RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged: Impact on Home Loan Borrowers

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.50% during its August 2025 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. This decision, taken amid rising inflationary concerns and global macroeconomic uncertainty, comes as a relief for existing and aspiring home loan borrowers. 

The RBI’s decision to make a 0.25 bps cut in the repo rate indicates a continued low-interest-rate environment, at least for the short term. The repo rate, the rate at which the RBI lends to commercial banks, has a direct bearing on home loan EMIs, especially those linked to floating interest rates.

So, does it mean that this is the last chance for future home loan borrowers to get the lowest interest rates?

Steady Repo Rate: Best Time for Future Homeowners to Apply

The RBI’s pause signals that borrowing costs are likely to remain stable in the near term. This offers a window of opportunity for potential homeowners to avail of home loans at relatively low rates before any possible hikes in future policy reviews.

Several banks continue to offer sub-7.5% interest rates, making this an ideal time to secure long-term funding. With real estate prices gradually increasing in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities and developers offering festive season discounts ahead of Diwali, now may be the right time to make a purchase decision.

Example: If you borrow ₹50 lakh at 7.40% for 20 years, your EMI will be about ₹40,133. However, if rates rise to 8%, the EMI would increase to ₹41,822—a difference of ₹20,000 annually.

Banks Offering the Lowest Home Loan Interest Rates in August 2025

A number of leading public and private sector banks have kept their home loan interest rates competitive. The rates are largely linked to the External Benchmark Lending Rate (EBLR), primarily the repo rate.

Here’s a table of top banks offering the lowest home loan interest rates as of August 2025:
 

Note: Rates are indicative and may vary based on applicant profile, credit score, and loan amount.

Banks may revise these rates if the RBI shifts its stance in the next MPC meeting. Hence, locking in current rates—especially under floating schemes—could prove beneficial.

What Changes Happen in a Loan’s Interest Rate After Repo Rate Cut?

Home loan interest rates in India are typically linked to the repo rate through the External Benchmark Lending Rate (EBLR). When the repo rate is cut, banks usually lower their EBLRs, resulting in cheaper home loans. However, this isn’t always immediate and varies across banks.

Here’s how interest rates evolve with repo rate adjustments:
 

Inference: A 0.50% rate cut can reduce EMIs by over ₹2,000 per month on a ₹50 lakh loan, saving over ₹5 lakh in interest over 20 years.

However, borrowers must note that lenders sometimes take time to transmit rate cuts fully, and they might only partially reflect repo changes depending on internal policies.

How to Refinance Your Loan?

Refinancing, or balance transfer, is an effective strategy if your existing loan has a higher interest rate than current market offerings. The process involves transferring your outstanding loan balance to another lender offering a lower rate, thereby reducing your EMI burden or overall interest outgo.

Steps to refinance a home loan:
 

1. Compare Offers: Use online portals to compare current interest rates across lenders.
    
2. Check Loan Tenure: Ideal if done in the early to mid-stage of the loan.
    
3. Assess Costs: Include processing fees, legal charges, and foreclosure charges (if applicable).
    
4. Apply and Submit Documents: Income proof, property papers, NOC from existing lender.
    
5. Loan Closure and Transfer: Once approved, the new lender pays off the old loan and starts fresh EMI.

Tip: Refinancing is worth it if the interest rate gap is at least 0.50% and the remaining tenure is over 10 years.

Difference Between Fixed Interest Rate and Floating Interest Rate

Understanding the two primary types of interest rates is crucial when taking a home loan:
 

Recommendation: Floating rates are advisable in a stable or falling interest rate cycle (like the current phase), while fixed rates suit those who prefer consistent EMIs.

Conclusion

The RBI’s decision to hold the repo rate steady in August 2025 ensures stability for home loan borrowers in the near term. With interest rates still below pre-2022 levels, this is a favourable period for new borrowers and an opportunity for existing borrowers to explore refinancing.

However, with inflation risks looming and a potential rate hike not entirely off the table in upcoming MPC meetings, homebuyers should act soon to secure the best deals. 

A clear understanding of loan types, regular market comparisons, and prudent financial planning can significantly ease the long-term burden of home loans.
 

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LoansJagat Team

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