How to manage my home buying costs beyond my Loan approval?

[KusH]

It's a big eye-opener for me. Even after my home loan is approved, I still must raise an extra 7–10% in cash for fees and registration.

Can I pay these extra costs myself since banks won't cover them, or should I find smaller places that fit my budget?

[Siddarth]

According to the RBI's latest guidelines, lenders cannot include stamp duty or registration fees in your home loan (LTV ratio) unless the property is under ₹10 lakh. For most, this means you must pay 7–10% in cash upfront.

If money is short, choose a smaller house to stay away from expensive loans, or look at cheaper places. Registering the home in a woman’s name can save you 1–2% on stamp duty, which could provide significant relief.