Since your friend has taken a loan from a private source (not a financial institution) for constructing his house, the tax treatment may differ from a typical home loan taken from a recognized financial institution.
Interest Deduction:Under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act, interest on a home loan is deductible up to ₹2 lakhs per year if the loan is taken for acquiring or constructing a house. There is no explicit restriction that the loan must be from a financial institution.Proving that the loan was genuinely taken for the purpose of house construction and that interest is being paid, he may be eligible to claim the interest deduction.
Principal Repayment Deduction:Under Section 80C, deductions for the repayment of the principal on home loans are allowed only when the loan is taken from specific institutions, such as banks, financial institutions, or government bodies. Loans from private individuals or friends do not qualify for this deduction.
Given that your friend is currently under the old tax regime, he may claim the interest deduction on rental property (Section 24(b)), but not the principal deduction unless the loan was from a recognized institution