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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  |458 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Mar 09, 2023

Colonel Sanjeev Govila (retd) is the founder of Hum Fauji Initiatives, a financial planning company dedicated to the armed forces personnel and their families.
He has over 12 years of experience in financial planning and is a SEBI certified registered investment advisor; he is also accredited with AMFI and IRDA.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Mar 08, 2023Hindi
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Hi Sir we are planning to go ahead with a flat whose value is 3.35 crores in cheque. We plan to pay around 1.5 crores from savings and balance in loan. Recently my father who is 80 years old sold a property in Pune and has got 71 lacs for the same. We need to invest this money in the new flat for Capital Gain purpose and also as a part of the 1.5 crores down payment. Balance all payment will be made by three of us. Primarily me and my wife and also my son. Since I am 53 years old and my wife is 50, my bank asked me to add my sons name also. My question is : Do I have to buy the flat with my father as the first name or can he be a joint/ second name? My question comes from the fact that I will be paying back most of the loan from my salary.

Ans: Your father can be at any order in the property holding (first, second, anything…). His contribution in percentage terms will be counted as his share of the property.

Let us say, out of the Rs 71 Lakhs of the sale price, the Long Term Capital Gains is Rs 33.5 Lakhs and that is the one which is invested as his contribution in the new property that you are buying. So he saves complete tax on LTCG, and his share in the property becomes 10% as 33.5L is 10% of 3.35 Crores.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Mahesh

Mahesh Padmanabhan  |124 Answers  |Ask -

Tax Expert - Answered on May 20, 2023

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Sir, On 14-June 1994, I acquired a flat (tenement) in my own name for Rs. 2,98L. In April 2015, I had to spend Rs. 4.15L on general renovation of this flat. Now, I plan to sell this tenement and wish to invest its sale proceeds within two years of the sale in buying a ready possession flat in another city. My queries are follows: 1. Can I invest the sale proceeds in buying two flats in the same society of the new city or do I have to necessarily invest in one property only? 2. Can I add the name of my spouse and my son also as co-owners in the new property(s) even if their financial contribution is nil? 3. Can I add the name of my spouse and my son also as co-owners in the new property(s) in case they also partially contribute financially in the purchase of the new flat(s)? 4. What is the present applicable Indexed Cost of the flat planned to be sold by me?
Ans: Hi Thomas
As the base year for Cost Inflation Index (CII) has been reset to 2001, you may need to get a valuation done through an approved valuer to identify the value as on April 1, 2001. If this value is higher than Rs. 2.98 Lakhs then you could use that as the cost.

As regards the general renovation amount spent, it may not be allowed to be added as cost of the property as generally tax officers are not dispensed to allow it.

W.R.T. your decision to reinvest in a ready possession flat within 2 years, please note that if this investment is extending beyond 6 months OR due date for filing your tax returns (whichever is earlier), you would need to open a Capital Gain Account Scheme (CGAS) account with a nationalized bank and park the capital gain amount in it for reinvestment.

Now answering your queries

Query 1 - If the capital gain amount does not exceed Rs. 2 Crores then you could reinvest in 2 residential units. This however is a one time option and cannot be used again in any other year.

Query 2 - Yes you could add their names but they would be treated as name-sake owners and for all purposes of taxation, you would be taxed singly.

Query 3 - You can add their name as proportionate owners to the value of their contribution. The taxation of income in that case would be based on their contribution

Query 4 - The answer to this would depend on the valuation report. Nevertheless, you could derive the indexed cost yourself by multiplying a factor of 3.48 to the cost. An example would be as follows:

Suppose the cost is Rs. 2.98 Lakhs
Indexed cost would be Rs. 2.98 Lakhs x 348 / 100 OR 2.98 Lakhs x 3.48 = Rs. 10.37 Lakhs

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2024

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My father is having Rs.1.00 cr from sale of his 1 BHK (purchased more than 3 yrs before) and want to purchase new 2 BHK house for Rs.1.60 cr. For the short fall amount, I intend to take loan of Rs.0.40 cr and having saving of Rs.0.20 cr. We want my father's name on new 2 BHK as 1st joint owner and my name as 2nd joint owner. This way, my father can save capital gains tax and I will be able to take tax benefits of housing loan interest and principal. Kindly advice on my plan.
Ans: Your plan to buy a new 2 BHK house with your father is a smart move. You are leveraging both your and your father’s resources effectively. Let’s dive into the details.

