EMI = P × r × (1+r)^n ÷ [(1+r)^n − 1], where P is principal, r is monthly rate (annual rate ÷ 12), and n is months. For ₹50L at 8.5% for 20 years: EMI ≈ ₹43,391/month, total interest paid ≈ ₹55.1L.

Stamp duty is a state government tax on property purchase — typically 3–7% of the circle rate or agreement value, whichever is higher. Examples: Delhi 4–6%, Maharashtra 5–6%, Karnataka 3–5%, Tamil Nadu 7%. Women buyers get a 1% concession in many states. Registration charges are additional (typically 1%).

It depends on the price-to-rent (P/R) ratio. In most Indian metros the P/R ratio is 30–50×, which makes renting and investing the down payment financially better in the short term. Buying wins if you plan to hold 10+ years, want stability, or the property is in a high-appreciation micro-market. The CalcDesk Rent vs Buy calculator runs a full 20-year simulation.

From 23 July 2024, LTCG on property is 12.5% without indexation. For properties purchased before that date, you can choose between 12.5% without indexation or 20% with indexation — whichever is lower. Short-term gains (held under 2 years) are taxed at your income slab rate.

A one-time prepayment of 5–10% of outstanding principal in the first half of the loan tenure typically saves 3–5× the prepayment amount in total interest and cuts 2–4 years from the loan. Floating-rate home loans allow up to 25% prepayment per year without penalty.