Thursday, June 17, 2010

HSBC bank to pay compensation of Rs 1 lakh to an NRI couple

HSBC Bank is to pay Rs1 lakh as compensation to an NRI couple for failing to disburse a sanctioned home loan. The national consumer dispute redressal commission (NCDRC) while dismissing the bank’s revision plea directed the bank to pay the compensation to the couple.

The commission upheld the decision of the Chandigarh state consumer dispute redressal commission in favor of Sridhar Gajula and Manjeet Kaur.

The Gajulas had booked a flat worth Rs32 lakh in Chandigarh’s Florenz Tower, promoted by Omaxe Builders. For this the couple took loan of Rs28 lakh from ICICI bank. They had to repay the loan in 120 installments, which worked out to Rs32,511 per month.

But, later Omaxe Builders increased the cost of the flat to Rs39 lakh. That time HSBC offered the couple a deal that it would give a loan of Rs 40 lakh if the couple transferred the loan.

The in spite of all promises bank failed to disburse the loan even though the couple had paid also paid Rs76,790 as foreclosure charges.

NCDRC also maintained the state consumer forum’s order directing the bank to refund the foreclosure charges and Rs98,000, which the couple had to pay to the builder, over and above the Rs1 lakh compensation.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

RBI asks banks to offer choice to old home loan borrowers under base rate

All the banks will be switching to base rate system from July 1, 2010, and RBI has already made it clear that the existing home loan customers should also be offered an alternative either to continue with their old home loan rates or move to new rates decided by the base rate system. It is believed with the introduction of base rate system old home loan borrowers might also get a chance to negotiate for a lower interest rate as banks will be re-fixing their lending rates once the base rate sets in.

Most of the public and private sector banks are expected to re-price their retail loans at 1-2% points higher than the base rate to remain competitive.

According to the State Bank of India official, “The new customer may enjoy rates in the region of 9-10%, while existing customer will still be paying 1-2% below the existing prime lending rate which for some banks is as high as 13.75%”. As per the new system of lending, the banks are likely to keep the base rate low so as to keep hold on clients and also attract more clients in the competitive atmosphere.

The SBI official said, “In order to be competitive most banks will keep the base rates in the range of around 8-9%. Customers who are in the mid-term of the loan period and are paying interest in double digits will have an advantage”.

From Banks side, up till now, no clarification has been given whether they will be offering the benefit to the old customers. According to an official of a private bank, “It will depend on the customer profile as well. Generally banks tend to hold on their retail customers even if they have to pass on a 50 basis points (0.5%) rebate”.