Current Financial Snapshot
Your Father's Finances
Sale Proceeds: Rs.1 crore from selling 1 BHK
New Purchase: Rs.1.60 crore for a 2 BHK
Capital Gains: Aim to save tax on these gains
Your Finances
Savings: Rs.20 lakhs
Loan Requirement: Rs.40 lakhs
Joint Ownership: First owner your father, second owner you
Evaluating Your Plan
Capital Gains Tax Benefits for Your Father
Buying a new residential property within the stipulated time frame helps save on capital gains tax. Your father sold his 1 BHK and plans to buy a 2 BHK. This is a good strategy to reinvest the gains and save on taxes.

Joint Ownership and Tax Benefits for You
By making your father the first joint owner and yourself the second, you can avail tax benefits on the housing loan interest and principal repayment under Sections 24(b) and 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Analyzing the Loan Requirement
You need a loan of Rs.40 lakhs. Ensure that you are eligible for this loan amount based on your income and credit score. This loan will help bridge the gap and make the purchase possible.

Detailed Financial Plan
Investment Strategy for Your Father’s Proceeds
Utilizing Rs.1 Crore: Invest the entire sale proceeds into the new 2 BHK to save on capital gains tax.
Loan of Rs.40 Lakhs: Secure a home loan to cover the shortfall.
Leveraging Your Savings
Use your savings of Rs.20 lakhs towards the purchase. This reduces the loan burden and associated interest costs.

Ensuring Loan Eligibility
Check your loan eligibility based on your income. Ensure your credit score is healthy to get the best interest rates.

Tax Benefits and Savings
Principal Repayment: Deduct up to Rs.1.5 lakhs under Section 80C.
Interest Repayment: Deduct up to Rs.2 lakhs under Section 24(b).
Execution Steps
Finalizing the Purchase
Property Registration: Register the new 2 BHK in both names as planned.
Loan Sanction: Apply and get approval for the Rs.40 lakhs loan.
Managing Finances Post-Purchase
Loan Repayment Plan: Set up a repayment schedule that suits your income flow.
Tax Declarations: Ensure you declare the loan details for availing tax benefits.
Risk Management
Insurance: Consider getting home loan insurance to cover the loan amount in case of any unforeseen events.
Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund to manage any financial hiccups during the repayment period.
Long-Term Considerations
Property Appreciation
The new 2 BHK is likely to appreciate in value over time, adding to your wealth. Ensure you maintain the property well.

Retirement Planning for Your Father
Ensure your father’s financial security. The property should serve both as a tax-saving tool and a secure asset for his future.

Financial Security for Your Family
Joint ownership ensures both you and your father have a stake in the property. This provides security and peace of mind.

Power of Compounding
Invest any surplus funds into mutual funds for long-term growth. The power of compounding will help grow your wealth.

Mutual Fund Investments
Equity Funds: High growth potential but comes with market risk.
Debt Funds: Stability and regular income.
Hybrid Funds: Balanced approach with equity and debt.
Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are handled by professional managers. They aim to outperform the market with strategic investments.

Final Insights
Your plan to buy a new 2 BHK is solid. By leveraging your father’s proceeds and taking a loan, you are making a smart financial decision. Ensure you:

Utilize Capital Gains: Invest proceeds in the new property to save tax.
Leverage Tax Benefits: Maximize deductions on loan repayment.
Plan Finances: Manage loan repayments and maintain an emergency fund.
Invest Wisely: Consider mutual funds for long-term growth.
Your proactive approach and thoughtful planning will lead to a successful financial outcome. Stay disciplined and monitor your progress regularly.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 12, 2025
Money
I am 38 years old and self-employed, earning an average of 1.8 to 2 lakhs per month. I have a home loan of 44 lakhs (EMI is 46,000, tenure 15 years). There is no other liabilities. My investments include 11 lakhs in mutual funds, 3 lakhs in fixed deposits, and 1.5 lakh in gold. Should I focus on prepaying the home loan given my irregular income, or keep my investments intact and continue with EMIs?
Ans: You are doing quite well, especially with your investments and controlled liabilities. Your financial discipline is truly appreciable.

