Yes, even with a low CIBIL score, one may obtain a 40 lakh home loan. Bikesh Finserv still accepts applications from applicants with credit scores below 700, but it's crucial to know how your score influences the terms you're given rather than just your eligibility.
For a home loan, what constitutes a "low" CIBIL score?
A score of 750 or greater is regarded by most lenders as excellent, a score of 700–749 as good, and a score of less than 700 as higher risk. The RBI does not enforce a minimum CIBIL score for a home loan; instead, each bank and NBFC establishes its own cutoff. Although the loan terms change in favor of the lender, many lenders will still approve applicants in the 600–700 area.
How your loan is impacted by a lower CIBIL score
If you score below 700, expect:
Higher interest rates. Since lenders are taking on more risk, your rate may be 0.25% to 1% higher than a borrower with a score of 750 or higher.
Lower LTV ratio: Lenders may restrict lending to 75-80% of the property value (instead of up to 90%), requiring a larger down payment.
More stringent income and debt-to-income ratio checks: lenders will scrutinize your capacity to repay debt to minimize the likelihood of default.
Co-applicant requirement: By adding a co-applicant with a better credit history, you can boost your eligibility for a home loan of up to 40 lakhs. You may even be able to secure a better rate
Why home loans are more forgiving than other credit products
Because house loans are secured loans backed by real estate, they usually have lower credit score criteria than unsecured personal loans or credit cards. The property acts as collateral, reducing the lender's responsibility even if your credit history isn't perfect. This flexibility does not extend to the rest of the process, though, as the legal verification of property documents, value, and income assessment are all equally demanding regardless of your score.
Eligibility for a 40 lakh home loan: salaried vs self-employed
Whether you are a self-employed borrower or an applicant with a salary, lenders will assess:
Income on a monthly or annual basis and job or business stability
Current EMIs and total debt-to-income ratio
Age and remaining years of employment (for salaried workers) or business vintage (for independent contractors)
Repayment history and CIBIL score
Self-employed candidates may need to provide a little more paperwork (ITRs, business documentation, bank statements), but if their income and repayment capabilities are high, they won't be penalized for a low score.
How to improve your chances
A few actions can assist if your score is currently low before you apply: Pay off any past-due balances, steer clear of new credit inquiries in the months before applying, and look for mistakes in your credit report that might be unfairly lowering your score. You can go into a better interest rate bracket with even a slight increase in your score.