How to Enhance Your Prospects of Obtaining a Home Loan: Complete Details
- Have a look at Your Credit Score
Your credit score is one of the most important things banks look for when they analyze a home loan application.
Optimal score: 750 or more
What to do to improve:
Make timely payments of credit card bills and loan EMIs
Avoid using more than 30–40% of your credit card limit
Clear outstanding dues
Monitor your credit report for errors
- Stable Income & Employment History
Lenders prefer applicants with steady jobs and consistent income.
At least 2-3 years of employment history (preferably with the same employer or in the same industry)
Self-employed individuals should show consistent profits and stable business records
- Reduce Existing Debts
Lower Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) increases your loan eligibility.
Pay off personal loans, car loans, or credit card dues
Keep your DTI ratio below 40%
- Boost Your Down Payment
More down payment decreases loan size and lowers your risk profile for lenders.
Banks will generally ask you to pay 10-25% of property price as down payment
Paying above the minimum helps chances of sanction and lightens interest burden
- Select a Longer Loan Tenure
Longer loans lower your EMI per month, enhancing repayment capacity in your bank’s book.
Though this raises interest paid in the long run, it can enhance loan approval possibility
Make use of EMI calculators to select the perfect tenure
- Go with a co-applicant
Including a co-applicant (e.g., spouse or parent) with decent income and credit rating:
Increases your loan eligibility
Can assist in availing lower loan amounts
- Keep Good Bank Account Health
Banks usually verify your bank statements of the past 6–12 months.
Make sure there are no bounced cheques or low balances
Keep a good balance and steer clear of unusual large withdrawals
- Furnish Complete and Correct Documentation
Accurate paperwork ensures your loan process is smooth.
Essential documents are:
PAN card and Aadhaar card
Salary slips/Form 16 (for salaried)
IT returns with calculation (for self-employed)
Bank statements (recent 6–12 months)
Property documents (sale deed, builder agreement, etc.)
- Compare Lenders and Pre-Approvals
Every bank/NBFC has varied criteria.
Compare rates of interest, processing charges, and terms
Apply for pre-approval to know how much loan you can get
- Avoid Frequent Loan Applications
Each application is a hard inquiry against your credit history, which decreases your score.
Apply only once you’re fairly sure about eligibility
Use eligibility calculators prior to applying
- Go for Government Schemes (if eligible)
There are various schemes in India that make home loans more affordable:
PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) – Interest subsidy for first-time homebuyers
State housing board schemes for low/middle-income families
- Be Honest on Your Application
Misrepresentation or concealing facts can result in flat rejection.
Always disclose all the existing liabilities
Tell the truth about income, employment, and property information
Final Tips
Begin preparing 6–12 months prior to when you intend to apply
Utilize online home loan EMI calculators to plan better
Get one-on-one consultation from a loan agent or a financial advisor