loan amount to the property's value. For example, if you are buying a property worth Rs. 50 lakh and taking a loan of Rs. 40 lakh, your LTV is 80%. The higher the LTV, the higher the risk for the lender and hence the higher the processing fee. Some lenders may also charge a flat fee or a minimum fee, irrespective of the loan amount or LTV.

3. When do you have to pay the processing fee?

The loan processing fee is usually paid at the time of submitting the loan application or at the time of disbursal of the loan. Some lenders may ask for a part of the fee upfront and the rest later. You can pay the processing fee by cheque, demand draft, online transfer or cash.

4. Can you negotiate or waive off the processing fee?

The processing fee is not fixed and may vary from lender to lender and from scheme to scheme. So, yes, you can try to negotiate home loan processing charges with your lender and ask for a lower or waived off fee, especially if you have a good credit score, stable income and low LTV. You can also compare different lenders and their fees and choose the one that offers you the best deal. Borrowers can also use their good relationship with the lender as leverage to negotiate a lower processing fee. However, it is essential to note that some lenders may not be open to negotiation, and even if they agree to lower the processing fee, it may not be a significant reduction.

5. Are Home Loan Processing Fees Refundable?

Home loan processing fees are generally non-refundable. Even if the borrower's loan application is rejected or if the borrower decides not to take the loan after paying the processing fee, the fee is not refunded.

6. Are There Any Additional Charges Associated with Home Loan Processing Fees?

Yes, there may be additional charges associated with home loan processing fees, such as legal and technical evaluation fees. These fees cover the cost of verifying the property's legal and technical aspects and are generally borne by the borrower.

7. How to Avoid Paying High Home Loan Processing Fees?

One way to avoid paying high home loan processing fees is to compare the fees charged by different lenders before applying for a loan. Before finalising the loan, borrowers should also check the loan's terms and conditions, including interest rates, prepayment charges, and foreclosure charges.

8. Can you claim tax benefits on the processing fee?

You can claim tax benefits on the processing fee under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The processing fee is considered part of the interest paid on loan and hence eligible for deduction up to Rs. 2 lakh per year for self-occupied property and without any limit for rented property. However, you can only claim this benefit in the year in which you pay the fee and not in subsequent years.

Conclusion

Buying a home is an exciting and significant milestone for most people in India. However, the process of obtaining a home loan can be daunting, and one of the aspects that borrowers need to consider is the loan processing fee. 
Thus, borrowers should carefully consider the fees charged by different lenders, negotiate with the lender if possible, and read the loan's terms and conditions before applying for a loan. With careful planning and research, borrowers can minimise the impact of home loan processing fees and achieve their dream of owning a home.