This article will explore all aspects of home loan tax benefits in both old and new tax regimes after Budget 2025.
Old or new regime, which has more benefits?
The financial year 2025-26 raises a common question – should you stay with the old tax regime or switch to the new one? Each has different advantages for home loan borrowers. The old regime offers more deductions but has higher tax rates. The new regime has lower rates but fewer exemptions. Your personal situation, especially your home loan status, matters greatly in this decision.
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If there is no deduction in the new regime, then how to benefit?
Many believe the new tax regime removes all deductions. This is not fully true. While most deductions are gone, there are still ways to benefit. The new regime has lower tax rates that might offset some lost deductions. For home loan holders, understanding these nuances is vital. Some indirect benefits exist even without direct exemptions. The home loan exemption strategy differs in the new system but can still be advantageous in certain cases.
Income tax free up to Rs. 12 lakh
A major advantage of the new tax regime is tax-free income up to Rs. 12 lakh when combined with the standard deduction of Rs. 75,000. This makes it attractive for many taxpayers. In the old regime, even with all deductions, only up to Rs. 10 lakh can be made tax-free. This Rs. 2 lakh difference makes the new regime worth considering for many, including home loan borrowers looking at home loan exemption benefits.
Deduction on home loan interest too? How?
Can you get exemption for housing loan interest in the new regime? Yes, but not directly. The home loan exemption works differently now. Unlike the old regime where Section 24(b) offers direct deduction on self-occupied property interest, the new regime follows a special rule. Understanding this rule can help maximise your tax benefits even under the new system.
Property Type | Interest Deduction (New Regime) | Set-Off Against Other Income? |
Self-occupied | Not allowed | Not applicable |
Let-out (rented) | Full interest allowed | No (only against house property income) |
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Main exemptions in old vs new regime
Before making your choice, understand which exemptions remain in each regime:
Standard deduction and 80C
Particular | Old regime | New regime |
Standard Deduction | Rs. 50,000 (Salary) | Rs. 75,000 (Salary) |
Section 80C (Principal Repayment) | Available up to Rs. 1.5 lakh | Not available |
The higher standard deduction in the new regime partially compensates for some lost benefits. However, the loss of 80C deduction affects home loan principal repayment benefits significantly.
Interest exemption 24(b) and 80EE/EEA
Particular | Old regime | New regime |
Section 24(b) (Interest) | Exemption up to Rs. 2 lakh (Self-Occupied Property) | Not available (with one exception) |
Section 80EE/EEA (Extra Interest) | Separate exemption possible | Discontinued or merged |
These differences highlight how home loan exemption benefits vary between regimes. The exception in the new regime is crucial to understand.
How to benefit from home loan interest?
The truth about home loan exemption in the new tax regime: There is no direct deduction under Section 24(b) for self-occupied property. However, if your property is rented out, you can still benefit.
The home loan exemption strategy differs based on property status:
Property status | New tax regime benefit |
Self-occupied house | No tax exemption on interest |
House on rent (Let-out) | Loss of rental income can be set-off against other income |
If you have let out your home with a home loan, you can adjust the net loss due to interest while calculating "income from house property." This allows for an indirect home loan exemption benefit.
For example:
- Home loan interest paid = Rs. 3,00,000
- Annual rental income = Rs. 1,00,000
- Net loss (from house property) = Rs. 2,00,000
Check your eligibility for a Bajaj Finserv Home Loan with interest rates starting at 7.99%* p.a. You may already be eligible, find out by entering your mobile number and OTP.
Income tax benefits on home loans in the old income tax regime
The old regime provides more straightforward benefits for home loan borrowers.
Tax benefit on principal amount of home loan
Under the old tax system, the principal component of your home loan EMI qualifies for deduction under Section 80C. This deduction applies to self-occupied property with a maximum limit of Rs. 1.5 lakh. If you own multiple properties with loans, you can claim exemptions on all, but the total cannot exceed Rs. 1.5 lakh. Additional expenses like stamp duty and registration charges also qualify under this section, making it valuable for recent home buyers.
Tax benefit on home loan interest rate
Section 24 of the Income Tax Act allows deduction on interest paid for self-occupied property up to Rs. 2 lakh per financial year. This home loan exemption applies even to a second home that is vacant or used by family members. Remember that the combined deduction for multiple properties cannot exceed Rs. 2 lakh.
To make the most of this benefit, check your loan offers from Bajaj Finserv to optimise your loan terms. You may already be eligible, find out by entering your mobile number and OTP.
More deduction on home loan tax interest rate for affordable housing
For affordable housing purchases, additional benefits apply beyond the standard Rs. 2 lakh interest deduction. You can claim an extra deduction of Rs. 1.5 lakh per year if:
- The loan is from an approved financial institution
- The property value does not exceed Rs. 45 lakh
- You do not own any other residential property when the loan is approved
In the new regime, exemptions on interest paid for self-occupied property are no longer available under Section 24. Additionally, Section 80C deductions are not allowed, eliminating exemptions on the principal amount. However, you can still claim exemption on interest paid for a home loan on a rental property through the loss set-off mechanism described earlier.
Should you opt for the old or new regime?
Your decision should consider multiple factors:
- Your total income level
- Current EMI repayments
- Other deductions you qualify for
- Long-term financial goals
How to apply for Bajaj Finserv Home Loan
Bajaj Finserv offers a streamlined application process for home loans:
- Click on "APPLY" on the home loan page.
- Enter your full name, mobile number, and employment type.
- Select your desired loan type.
- Verify your phone number with OTP.
- Provide details like monthly income and required loan amount.
- Enter your date of birth, PAN number and other requested information.
- Submit your application.
Eligibility criteria to get home loan from Bajaj Finserv
To qualify for a Bajaj Finserv Home Loan, you must meet these criteria:
- Nationality: Indian citizen residing in India
- Age: Salaried applicants must be between 23-67 years; self-employed professionals between 23-70 years (upper limit considered at loan maturity)
- CIBIL Score: 725 or higher is ideal for home loan approval
- Occupation: Must be a salaried employee, professional individual, or self-employed individual
- KYC documents (identity and address proof)
- Income proof (salary slips or P&L statement)
- Business proof (for self-employed)
- Last 6 months' account statements
Conclusion
The Budget 2025 has brought significant changes to home loan exemption rules under the new tax regime. While direct deductions on interest for self-occupied properties are not available, indirect benefits exist for rented properties. The old regime continues to offer more straightforward home loan tax benefits through Sections 80C and 24(b).
Bajaj Finserv Home Loan stands out with features like:
- Interest rates starting at 7.99%* p.a.
- Loan amounts up to Rs. 15 crore*
- Flexible tenure up to 32 years
- Approval within 48 hours*
- No foreclosure fees for individual borrowers with floating interest rates
- Top-up loan facility up to Rs. 1 crore
Whether you opt for the old or new tax regime, understanding the home loan exemption rules is crucial for maximising your tax benefits. Consider your personal financial situation carefully before making this important decision. Check your loan offers from Bajaj Finserv today to start your journey toward homeownership with optimal tax planning. You may already be eligible, find out by entering your mobile number and OTP.
*Terms and conditions apply