Buying a house is a significant milestone in one’s life. The decision to buy a house is influenced by various factors, including cultural expectations, financial readiness, and personal circumstances. Earlier people used to buy their dream homes in India in their late 40s or 50s. However, with the evolving economic landscape, urbanisation, and changing lifestyle, the age at which people choose to buy their homes is shifting.
A steady and reliable income is crucial for securing a home loan and managing the associated costs of homeownership. Many people achieve this stability now in their late 20s or early 30s. Let’s understand what is the right age at which you should be buying a house!
A down payment is an initial, upfront payment made when purchasing a home, typically constituting 20% of the property’s purchase price. This amount reduces the loan amount needed, lowering monthly mortgage payments and overall interest costs.
Saving for a substantial down payment can take time, but it provides several benefits, including better loan terms, lower interest rates, and reduced lender risk. Prospective homebuyers should prioritise saving for a down payment to improve their financial stability and purchasing power in the housing market. Accumulating sufficient savings for a down payment (typically 20% of the property’s value) can take several years. This often pushes the age of buying a home into the early to mid-30s.
Also Read: Joint Home Loan: Key things to keep in mind before taking a joint loan
Settling into a stable career path provides the financial security and predictability needed to commit to a long-term investment like a house. For many, this happens in their 30s as they establish themselves professionally.
A good credit score, which usually builds over time, is essential for obtaining favourable loan terms.
Adhil Shetty, CEO, Bankbazaar.com, says, “A credit score is a critical factor when buying a house, as it significantly impacts your ability to secure a home loan and the terms of that loan. Credit scores range from 300 to 900, with scores above 750 considered excellent. Lenders use credit scores to assess the risk of lending money to a borrower.”
“A high credit score indicates that you have a history of managing your finances responsibly, making timely payments on loans and credit cards, and maintaining a healthy credit utilization ratio. This reassures lenders of your ability to repay the loan, increasing your chances of loan approval,” adds Shetty.
A good credit score not only improves your chances of getting a loan but also helps you secure better interest rates and loan terms. Lower interest rates can save you significant amounts of money over the life of the mortgage. Conversely, a lower credit score may lead to higher interest rates or even rejection of your loan application.
Marriage and starting a family often prompt the decision to buy a home. Many people prefer to have their own house by the time they plan to have children, typically in their early 30s. The desire for independence and a personal space can drive younger individuals in their late 20s or early 30s to invest in a home.
Real estate market trends significantly impact the decision. In booming markets, people might delay purchasing until they find favourable conditions, often pushing the buying age into the mid-30s. However, the property price varies in India from location to location and the type of property you are planning to buy. Based on your budget, you can take a decision.
Lower interest rates can make home loans more affordable, influencing younger individuals to buy earlier. Lower interest rates reduce monthly mortgage payments, making home loans more accessible and affordable. Conversely, higher rates increase the cost of borrowing, potentially limiting the amount you can afford and increasing the long-term cost of homeownership. Prospective buyers should monitor the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) policies and market trends, as these influence interest rates. Securing a loan during periods of low interest rates can result in significant savings over the loan tenure, making home buying more financially viable.
Based on these factors, the ideal age range for buying a house in India generally falls between 30 and 40 years. This range balances financial stability, career establishment, and personal readiness.
By this age, many individuals have a stable job, a decent amount of savings, and a clearer vision of their long-term personal and professional goals. They also tend to have a better credit score and can handle the responsibilities of homeownership.
For those who prioritized career growth, travel, or further education in their early years, the mid to late 30s is often when they feel ready to settle down. By this time, they usually have substantial savings and more job security, which makes the home-buying process smoother.
Aiming for the early to mid-30s offers a balanced approach, aligning financial readiness and career stability. It’s essential to evaluate your circumstances, market conditions, and future goals before making this investment. Whether in your 20s or 40s, the right time to buy a house is when you feel financially secure and personally ready for homeownership.
2024-05-20T05:49:20Z