State Bank of India (SBI), the country's largest lender, has extended the date of special home loan scheme, which offers special discounts, beyond 31st of March for an indefinite period.

The special home loan scheme was launched in December last year, when the lender slashed its home loan rates by up to 0.4 per cent for new customers. For women borrowers, it offered an additional concession of 0.05 per cent. The scheme was originally scheduled to end on March 31.

The special scheme offers home loans in two slabs - under Rs. 75 lakh and above Rs. 75 lakh. While loans of up to Rs. 75 lakh are being offered to new borrowers at an interest rate of 10.15 per cent; women customers can get a loan at a rate of 10.10 per cent.

For loans of above Rs. 75 lakh, interest rate is 10.30 per cent and 10.25 per cent for new customers and women borrowers, respectively.

SBI claimed that the special home loan scheme received overwhelming response, particularly from women borrowers.

The bank said in a statement, "In view of the overwhelming response received across the country, it has been decided to extend the special rates beyond March 31 till further notice from the bank."

It may be noted here that a woman must be an applicant or first co-applicant as well as owner of the property to avail the special interest rate.