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ArticleBuying your first home is also one of the biggest tax-saving events in most people's lives, with several deductions stacking together. Here's the full picture of tax benefits for first-time home buyers — all old-regime.
Reviewed by CA Harika Chebolu, FCA · Last updated 2026-06-13
Quick answer
A first home brings home-loan interest under 24(b), principal under 80C, stamp-duty relief, and possibly 80EE/80EEA. Here's the full picture.
You can deduct home-loan interest up to Rs 2,00,000 a year on a self-occupied home under Section 24(b). For most buyers this is the single largest housing-related deduction, claimed every year you repay the loan.
The principal portion of your EMIs qualifies under Section 80C, within the Rs 1,50,000 limit. Your lender's statement splits each EMI into interest (for 24(b)) and principal (for 80C), so you claim both parts correctly.
The stamp duty and registration charges you pay when buying the home also qualify under 80C, within the same Rs 1,50,000 limit, in the year you pay them. It's a one-time benefit many first-time buyers miss.
First-time buyers with loans sanctioned in the eligible windows may claim additional interest beyond the Rs 2,00,000 cap — up to Rs 50,000 under 80EE or up to Rs 1,50,000 under 80EEA (affordable housing). These windows have closed for new loans, so confirm your sanction date.
Because all these benefits are old-regime, a home loan often tips the old-versus-new regime decision toward the old regime. Run the comparison after you buy — the deductions can outweigh the new regime's simpler benefits.
Home-loan interest up to Rs 2,00,000 under Section 24(b), principal and stamp duty under 80C, and possibly extra interest under 80EE/80EEA — all in the old regime, often tipping the regime choice that way.
Yes — stamp duty and registration charges qualify under Section 80C in the year you pay them, within the Rs 1,50,000 limit. It's a one-time benefit first-time buyers often miss.
Yes — principal under 80C (within Rs 1,50,000) and interest under Section 24(b) (up to Rs 2,00,000 self-occupied). A home loan gives benefits on both fronts in the old regime.
Buying your first home? Write to the firm and we'll make sure every home-loan and stamp-duty benefit is claimed.