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Gudi Padwa, traditionally considered an auspicious time for big-ticket purchases, often prompts families to evaluate property buying decisions. But financial experts caution that while festive sentiment may nudge decisions, buying a home should ultimately be guided by affordability, due diligence and long-term planning.
Industry experts say festive offers, flexible payment plans and competitive loan rates can make this period attractive, but buyers should avoid being swayed by limited-time deals alone.
Affordability first, sentiment later
“Festive momentum should not replace financial planning,” said Bhavik Bhandari, Chief Business Officer at ASG.
He noted that buyers must assess income stability, repayment capacity and total cost of ownership, including taxes, registration and maintenance, before committing.
Pawan Agarwal, MD of NK Realtors, added, “Festive seasons tend to bring out the FOMO in buyers, and developers know that. Gudi Padwa is no different, but it shouldn’t compress your due diligence window.”
He also highlighted that home loan rates have eased from their peak but remain significant.
“The all-in cost of buying, stamp duty, registration, interiors, typically runs 18–22% over the sticker price. First-time buyers consistently underestimate this,” he said.
Most experts recommend keeping EMIs within 30–40% of monthly income and budgeting an additional 10–15% over the property value for ancillary costs.
ALSO READ | Luxury homebuyers shift focus to lifestyle ownership over quick gains, says Isprava Managing Director
“A home purchase is a long-term commitment, so it must align with broader financial goals,” said Vikas Jain, CEO of Labdhi Lifestyle.
Santosh Agarwal, Executive Director and CFO at Alpha Corp, added that maintaining liquidity and an emergency buffer is equally critical to avoid overleveraging.
Praveen Sharma, CEO of REA India (Housing.com), added that buyers should also evaluate developer credibility, project timelines, and location fundamentals such as connectivity, infrastructure development, and future growth potential. A festive purchase should balance emotional aspirations with sound financial decision-making.
Use festive season to lock in financing but compare carefully
With lenders offering competitive rates during the festive season, buyers have an opportunity to secure favourable terms.
Home loan rates currently start around 7% for eligible borrowers, though they vary by profile and tenure.
(Source: Bankbazaar)
Experts suggest exploring multiple options, floating versus fixed rates, pre-approved loans and balance transfer facilities, to optimise costs.
“Comparing lenders and maintaining a strong credit score can significantly reduce borrowing costs over time,” said Rohtash Tayal, Founder and Joint Managing Director at Yugen Infra.
Sahil Verma, COO at Shray Projects, recommends a higher down payment—around 25–30% to reduce long-term interest burden, while ensuring EMIs remain manageable.
Avoid the ‘festive rush’ trap
A recurring concern flagged by developers is the tendency of first-time buyers to rush decisions during festive periods. Offers and marketing campaigns often create urgency, leading buyers to overlook key fundamentals.
“Many buyers focus on discounts rather than long-term value drivers like location, infrastructure and demand,” said Mukul Bansal, Managing Director at Motiaz.
Experts advise thorough due diligence, verifying RERA registration, legal titles, project approvals and developer track record, before making any commitment.
“A well-researched purchase will always outperform a short-term festive deal,” Verma said.
Location and infrastructure to drive returns
While festive timing may offer pricing or financing benefits, long-term returns depend largely on fundamentals such as location and infrastructure growth.
Experts point to expanding economic corridors, improved connectivity and policy reforms as key tailwinds. Measures like enhanced transparency under RERA and infrastructure investments are supporting steady housing demand and price appreciation.
Shrivallabh Goyal, CEO and WTD at Reliance Model Economic Township, highlighted emerging growth corridors, particularly around expressways and industrial hubs, as areas likely to see sustained demand and value creation.
Sharma emphasised that ongoing infrastructure projects, urbanisation, and policy initiatives like PMAY strengthen buyer confidence and long-term value appreciation, provided the purchase aligns with sound location analysis and financial planning.
Data trends also remain supportive.
Residential sales across major cities have risen over the past year, while prices have continued to inch up, reflecting end-user driven demand rather than speculative activity.
ALSO READ | Taj to launch luxury branded homes in Noida, bets big on premium housing demand
Industry experts say festive offers, flexible payment plans and competitive loan rates can make this period attractive, but buyers should avoid being swayed by limited-time deals alone.