You are 38, self-employed, with Rs.1.8 to 2 lakhs monthly income.
Your current home loan is Rs.44 lakhs with EMI of Rs.46,000 for 15 years.
You have Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds, Rs.3 lakhs in FDs, and Rs.1.5 lakhs in gold.
Your income is irregular, but you have no other liabilities.

Let us now do a 360-degree evaluation of whether to prepay the loan or stay invested.

 

Step-by-Step Financial Assessment
1. Evaluate the Stability of Your Income First
You earn between Rs.1.8 to Rs.2 lakhs per month.

 

But income is irregular. That needs caution.

 

Loan EMI is Rs.46,000 — about 25% of your average income.

 

If income drops in any month, EMI pressure will increase.

 

So we must first ensure EMI is always affordable, without stress.

 

Hence, liquidity is more important for you right now than aggressive loan prepayment.

 

2. Evaluate Your Emergency Reserve
You have Rs.3 lakhs in FD and Rs.1.5 lakhs in gold.

 

That makes it Rs.4.5 lakhs total liquid safety.

 

Your EMI is Rs.46,000, and personal expenses will also be there.

 

Ideal emergency fund for you = 6 to 9 months of expenses + EMI.

 

That is around Rs.6 to Rs.8 lakhs minimum.

 

So current emergency fund is slightly lower than ideal.

 

Please don’t use this for loan prepayment now.

 

3. Assess the Role of Mutual Funds
You have Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds. That’s a solid step.

Now let’s assess whether to redeem this and prepay loan.

 

Should You Redeem Mutual Funds to Prepay?
Mutual funds, over long term, give better post-tax return than loan savings.

 

Loan interest is 8% to 9%, whereas mutual funds can give 11–13% in long term.

 

Especially if funds are equity-oriented and held for 5+ years.

 

You will also get capital gains tax exemption on Rs.1.25 lakhs LTCG annually.

 

If you redeem funds, you lose growth potential and compounding.

 

That hurts long-term wealth building.

 

So, do not redeem the entire Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds.

 

4. Disadvantage of Early Loan Prepayment in Your Case
Prepaying early will reduce interest over time, yes.

 

But you may run into cash flow stress in slow months.

 

Once money is used to prepay, it cannot be taken back easily.

 

Liquidity once lost = flexibility lost.

 

Also, income tax benefit under Section 24(b) gets reduced if loan balance drops.

 

So it’s better to maintain balance between repayment and investment.

 

5. Best Strategy for You – A Balanced Approach
Let’s now craft the best plan for you.

 

Maintain Strong Liquidity First
Keep FD and gold untouched.

 

Increase emergency fund to at least Rs.6–Rs.7 lakhs.

 

For that, set aside extra Rs.2.5–Rs.3 lakhs from savings over time.

 

This makes your EMI safe even in low-income months.

 

Continue Your Mutual Fund SIPs Without Stopping
SIPs give long-term growth and beat loan interest in most cases.

 

Don’t stop mutual fund investments to prepay loan.

 

Stay invested. Let wealth compound.

 

Start Small and Periodic Prepayments
Don’t do bulk prepayment now. Do systematic small prepayments.

 

For example, Rs.25,000 to Rs.50,000 extra every 3–4 months.

 

When income is higher, use that surplus to prepay in parts.

 

Target 1–2 bulk part-payments per year.

 

This reduces tenure and interest slowly, without affecting liquidity.

 

Track Your Loan Amortisation Every 6 Months
Use netbanking or get a fresh loan statement every 6 months.

 

Check how each prepayment is reducing principal.

 

Adjust your strategy accordingly.

 

Avoid One-Time Full Prepayment
That would kill your long-term investment compounding.

 

Also removes your income tax benefit under Section 24(b).

 

Stay flexible. You are self-employed.

 

You need cash buffers more than salaried people.

