3 min
23-September-2024
Part period home loan: An introduction
A part period home loan refers to the period between the disbursement of the loan amount and the start of the full EMI payments. During this phase, the borrower is required to pay only the interest component of the loan, commonly known as part period interest (PPI). This interest is calculated based on the number of days between the disbursement and the first EMI date. While part period interest helps bridge the gap during property registration or under-construction phases, it can also lead to extra financial burdens if not planned correctly. Understanding the reasons behind part period interest charges and adopting strategies to avoid them is essential to minimizing costs. Adjusting payment dates can be a useful tool in preventing extra interest accumulation, making the home loan journey smoother and more affordable. This guide will explore these factors in detail, offering practical insights and solutions.Reasons for part period interest charges
Part period interest charges typically occur when there is a delay between the disbursement of a home loan and the start of full EMI payments. The key reasons include:- Loan disbursement before property possession: In many cases, the loan is disbursed while the property is still under construction or pending registration. During this period, the borrower pays interest on the amount disbursed, called part period interest.
- Partial loan disbursement: In cases where the loan is disbursed in installments, the borrower pays interest on the disbursed portion until the full amount is released, resulting in additional interest charges before the EMI begins.
- Customised EMI start date: Some borrowers opt for a delayed EMI start date due to financial planning reasons, leading to part period interest accumulation.
Strategies to avoid part period interest
- Choose the right disbursement time: Align the loan disbursement date with the possession or registration date of the property to avoid paying part period interest for an extended period.
- Request a single loan disbursement: If possible, opt for a lump sum disbursement instead of staggered payments to reduce the part period interest, especially in under-construction properties.
- Select an appropriate EMI start date: Start EMI payments as soon as possible rather than opting for delayed EMI schedules to minimize part period interest.
- Monitor construction milestones: If the property is under construction, track the progress closely to ensure loan disbursements are made in sync with completion stages.
- Discuss with the lender: Engage with your lender to understand part period interest terms and explore flexible EMI structures that minimize interest charges.
Adjusting payment dates to avoid extra interest
- Start EMI immediately: Begin paying EMIs right after loan disbursement to prevent part period interest accumulation.
- Align disbursement and possession dates: Time the loan disbursement with the possession or registration date of the property to reduce interest charges.
- Opt for smaller interest payouts: If the loan disbursement happens in phases, choose an EMI structure that covers interest payments during the construction phase.
- Monitor loan disbursement timing: Be vigilant about the lender’s loan disbursement schedules to ensure minimal delays between disbursement and EMI start.
Choosing loan types to avoid part period interest
- Opt for a fixed-rate home loan: Fixed-rate loans ensure stable interest rates throughout the loan tenure. Since there are no market fluctuations, it's easier to manage payments, reducing the chance of part period interest charges.
- Avoid staggered loan disbursements: If possible, request a full loan disbursement in one go to avoid paying part period interest on partial amounts before EMIs start.
- Start EMIs early: Choose loan types where you can begin EMI payments immediately after disbursement, eliminating the need for part period interest payments.
- Choose a floating-rate loan cautiously: If interest rates are expected to decrease, floating-rate loans may help reduce overall costs, but could still lead to unpredictable part period interest.