Is it permissible to take a housing loan from an institution that charges a fixed rate of 10%, regardless of the repayment period, such as collecting $1700 on a $15,0 loan, whether for five or ten years?

As long as the percentage is tied to the loan amount, it is usurious interest. It is not permissible to enter into a usurious loan except out of necessity. Fixed fees that are not tied to the loan amount or duration, and are in exchange for a service, are not usurious interest. However, any increase beyond the actual services is forbidden. The lending institution is permitted to take an amount equivalent to its actual direct expenses for loan services.