Query:
I am purchasing a flat valued at Rs 58 lakhs. However, the seller is willing to declare only Rs.36 lakhs in the Sale Agreement to reduce capital gains tax. The issue is, I require a home loan of Rs 35 lakhs and plan to take it from SBI. How can I secure a loan higher than 80% of the agreement value?
A COMMON DILEMMA AMONG GENUINE HOMEBUYERS
This is a common challenge faced by genuine home buyers who intend to fund their property purchase entirely through legitimate, fully accounted sources.
Generally, most public-sector banks, such as SBI, typically offer home loans up to 80% of the Sale Agreement value, not the market value of the property.
For example, if the Sale Agreement shows Rs. 36 Lakhs, then 80% loan eligibility would be around Rs. 29 Lakhs, which is insufficient for your Rs. 35 Lakhs loan requirement.
This situation presents two choices:
- Make a higher down payment, or
- Find an alternative financing structure to secure a higher loan despite the undervalued agreement
A PRACTICAL SOLUTION FROM A REAL SCENARIO
We encountered a similar situation where the actual purchase price of a flat was Rs. 59 lakhs, but the seller insisted on showing Rs. 41 lakhs in the Sale Agreement to reduce capital gains tax liability. However, the home loan requirement in this instance was Rs. 55 lakhs.
Upon exploring options, we found that certain Housing Finance companies (HFCs) and private banks are more flexible than public sector institutions. Here is how we structured the financing:
Step 1: Primary loan based on the Sale Agreement
- Execute the Sale Agreement for the declared amount (Rs. 41 lakhs)
- Apply for a home loan up to the maximum permitted based on your income eligibility
In our case, a Sale Agreement for Rs. 41 lakhs was executed, and HDFC Bank sanctioned a home loan of Rs. 36.90 lakhs, based on our income profile. Refer to the cheque image below for reference

Step 2: Additional Loan via a Home Improvement Agreement
Given that the actual value of the property is higher, some bank allows for an additional loan under the “Home Improvement” or “Renovation” category. This is structured using a supplementary agreement.
- Execute a separate supplementary agreement with the seller for the remaining value.
- Use this agreement to apply for an additional loan.
Refer to the Agreement image below

The above supplementary agreement was signed, and an additional loan of Rs. 18.10 lakhs was approved. Refer to the below cheque image

Step 3: Combined Disbursement for Full Payment
Most banks will disburse both the primary and supplementary loans together, which allows you to:
- Pay the entire purchase consideration to the seller, and
- Proceed with the immediate registration of the Sale Deed
(Ensure that both loan amounts are disbursed at once. If the disbursement is not together, the seller may refuse registration until the full amount is received.)
CAN YOU TRANSFER THE LOAN TO SBI LATER?
If you find that SBI offers an attractive interest rate in the long term, you can consider transferring your loan once the purchase is complete. (Ensure that loan transfer charges are minimal and that the terms are favorable. Factor this into your initial loan decision.)
IMPORTANT NOTE:
- Underreporting property value to reduce taxes is a form of tax evasion. which is illegal and may result in penalties
- As a safer alternative, negotiate with the seller to declare a higher value (even if not the full market value) to increase loan eligibility
NEED ASSISTANCE?
Navigating complex home loan scenarios can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you need personalized guidance or support in structuring your home loan effectively, we’re here to help.
- Email pgnproperties@gmail.com
- Call or WhatsApp: +91-97424 79020