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What are Conversion Charges for Home Loans

What are Conversion Charges for Home Loans

A home loan helps individuals buy their dream home by providing the necessary funds while allowing them to repay it over time. This makes owning a home more accessible for many. However, in the past few years, home loans have become more expensive, impacting both new borrowers and those with existing loans. Higher interest rates have increased the financial strain, either by raising monthly EMIs or extending the loan tenure.

To ease this burden, borrowers can opt for a loan conversion by paying a small conversion fee. Many financial institutions allow you to switch from your current higher interest rate to their lower, prevailing rates. This reduction in interest rates helps lower your EMIs, making it easier to manage monthly payments and save on the total loan cost.

In this article, we explain what conversion charges in home loans are, how they work, and the benefits they offer. We also cover the critical factors to consider before choosing this option so you can make the best financial decision for your home loan.

Fixed vs Floating Home Loan Interest Rates Explained

Before understanding home loan conversion charges, it’s important to know the two main types of interest rates- floating and fixed.

Fixed interest rates stay constant throughout the loan’s tenure. They are not affected by economic policies, giving borrowers the assurance of a stable EMI. However, these rates are typically higher than floating rates, as financial institutions charge more to cover the risk of interest rate fluctuations.

In contrast, floating interest rates change based on market conditions. They are tied to a benchmark rate, currently the Repo Linked Lending Rate (RLLR), which is adjusted by the government. As a result, borrowers’ interest rates may vary when these benchmarks change.

What are Conversion Charges for Home Loans?

Conversion charges in a home loan are fees that a borrower must pay when switching from their existing interest rate to a lower one offered by their lender. Some financial institutions allow their current borrowers to opt for this switch in order to benefit from reduced interest rates, which can help lower monthly EMIs and the total loan cost.

The conversion fee typically ranges between 0.25% and 0.5% of the outstanding loan amount, depending on the lender’s policies. Additionally, there may be a minimum fee, often around Rs. 5,000, along with applicable taxes.

How Home Loan Conversion Charges Work: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let us say you took out a home loan two years ago at a 10% interest rate. Now that the market rate has dropped to 8.75%, you can request your lender to switch your loan to the lower rate. In exchange, the lender will charge a conversion fee to process this switch.

Once the conversion is done, your EMIs may reduce, helping you manage monthly payments more easily. Alternatively, you could keep the EMIs the same and shorten your loan tenure. While the conversion fee is an upfront cost, the potential savings from paying lower interest over time make it a beneficial move.

Why do Lenders Charge a Conversion Fee?

Conversion charges for home loans help lenders recover administrative costs related to recalculating loan terms and updating loan agreements. These fees also help offset potential revenue loss from lowering interest rates.

Additionally, financial institutions want to maintain a balance between retaining existing ones and attracting new customers. While offering competitive interest rates to new borrowers helps them grow their market, the conversion facility ensures they don’t lose existing borrowers to competitors.

Key Benefits of Converting Your Home Loan

Though you have to pay an upfront conversion fee, switching your home loan can offer several benefits.

– A reduced interest rate directly lowers your monthly EMIs, helping you manage your finances better.

– You can maintain the same EMI amount while reducing your loan tenure, allowing you to repay the loan faster.

– Over time, the savings from lower interest payments often outweigh the conversion fees, making this option cost-effective.

– Since you are not transferring your loan to another bank, you don’t have to go through the documentation and legal formalities for a new loan.

Critical Factors to Evaluate Before Loan Conversion

While paying a small conversion fee can lead to lower interest rates, there are some factors you should consider.

1. Check the fee structure

Conversion charges vary among lenders. Some financial institutions charge a flat fee, while others calculate it as a percentage of the outstanding loan. It’s crucial to determine whether the savings on interest justify the conversion cost.

2. Compare new offers

Before opting for conversion, compare the new rate offered by your lender with those from other financial institutions. In some cases, transferring your loan to another lender may yield better savings, even after considering processing fees.

3. Impact on loan tenure 

A conversion can either reduce your EMI or shorten the loan tenure. Ensure you understand the implications of both options and choose the one that aligns with your financial goals.

4. Market trends

Interest rates fluctuate based on economic factors. If you anticipate further drops in rates, consider waiting before converting. Conversely, if rates are on the rise, acting quickly can help you lock in a lower rate.

How to Apply for Home Loan Conversion: Step-by-Step Process

When interest rates fall, converting your existing home loan is one of the simplest ways to reduce your EMI without changing lenders. Since the process happens within the same financial institution, it is quicker and involves minimal paperwork.