Affordability first, sentiment later
“Festive momentum should not replace financial planning,” said Bhavik Bhandari, Chief Business Officer at ASG.
He noted that buyers must assess income stability, repayment capacity and total cost of ownership, including taxes, registration and maintenance, before committing.
Pawan Agarwal, MD of NK Realtors, added, “Festive seasons tend to bring out the FOMO in buyers, and developers know that. Gudi Padwa is no different, but it shouldn’t compress your due diligence window.”
He also highlighted that home loan rates have eased from their peak but remain significant.
“The all-in cost of buying, stamp duty, registration, interiors, typically runs 18–22% over the sticker price. First-time buyers consistently underestimate this,” he said.
Most experts recommend keeping EMIs within 30–40% of monthly income and budgeting an additional 10–15% over the property value for ancillary costs.
ALSO READ | Luxury homebuyers shift focus to lifestyle ownership over quick gains, says Isprava Managing Director
“A home purchase is a long-term commitment, so it must align with broader financial goals,” said Vikas Jain, CEO of Labdhi Lifestyle.
Santosh Agarwal, Executive Director and CFO at Alpha Corp, added that maintaining liquidity and an emergency buffer is equally critical to avoid overleveraging.
Praveen Sharma, CEO of REA India (Housing.com), added that buyers should also evaluate developer credibility, project timelines, and location fundamentals such as connectivity, infrastructure development, and future growth potential. A festive purchase should balance emotional aspirations with sound financial decision-making.
Use festive season to lock in financing but compare carefully
With lenders offering competitive rates during the festive season, buyers have an opportunity to secure favourable terms.
Home loan rates currently start around 7% for eligible borrowers, though they vary by profile and tenure.
| Bank / Lender | Interest Rate (p.a.) |
| Punjab & Sind Bank | 7.10% onwards |
| Bank of Maharashtra | 7.15% onwards |
| South Indian Bank | 7.20% onwards |
| Jammu & Kashmir Bank | 7.25% onwards |
| IDBI Bank | 7.35% onwards |
| HSBC Bank | 7.45% (floating) onwards |
| Punjab National Bank (PNB) | 7.75% (floating) |
(Source: Bankbazaar)
Experts suggest exploring multiple options, floating versus fixed rates, pre-approved loans and balance transfer facilities, to optimise costs.
“Comparing lenders and maintaining a strong credit score can significantly reduce borrowing costs over time,” said Rohtash Tayal, Founder and Joint Managing Director at Yugen Infra.
Sahil Verma, COO at Shray Projects, recommends a higher down payment—around 25–30% to reduce long-term interest burden, while ensuring EMIs remain manageable.
Avoid the ‘festive rush’ trap
A recurring concern flagged by developers is the tendency of first-time buyers to rush decisions during festive periods. Offers and marketing campaigns often create urgency, leading buyers to overlook key fundamentals.
“Many buyers focus on discounts rather than long-term value drivers like location, infrastructure and demand,” said Mukul Bansal, Managing Director at Motiaz.
Experts advise thorough due diligence, verifying RERA registration, legal titles, project approvals and developer track record, before making any commitment.
“A well-researched purchase will always outperform a short-term festive deal,” Verma said.
Location and infrastructure to drive returns
While festive timing may offer pricing or financing benefits, long-term returns depend largely on fundamentals such as location and infrastructure growth.
Experts point to expanding economic corridors, improved connectivity and policy reforms as key tailwinds. Measures like enhanced transparency under RERA and infrastructure investments are supporting steady housing demand and price appreciation.
Shrivallabh Goyal, CEO and WTD at Reliance Model Economic Township, highlighted emerging growth corridors, particularly around expressways and industrial hubs, as areas likely to see sustained demand and value creation.
Sharma emphasised that ongoing infrastructure projects, urbanisation, and policy initiatives like PMAY strengthen buyer confidence and long-term value appreciation, provided the purchase aligns with sound location analysis and financial planning.
Data trends also remain supportive.
Residential sales across major cities have risen over the past year, while prices have continued to inch up, reflecting end-user driven demand rather than speculative activity.
ALSO READ | Taj to launch luxury branded homes in Noida, bets big on premium housing demand
