FD vs Real Estate: Where to Invest your Savings

Whether you’re planning a short-term or long-term investment, this guide will help you choose the best investment options between fixed deposit and real estate.
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4 mins
13 December 2024

An investment portfolio should be a good mix of low-risk and medium-risk investments. Low-risk investments offer stability and lower but assured returns, while high-risk investments offer higher returns but carry higher risk.

Investors can choose investment options that suit their needs depending on their risk appetite.

Fixed deposit and real estate property investments have been among the most popular investments. However, they are both very different and cater to different requirements of investors.

Whether you’re planning a short-term or long-term investment, these considerations can help you choose between fixed deposit and real estate.

Fixed Deposits

Fixed deposits are one of the most trusted investment options in India. You deposit a lump sum for a fixed tenure and earn interest at a predetermined rate. The biggest advantage of FDs is capital protection with assured growth, making them ideal for risk-averse investors.

With a Bajaj Finance FD, you can earn returns up to 7.30% p.a. with deposits of as low as Rs. 15,000. Along with that, you get the assurance of AAA/Stable safety ratings by CRISIL AAA and ICRA. Book FD.

Taxability of FDs

Interest earned on FDs is taxable under the Income Tax Act, 1961, and falls under “income from other sources.” This means your FD interest is added to your total income and taxed as per your slab rate.

However, even with taxation, FDs remain attractive for those prioritising stability. You can use an FD interest calculator to check your maturity amount after tax deductions and plan better.

Real estate as an investment option

Real estate investments, such as buying property, can offer capital appreciation and rental income. However, they come with challenges—high initial costs, lack of liquidity, and market-linked price fluctuations. Selling property is also time-consuming and may not always guarantee profits.

Instead of locking up lakhs or crores in real estate, you can start a Bajaj Finance FD with just Rs. 15,000, ensuring accessibility for all income groups.

Guaranteed returns

Property prices don’t always rise. In fact, markets often stagnate or correct, leaving investors disappointed. In contrast, an FD is insulated from market risks and guarantees fixed growth over your chosen tenure

Affordability and profit

Real estate often requires loans running into lakhs, with long-term EMIs. For example, a 1 BHK in Mumbai may cost `1.8–2 crore, demanding huge monthly outflows. FDs, on the other hand, are far more affordable and flexible—you don’t need to stretch your finances to invest.

Additional investment expenses

Beyond the property price, real estate investments involve stamp duty, registration fees, maintenance, and legal costs. These extra expenses can eat into your returns. FDs, however, have no hidden charges, and the only thing you need to consider is the tenor and amount you wish to invest.

With Bajaj Finance, the FD application is 100% online, making it simple and cost-effective. Book online.

Process involved

Real estate investment requires research, property valuation, legal checks, and documentation—a lengthy and stressful process. In comparison, investing in an FD is quick and paperless.

Transparency

The real estate market often suffers from information asymmetry. Buyers may not have complete visibility of property titles or market trends. FDs, however, are fully transparent—you know the rate of return, tenor, and maturity amount upfront.

Conclusion

Both FDs and real estate have their place in an investment portfolio, but if you’re looking for affordability, liquidity, safety, and guaranteed growth, fixed deposits clearly stand out. With Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit, you not only earn attractive interest rates of up to 7.30% p.a. but also enjoy flexible tenors, a minimum deposit starting from just Rs. 15,000, and the convenience of a quick, online process.

Start small, grow steadily, and keep your investments stress-free with an FD. Book now!

Can I invest small amounts in an FD?

Yes. You can open a Bajaj Finance FD with just Rs. 15,000, making it highly accessible compared to big-ticket investments like real estate.

Frequently asked questions

Which investment is safe, FD or real estate?

Real estate has much to offer if you plan to invest in making significant profits over a longer period. However, suppose you are searching for assured returns that are assured. In that case, a Fixed Deposit is your ideal choice as it offers a consistent interest rate over time and is unaffected by market volatility.

Is a fixed Deposit a one-time investment?

Fixed Deposit is an investment option that allows customers to invest their savings starting at just Rs. 15,000 for a specific tenor at a pre-determined interest rate, compounded annually. At maturity, the investment amount and the interest rate are credited into the customer's account.

Which is better, FD vs Mutual Fund vs Real Estate Investment?

FD is a safe investment option that offers good returns. Bajaj Finance offers FD rate up to 7.30% p.a. Special interest rates are also applicable for senior citizens.

Real estate is also a profitable investment option if you are looking for a long-term gain on your savings. Investing in real estate is the safest option globally and provides good and substantial returns for a long time.

Mutual funds are a market-driven investment option and are great for investors looking to diversify their investment portfolios.

FD, real estate and mutual funds are powerful investment options, and you must understand your financial goal to choose between the three.

What does real estate vs. fixed deposits investment mean?

Real estate investment involves buying physical properties like homes or land, aiming for appreciation or rental income. Fixed deposits are financial instruments where you deposit a sum of money with a bank or institution at a fixed interest rate for a specific tenure.

How can one mitigate the risk in real estate vs. fixed deposit?

In real estate, diversify across different properties and locations, conduct thorough due diligence, and consider property insurance. For fixed deposits, choose reupdated institutions like Bajaj Finance, or reupdated banks to open an FD with.

What are the key advantages of real estate investment?

Real estate can provide potential long-term capital appreciation, rental income, and tax benefits. It offers diversification from traditional investments like stocks and bonds.

What are the key advantages of fixed deposit in India?

Fixed deposits in India offer safety of capital, guaranteed returns, and flexibility in choosing tenures. They are a popular choice for risk-averse investors seeking stable and predictable income.

Can I invest small amounts in an FD?

 Yes. You can open a Bajaj Finance FD with just Rs. 15,000, making it highly accessible compared to big-ticket investments like real estate. Open FD.  

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Disclaimer

As regards deposit taking activity of Bajaj Finance Ltd (BFL), the viewers may refer to the advertisement in the Indian Express (Mumbai Edition) and Loksatta (Pune Edition) furnished in the application form for soliciting public deposits or refer https://www.bajajfinserv.in/fixed-deposit-archives
The company is having a valid Certificate of Registration dated March 5, 1998 issued by the Reserve Bank of India under section 45 IA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. However, the RBI does not accept any responsibility or guarantee about the present position as to the financial soundness of the company or for the correctness of any of the statements or representations made or opinions expressed by the company and for repayment of deposits/discharge of the liabilities by the company.

For the FD calculator the actual returns may vary slightly if the Fixed Deposit tenure includes a leap year.