Here’s how you can apply for a home loan conversion:

1. Submit a conversion request: Start by placing a formal request with your existing lender. You can usually do this through a branch visit, customer portal, or email.

2. Lender assessment: The lender reviews your repayment history, credit score, and the difference between your current rate and the new prevailing rate.

3. Approval and fee intimation: If approved, the lender communicates the applicable conversion charges and revised loan terms.

4. Pay the conversion fee: Once you pay the one-time fee, the lender initiates the switch.

5. Receive revised loan schedule: You will get a new repayment schedule showing either reduced EMIs or a shorter tenure at the revised interest rate.

Comparing Conversion Fees Across Top Lenders in India

Conversion fees vary across lenders and depend on the loan type, benchmark, and rate structure. While some lenders charge a fixed fee, others calculate it as a percentage of the outstanding principal. 

Lender Floating Rate Conversion FeeFixed to Floating Conversion Fee
Tata Capital0.25% of outstanding amount (or as per your loan terms)1.50% of outstanding amount (for fixed-to-floating conversions)
SBIUp to ₹5,000 (fixed fee)₹5,000 (fixed fee)
HDFC Bank0.25% of outstanding amount1.75% of outstanding amount
ICICI Bank0.50% of outstanding amount1.75% of outstanding amount
HSBC₹2,500 (fixed fee)₹5,000 (fixed fee)

Loan Conversion vs Balance Transfer: Which Saves More?

Both loan conversion and balance transfer aim to reduce your interest burden, but they differ in cost, effort, and potential savings.

Loan conversion is usually faster and cheaper. You stay with the same lender, avoid legal and valuation charges, and only pay a small conversion fee. This option works well if your lender is offering a competitive rate and your remaining tenure is limited.

A balance transfer, on the other hand, involves switching to a new lender. While this option includes higher upfront costs such as processing fees and legal charges, the interest rate reduction is often larger.

If your existing lender offers only a marginal rate cut, a balance transfer can generate greater long-term savings. However, if the rate difference is small or your loan is nearing completion, conversion is usually the more practical choice.

Calculation Example: Saving ₹X with Conversion vs Balance Transfer

Let’s assume the following scenario:

Outstanding loan amount: ₹50,00,000

Remaining tenure: 15 years

Current interest rate: 9.00%

OptionNew RateOne-time CostTotal Interest OutgoNet Savings
No change9.00%₹0₹42,57,363—
Conversion8.75%₹5,000₹40,30,816₹2,21,547
Balance Transfer8.50%₹35,000₹38,06,256₹4,16,107

Although balance transfer involves higher upfront costs, the deeper rate cut results in higher overall savings over the loan tenure.

Documents Required for Home Loan Conversion Application

Since the conversion happens with your existing lender, documentation requirements are minimal.

You may need to submit:

– A formal request letter asking for interest rate or benchmark conversion
– Loan account details, including outstanding amount and remaining tenure

– Updated KYC documents such as Aadhaar and PAN, if required

– Latest income proof, if the lender reassesses eligibility
– Payment receipt for the conversion fee

Wrapping up

Converting your home loan interest rates is an excellent way to lower your interest and ease financial pressure. Although you’ll need to pay a conversion fee for a home loan, the long-term savings from reduced interest often outweigh the initial cost. 

However, before deciding, carefully evaluate your current loan terms, compare offers from different financial institutions, and understand the fee structure. With the right approach, you can make the most of your home loan and reduce your overall borrowing costs.

If you’re seeking a financial institution offering home loans at attractive rates, turn to Tata Capital. We offer home loans starting at just 8.75% p.a., along with benefits like high loan amounts, minimal documentation, and flexible tenures. You can comfortably apply for a home loan online right from your couch.

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FAQs

What is the typical conversion fee percentage for home loans?

Conversion fees usually range between 0.25% and 0.50% of the outstanding loan amount, though many lenders cap this charge at a fixed amount plus GST.

Can I negotiate the conversion fee with my lender?

If you have a strong credit profile and repayment history, lenders may reduce or waive conversion fees to retain you as a borrower.

How long does the home loan conversion process take?

The conversion process typically takes 3 to 7 working days, as it involves internal approval and loan system updates without legal formalities.

Is loan conversion possible for fixed-rate home loans?

Fixed-rate loans can be converted to floating rates, but the conversion fee is usually higher due to stricter prepayment conditions.

What tax benefits apply after converting a home loan?

There are no additional tax benefits after conversion. Existing deductions under Sections 24(b) and 80C continue to apply based on actual interest and principal paid.

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