Consumer Durable Loan

Should You Rent or Buy Home Appliances in India? Cost, EMI & Convenience Compared

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12 Dec 2025 |4 Minutes
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Renting or buying home appliances each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Renting is a good option if you are living somewhere temporarily or moving frequently. On the other hand, purchasing appliances on EMI is a better choice for the long term. With a loan, you can pay in easy EMIs, allowing you to own appliances without any high upfront costs.

Whether you want a refrigerator, an AC, a washing machine, or a smart TV, it’s important to compare the costs of renting vs. buying. Let’s take a closer look to understand which option might be better.

Renting vs Buying Appliances on EMI: Quick Comparison Table
 

Renting vs Buying Appliance

Factors

Renting Household Appliances

Buying Appliances on EMI

Upfront Cost

Generally, some minimal security deposit would be required.

Can be bought with zero down payment (depending on scheme).

Monthly Cost

You need to pay the rent as decided by the rental company.

You need to pay the EMI for the entire repayment tenure.

Ownership

The ownership of the product stays with the rental company.

Transfers complete ownership after EMI repayment.

Maintenance Cost

Typically included in the rental cost.

Post‑warranty costs are your responsibility, though extended warranty plans are available.

Long-Term Expense

Not cost-effective in the long run.

No further payments are required after EMIs are paid. So, the effective cost per year decreases the longer the appliance lasts.

Product Condition

The appliances are usually pre-owned.

You get a brand-new product.

 

Renting vs Buying Home Appliances: A Practical Cost Comparison

Appliance

Renting Cost per Month

Buying Price

EMI for 12 Months at 11% interest rate

Convertible Inverter Split AC

Rs. 1709 per month

Rs. 34,480

Rs. 3,047 per month

Double Door Refrigerator

Rs. 969 per month

Rs. 27,540

Rs. 2,434 per month

Front-Load Automatic Washing Machine

Rs. 1309 per month

Rs. 35,990

Rs. 3,181 per month

LED Smart TV

Rs. 909 per month

Rs. 26490

Rs. 2,341 per month

Note:- Prices vary by brand, city, and season. Always check current listings before deciding..

Example: 2‑Year Cost of an Inverter AC

  • Renting for 24 months: ₹1,709 × 24 = ₹41,016 (no ownership)
  • Buying on EMI:
    • Year 1: ₹36,564
    • Year 2: ₹0 (ownership achieved)

Break‑even point: Buying becomes cheaper after ~20–22 months.
Therefore, renting initially appears affordable; however, buying home appliances on EMI is more cost-efficient in the long term.

When to Rent Home Appliances?

  • Ideal for frequent relocations.
  • Good for “trying out” a product before committing.
  • Suitable for those without a stable income.

Read Also :- Top 5 Smart Gadgets and Appliances to Buy on EMI

When to Buy Home Appliances on EMI? 

  • Best if you plan to stay long‑term.
  • Suitable for families who want warranty coverage and brand‑new products.
  • Let's you choose preferred specifications and brands.
  • No‑cost EMI schemes are often available, making ownership even more affordable.

Tips to Choose Between Renting and Buying Home Appliances

Before deciding, it’s essential to carefully weigh the pros and cons of renting vs buying:

  • Determine the length of time you expect to stay at a place before deciding whether to rent or buy.
  • Calculate the total rent you would pay over your stay and compare it with the EMI payments for buying.
  • Decide if you prefer brand-new appliances or are comfortable with used ones.
  • Check the terms of maintenance, warranty, and any additional charges before making a choice.
  • Evaluate the total value of the product over its expected life cycle. This will help you decide whether to buy on EMI.

By following these tips, you can make a well-informed decision that balances cost, convenience, and long-term value.

Buying Home Appliances on EMI with a Consumer Durable Loan

A Consumer Durable Loan will allow you to buy the best home appliances on EMI without having to worry about the price. A Consumer Durable Loan is issued by banks and financial organisations that help you purchase high-value products. It can be any household appliance, allowing you to pay in manageable monthly instalments over a predetermined period.

EMI Calculation Example

Total Price of Refrigerator

Tenure

Monthly EMI

Interest

Rs. 95,000

12 months

Rs. 8,396

11% (may vary based on lender’s policies; this is just an example)

Note: Many lenders now offer subsidized or no‑cost EMI schemes.

Apply today for an easy EMI through a Consumer Durable Loan and bring home essential appliances without any delay.

Read Also: 6 Benefits of a Consumer Durable Loan You Probably Didn’t Know

How to Apply for a Consumer Durable Loan?

Follow these simple steps to apply for a loan easily:

1.    Check Eligibility: Check your eligibility with the lender to get qualified for the loan.
2.    Choose Your Product: Visit any partnered dealer or online platform associated with the lender and select your desired product.
3.    Prepare for Documents: Provide your digital Aadhaar-based KYC documents and repayment mandate setup details as required by the lender.
4.    Apply for the Loan: Fill out the loan application form, either online or through the dealer’s offline channel, and submit your documents.
5.    Loan Approval and Disbursement: Once your application and KYC details are verified, the loan amount is approved and directly disbursed to the dealer for your product purchase.

To Conclude 

The decision to rent an appliance or buy it on EMI depends on your living arrangements, expected usage period, and overall budget. Renting typically provides more flexibility and ease of use during relatively short periods. On the other hand, buying on EMI will give you greater financial stability and security over an extended period. 

Apply now for a Poonawalla Fincorp Consumer Durable Loan and bring home essential appliances with affordable EMIs, zero stress, and complete ownership confidence.

FAQs

Is it more cost-effective to rent vs. buy over time?
Renting can be more expensive for longer-term use because you do not acquire ownership of an asset through renting.

What can you buy with a Consumer Durable Loan?
Consumer Durable Loan allows you to purchase a wide range of home appliances and electronic products while paying for them through easy EMIs.

Can I apply for multiple appliances under one EMI?
Yes, you can consolidate your purchases into a single Consumer Durable Loan, subject to your eligibility.

Does paying EMIs on time affect my credit profile?
Making payments on time will improve your credit score and allow you to borrow more money in the future.

Is it a good idea for newly married couples to use EMIs?
Yes, EMI makes it easier for newlyweds to establish their own home right away without incurring a heavy debt load.

Table of Content
  • Renting vs Buying Appliances on EMI: Quick Comparison Table
  • Renting vs Buying Home Appliances: A Practical Cost Comparison
  • When to Rent Home Appliances?
  • When to Buy Home Appliances on EMI?
  • Tips to Choose Between Renting and Buying Home Appliances
  • Buying Home Appliances on EMI with a Consumer Durable Loan
  • How to Apply for a Consumer Durable Loan?
  • To Conclude
  • FAQ
Disclaimer

We take utmost care to provide information based on internal data and reliable sources. However, this article and associated web pages provide generic information for reference purposes only. Readers must make an informed decision by reviewing the products offered and the terms and conditions. Loan disbursal is at the sole discretion of Poonawalla Fincorp.

*Terms and Conditions apply
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