{"id":9329,"date":"2025-08-31T13:54:27","date_gmt":"2025-08-31T13:54:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/31\/from-phygital-models-to-ai-scores-the-future-of-home-lending-in-tier-2-3-cities-business-news\/"},"modified":"2025-08-31T13:54:27","modified_gmt":"2025-08-31T13:54:27","slug":"from-phygital-models-to-ai-scores-the-future-of-home-lending-in-tier-2-3-cities-business-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/31\/from-phygital-models-to-ai-scores-the-future-of-home-lending-in-tier-2-3-cities-business-news\/","title":{"rendered":"From Phygital Models To AI Scores: The Future Of Home Lending In Tier 2 &#038; 3 Cities | Business News"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"story-9539803\">\n<p><span class=\"jsx-395e0e0beb19cb6e jsx-4143937483\">Last Updated:<\/span><time class=\"jsx-395e0e0beb19cb6e jsx-4143937483\">August 31, 2025, 16:38 IST<\/time><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"asubttl-9539803\" class=\"jsx-ff263f4b724d470d jsx-692827672 asubttl-schema\">Atul Monga of BASIC Home Loan highlights how fintech, local agents, and partnerships are making home loans more accessible in Bharat\u2019s smaller towns.<\/h2>\n<div class=\"jsx-7dd6bcc4782610a2 artsharwrp\">\n<div id=\"artshare\" class=\"jsx-7dd6bcc4782610a2 artshare\">\n<div class=\"jsx-7dd6bcc4782610a2 stickdiv\">\n<div class=\"jsx-7dd6bcc4782610a2 deskwrapstkdiv\">\n<div class=\"jsx-7dd6bcc4782610a2 fontchange\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.news18.com\/dlxczavtqcctuei\/news18\/static\/images\/english\/font.svg\" height=\"30px\" width=\"30px\" alt=\"font\" class=\"jsx-7dd6bcc4782610a2 lazyload\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"jsx-ff263f4b724d470d jsx-692827672 amimg\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"In smaller towns, one of the main challenges is that a lot of people don\u2019t have formal income proof or a credit history. \" title=\"In smaller towns, one of the main challenges is that a lot of people don\u2019t have formal income proof or a credit history. \" src=\"https:\/\/images.news18.com\/ibnlive\/uploads\/2021\/07\/1627283897_news18_logo-1200x800.jpg?impolicy=website&amp;width=400&amp;height=225\" loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\"jsx-ff263f4b724d470d jsx-692827672\"\/><\/p>\n<p>In smaller towns, one of the main challenges is that a lot of people don\u2019t have formal income proof or a credit history. <\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p id=\"0\" class=\"story_para_0\">Authored by <strong><em>Atul Monga \u2013 CEO&amp; Co-Founder, BASIC Home Loan:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"1\" class=\"story_para_1\"><strong>1- What are some of the biggest challenges in making home loans accessible in smaller towns and cities?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"2\" class=\"story_para_2\">In smaller towns, one of the main challenges is that a lot of people don\u2019t have formal income proof or a credit history. Additionally, financial literacy tends to be lower, which can confuse the loan process. Lack of awareness about loan eligibility, benefits, and the application process often leads to consumer inertia, and many borrowers simply don\u2019t take the first step. Additionally, things like inconsistent documentation, limited lending options, and the need for physical verification of the property further create more friction.<\/p>\n<p id=\"3\" class=\"story_para_3\">Today, banks and fintech companies are attempting to address this scenario in various ways. The solution lies in a phygital approach, which brings together digital tools and a strong network of local agents. These agents work directly with customers, guiding them step-by-step, building trust, and making sure even those with limited financial paperwork can navigate the process smoothly.<\/p>\n<p id=\"4\" class=\"story_para_4\"><strong>2- What are some of the challenges that people and lenders face when it comes to Last Mile Connect?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"5\" class=\"story_para_5\">Last Mile Connect in home lending can be quite challenging, especially in smaller towns. The digital infrastructure is still developing in many areas, which means things like poor internet access, patchy documentation, and low financial awareness can make it hard for lenders to accurately assess a borrower\u2019s profile or risk level.<\/p>\n<p id=\"6\" class=\"story_para_6\">Many borrowers feel unsure about navigating the process online without any personal guidance. There\u2019s also a fear of fraud, and the cumbersome paperwork involved can feel overwhelming. Without someone local to assist, even well-intentioned or eligible borrowers often drop off halfway through.<\/p>\n<p id=\"7\" class=\"story_para_7\">The good news is that things are gradually improving now, thanks to steady advancements in fintech and digital infrastructure that are making loans more inclusive and accessible than ever before.<\/p>\n<p id=\"8\" class=\"story_para_8\"><strong>3- How are fintechs helping people with informal incomes or no credit history get access to home loans?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"9\" class=\"story_para_9\">Fintechs have made home loans more accessible for people without formal incomes or credit history. Traditionally, lenders relied heavily on salary slips and credit scores to determine the borrower\u2019s creditworthiness, but this leaves out a major chunk of the population, especially from the informal sector.<\/p>\n<p id=\"10\" class=\"story_para_10\">Now, with the help of technology, we are able to look beyond such traditional indicators. By using alternative data like bank transaction patterns, utility bill payments, and digital footprints, we can create a reliable credit tracking system for people who don\u2019t fit the conventional mold.<\/p>\n<p id=\"11\" class=\"story_para_11\"><strong>4- What are the common concerns or roadblocks that first-time homebuyers in unreserved areas usually face?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"12\" class=\"story_para_12\">First-time homebuyers in unreserved or semi-urban areas often struggle with unclear or incomplete property titles, which can create legal complications and make it difficult to get a loan approved. Many of these areas also lack RERA-approved projects, which adds another layer of risk for both buyers and lenders.