Guwahati: Aadhar Housing Finance Opens First Branch to Boost Inclusive Homeownership

In a bid to fill the financial void for home ownership in underserved areas, Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd, India's largest low-income housing finance firm, opened its first Northeast office in Guwahati this week. The firm, recognised for serving economically weaker sections and low-income groups, is set to establish a strong presence in the region, starting with Assam's capital city.

With a vast national presence of 570+ branches, Rs 23,976 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM), over 2.66 lakh customers, and 8,500+ employees, Aadhar Housing’s expansion into the Northeast marks a strategic milestone—one that aligns with both business growth and financial inclusion.

In an exclusive conversation with Business North East (BNE), Rishi Anand, MD & CEO of Aadhar Housing Finance, shared the vision behind entering the region. “The Northeast, despite being rich in culture and potential, has often been overlooked by mainstream housing finance players. Our regulator, the National Housing Bank, encouraged us to look at this part of the country seriously. Guwahati, as the gateway to the Northeast, made perfect sense for our debut,” said Anand.

While the housing finance sector has witnessed substantial growth in metro and tier-2 cities, the Northeast has remained largely untapped. Anand described the company’s move as a "natural progression of inclusive growth", emphasising Aadhar’s commitment to reaching customers in remote and previously underserved locations.

The newly opened branch at Prithvi Centre, GS Road, will serve as the hub for Aadhar Housing’s Assam operations, with plans already underway to expand further.

“Over the next 12 months, we’re looking at opening 10 to 12 branches across the Northeast,” revealed Anand, who also assured that these will not only provide financial services but also generate employment for close to 100 locals.

The branch will offer Aadhar Housing’s standard portfolio of affordable home loans with ticket sizes typically ranging between Rs 5–10 lakh, tailored for lower-income families. But what stands out is the company’s custom approach to regional housing challenges.

Understanding the geographic and architectural uniqueness of the Northeast, Aadhar Housing has already started developing loan products tailored to the region’s specific needs.

“Many homes here are built in hilly terrains, with different structural norms like thatched roofs and elevated foundations. These require unique construction methods and higher costs,” explained Anand.

“So, we’ve curated special products that factor in these nuances. This will make it easier for people to access funds for homes that suit their environment,” added the MD & CEO of Aadhar Housing Finance.

This bespoke approach gives Aadhar a strong competitive edge in the region, especially as most national housing lenders offer a one-size-fits-all model, which often fails in diverse geographies like the Northeast.

Aadhar Housing’s entry into this new region is not just about numbers—it’s a continuation of its mission to provide dignified housing to those who need it most.

“Our strategy is never to push for volumes immediately. We train our teams to engage with the community, explain our products, and help people understand how to build their homes smartly,” he told BNE.

Even while catering to the economically weaker sections, the company has a clear profitability roadmap. Its interest rates for retail home loans range between 11 per cent and 13.5 per cent, determined by the cost of funds, operating expenses, and a sustainable margin.

“If we follow the basics of sound financial discipline, most branches break even in 9–12 months. It’s sustainable, even at the grassroots level,” added Anand.

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The decision to enter the Northeast is part of a larger vision of inclusive expansion, where growth is measured not just by revenue but by impact.

“This is not a short-term play. We’re here for the long run,” emphasised Anand, adding that with seven sisters and one brother, the Northeast offers immense potential. "From a business standpoint, we see organic growth here for years to come,” he stated.

Apart from direct job creation, the company’s presence will also lead to increased demand for services like legal, construction, and valuation support, creating a local ecosystem for housing finance.

For a region where informal lending and lack of formal documentation have traditionally kept home ownership out of reach for many, Aadhar Housing’s structured, community-driven approach could be transformative.

“We are not just another lender—we are home enablers. When someone from a low-income background builds a permanent roof over their family’s head, it transforms generations. And we want to be part of that transformation in the Northeast,” Anand told BNE during the interview.