 

Final Insights
Do not do bulk home loan prepayment from mutual funds now.

 

Keep SIPs going and maintain your compounding.

 

Grow your emergency fund to Rs.6–7 lakhs minimum.

 

Use surplus months to make small part-payments towards home loan.

 

This protects your peace and builds wealth at the same time.

 

Reassess in 2–3 years. You may be able to prepay more later.

 

You are already in a good financial position. Your thoughtful approach is praiseworthy.

 

Best Regards,
 
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
 
Chief Financial Planner,
 
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 2025

Money
i wish to purchase new car i10, should i purchase the same through own money or should i take a vehicle loan from bank and the money own by my to be kept as FDR or liquid mutual fund
Ans: It’s a good sign that you’re thinking before buying a car. You’re not rushing into it. That shows maturity and smart thinking.

We will now evaluate own money vs vehicle loan — from every angle.

 

Understanding the Nature of a Car Purchase
A car is not an investment.

 

It is a consumption asset, not a growth asset.

 

It depreciates every year. Its value goes down, not up.

 

So the cheaper the total cost, the better for your wealth.

 

Option 1: Use Own Money Fully
Pros

No interest cost. You save on total expenses.

 

You are free from monthly EMI pressure.

 

Car becomes fully yours from day one.

 

No need to deal with bank, forms, hypothecation etc.

 

Cons

Your liquid money reduces.

 

You may not have enough cash for emergencies.

 

Opportunity loss if you had invested that money.

 

Option 2: Take Vehicle Loan & Keep Own Money in FDR or Liquid Mutual Fund
Let’s evaluate this with care.

Vehicle Loan Pros

You can preserve your savings for emergencies.

 

EMI can be budgeted monthly, if income is stable.

 

Some banks offer competitive interest rates.

 

Vehicle Loan Cons

You will pay interest on a depreciating item.

 

Loan adds to your monthly obligations.

 

You must pay insurance, EMI, fuel, and service together.

 

FDR and Liquid Mutual Funds give lower returns than loan cost.

 

So you will likely lose more in interest than you gain.

 

Let's Compare: Interest Rate vs Investment Return
Vehicle loan interest is usually 9% to 11% per year.

 

FDR gives around 6% to 7% before tax.

 

Liquid mutual funds give 6% to 7.5% on average.

 

So you pay more to the bank than you earn from investment.

 

Tax on interest or gains reduces actual return further.

 

This means taking a car loan and investing your own money leads to net loss.

 

Best Option for You: Smart Compromise Approach
Let me share a wise solution.

 

Don’t use full own money. Don’t take full loan either.

 

Instead, pay 70–80% from own funds.

 

Take a small car loan for the remaining 20–30% only.

 

This keeps EMI low and retains some liquidity.

 

You reduce interest cost and also keep Rs.50,000–Rs.1 lakh aside.

 

Park that in liquid fund for any urgent need.

 

Repay this small loan fast in 1–2 years.

 

Only Take a Car Loan If:
Your job income is stable.

 

You already have 3–6 months emergency fund ready.

 

You don’t have big loans running now.

 

You can pay EMI without affecting savings.

 

You commit to close the loan early.

 

Avoid This Mistake:
Never buy a more expensive car because loan makes it “feel affordable.”

 

Loan should not expand your car budget.

 

Whether you buy with loan or cash, pick a simple car within limits.

 

i10 is a wise, middle-ground choice. Good thought.

 

Tax Angle (If Business Use)
If you are using the car for business, vehicle loan interest may be tax-deductible.

 

But for personal use, there is no tax benefit.

 

So do not take loan just for imagined tax saving.

 

Final Insights
A car is a need, not an investment.

 

Using your own money fully keeps things simple and cheap.

 

Taking a full car loan and investing the money gives net negative return.

 

Best option is a split approach — pay major part from own funds.

 

Take small loan only if needed and close it early.

 

Always keep emergency money aside before buying.

 

Avoid emotional buying or overbudget cars.

 

Your financially balanced approach is very appreciable.

 

Best Regards,
 
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
 
Chief Financial Planner,
 
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1600 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on May 12, 2025

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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