<\/p>\n<p id=\"13\" class=\"story_para_13\">There\u2019s often limited awareness about how home loans work, what\u2019s required, how interest rates are structured, or what documents are needed. Another common hurdle is that property values in these regions tend to be modest, but lenders may still have high minimum loan amounts, making it harder for buyers to qualify.<\/p>\n<p id=\"14\" class=\"story_para_14\">Lenders, Fintechs like BASIC Home Loan, and local real estate developers are working together to bridge the gap and create more accessible loan products, streamline documentation, and guide homebuyers through the process. This collective effort would certainly help unlock home ownership for a segment that has long been underserved.<\/p>\n<p id=\"15\" class=\"story_para_15\"><strong>5- Why is local presence important like field agents or developer tie-ups, important in driving home loan adoption beyond metro areas?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"16\" class=\"story_para_16\">Local presence plays an important role when it comes to building trust, especially in the heartland of Bharat, where digital-only models still feel distant or unfamiliar. For many first-time borrowers, human interaction still matters, and this is where the field agents come in. They don\u2019t just help with the paperwork, but also build confidence, address consumer concerns and guide them through every step of the journey.<\/p>\n<p id=\"17\" class=\"story_para_17\">Developer tie-ups are equally important. When we work with trusted local builders, we can ensure that the properties are already verified and pre-approved for financing, which significantly reduces the loan process. Which is why we have partnered with real estate developers to offer curated property options and faster loan turnarounds to customers.<\/p>\n<p id=\"18\" class=\"story_para_18\"><strong>6- How are strategic partnerships between lenders, fintech platforms, and HFCs unlocking housing loan access in India\u2019s Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"19\" class=\"story_para_19\">Strategic partnerships are at the heart of expanding home loan access, especially in India\u2019s smaller cities. By working together, fintechs, lenders, and HFCs will be able to bring speed, flexibility, and trust to markets that have long been underserved, thereby making home ownership a more realistic goal for millions across Bharat.<\/p>\n<p id=\"20\" class=\"story_para_20\"><strong>7- What are some innovations or changes you see coming that could make home buying easier and more inclusive across India?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"21\" class=\"story_para_21\">Homebuying in India is witnessing crucial transformations, especially outside the metros. Digitised property records, e-KYC, and geo-tagging of properties are already beginning to ease long-standing verification bottlenecks.<\/p>\n<p id=\"22\" class=\"story_para_22\">AI-led credit scores will further open doors for borrowers with informal incomes or limited credit backgrounds. Embedded finance options, where home loans are integrated directly into real estate platforms, can further make the process seamless for borrowers.<\/p>\n<p id=\"23\" class=\"story_para_23\">The future of home ownership in India will be shaped by a combination of hyperlocal support and smart, scalable technology. It\u2019s about bringing the same ease of access and trust that metros enjoy to Tier 2, Tier 3 cities, and eventually to every corner of Bharat.<\/p>\n<p id=\"24\" class=\"story_para_24\"><strong>The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the stand of this publication.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-95088aad1b3c53cd atawrap\">\n<div class=\"jsx-95088aad1b3c53cd atadetailwrp\">\n<div class=\"jsx-95088aad1b3c53cd ataname\"><span class=\"jsx-95088aad1b3c53cd atthumb\"><\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-95088aad1b3c53cd\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"authorimg\" src=\"data:image\/jpeg;base64,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\" class=\"jsx-95088aad1b3c53cd\"\/><\/figure>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-95088aad1b3c53cd attitle\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/byline\/business-desk-19052.html\" class=\"jsx-95088aad1b3c53cd atamail\">Business Desk<\/a><\/p>\n<p>A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al&#8230;<span class=\"jsx-95088aad1b3c53cd aurpdebtn\">Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al&#8230;<!-- --> <span class=\"jsx-95088aad1b3c53cd aurpdebtn\">Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jsx-ff263f4b724d470d jsx-692827672 brdcrmb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/\">News<\/a>  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/business\/\">business<\/a>  <span class=\"brdout\"> From Phygital Models To AI Scores: The Future Of Home Lending In Tier 2 &amp; 3 Cities<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"coral-wrap\" class=\"jsx-ba4d8f086a12294f \">\n<div class=\"jsx-ba4d8f086a12294f coral-cont\">\n<div class=\"jsx-ba4d8f086a12294f coltoptxt\">Disclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/disclaimer\/\" class=\"jsx-ba4d8f086a12294f\">Terms of Use<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/privacy_policy\/\" class=\"jsx-ba4d8f086a12294f\">Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"jsx-ff263f4b724d470d jsx-692827672 rmbtn news18_read_more\">Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/business\/from-phygital-models-to-ai-scores-the-future-of-home-lending-in-tier-2-3-cities-ws-l-9539803.html\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last Updated:August 31, 2025, 16:38 IST Atul Monga of BASIC Home Loan highlights how fintech, local agents, and partnerships are making home loans more accessible in Bharat\u2019s smaller towns. In smaller towns, one of the main challenges is that a lot of people don\u2019t have formal income proof or a credit history. Authored by Atul&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9330,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[45],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9329","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9329","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9329"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9329\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9330"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9329"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9329"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9329"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}