RBI keeps repo rate unchanged at 5.25%

Mumbai (TIP): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, offering relief to existing home loan borrowers who were worried about a possible rise in their monthly repayments.
Announcing the decision, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously voted to keep the policy repo rate unchanged and continue with its ‘neutral’ stance.
The decision comes at a time when global uncertainties, including the conflict in the Middle East and concerns over the impact of El Nio on India’s monsoon, continue to pose risks to economic growth and inflation.
The repo rate is the interest rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks. When the repo rate changes, banks often adjust their lending and deposit rates accordingly.
Since the repo rate has remained unchanged, home loan borrowers are unlikely to see any immediate change in their Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs). For those with floating-rate home loans, monthly repayments are expected to stay stable unless banks make independent changes to lending rates. The decision also provides some certainty to people planning to buy a house, as borrowing costs are not expected to rise in the near term.
While the RBI has chosen to pause for now, many in the real estate sector believe the possibility of future rate cuts remains open if inflation stays under control.
Mohit Malhotra, Founder and CEO of NeoLiv, said the central bank’s decision reflects a balanced approach towards maintaining economic stability while keeping inflation in check.
“The RBI’s decision to maintain the repo rate is a strategic approach to ensuring economic stability and controlling inflation. However, the growing chances of a rate cut are promising for the development sector. Lower interest rates would make financing more affordable for the mid-segment projects, encouraging more people to own their dream home and fuelling growth.” Industry experts say that even without a rate cut, a stable interest rate environment helps both developers and buyers plan better.
Aman Sarin, Director and CEO of Anant Raj Limited, said the decision comes at a crucial time when geopolitical tensions are creating uncertainty across markets. “This is a welcome move by the RBI, especially given the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which continues to put pressure on input costs across sectors. In such an environment, stability in interest rates is important for maintaining overall confidence in the market.