What is LOANS AGAINST PROPERTY?

Loan against Property ( LAP ) is very unique product which couples the feature of a personal loan and a secured loan. This loan product helps in unlocking the value of the most precious asset: your Property. The end use of the loan is not monitored when compared to any other secured loan which generally comes with a specific purpose. In that sense, LAP is an any purpose loan, but at the same time secured by collateral of property.

This is one of the best tools for those looking at debt consolidation. There are several businesses which has obtained high cost funds like unsecured business loans and leveraged themselves to a greater extend, thereby putting pressure on higher interest cost and lower profit margins. LAP perfectly fits for such businesses to reduce their borrowing cost and consolidate debt at lower cost. The other advantage is the tenor for LAP loan is generally in the range of 7 to 15 years, thereby giving the borrower to plan business expansion among other things. Moreover with the appreciation of property, future requirements also can be taken care of. This allows the best use of the property that is owned and at the same time will enable the raising of funds required for various purposes. Also, a loan against property comes with a low interest rate compared to that of a personal loan or home loan.

Significance of LAP:

The property prices in India have shot up quite significantly. Owing a house from one’s savings is a a very difficult task . With rising levels of income and loan offers from virtually every banks makes it easy for fulfilling this basic need . The loan is secured in nature and hence the tenure offered for such loans are very high when compared to other loans. The rate of interest is also very low vis a vis other loan products. The uniqueness of home loan is the borrower get benefited from tax savings because interest out flow up to Rs. 150000 during a financial year can bet set off against salary/business income . Similarly principal amount to the extend of Rs 100000 can also be availed as a deduction under Section 80 ( C) of the Indian Income Tax Act , 1961. The ability to repay the loan over a long time period also makes the entire borrowing affordable for the individual because it fits the monthly outgo within his/her income. It is the easiest way to create an asset thereby giving tax benefits as well.

Characteristics of LAP:

  • The loan is secured in nature.
  • Only those who own a clear and marketable property can avail this loan.
  • Loan is long term in nature ,usually ranges between 7 to 15 years depending on the use of property.( Commercial or residential)
  • Interest rates are low when compared to unsecured loan.
  • Funds can be used for any personal or business purpose.
  • Best suited for people looking for debt consolidation and business expansion.
  • Quantum of loan is high depending on the value of property.
  • It increases the future borrowing capacity along with property appreciation.
  • The loan can also be used as a normal overdraft or a dropline overdraft (depending on the lender)

Purpose of Loan Against Property:

The purpose of loan depends on the need which has arisen. The common reasons why a particular loan against property is required.

  • Higher education for Children
  • Holidays for family
  • Marriage in the family
  • Buying Jewellery
  • Medical Emergencies
  • Business Expansion
  • Working Capital requirement
  • Debt Consolidation.
  • Investments ( not for speculative purpose)
  • Any other personal needs/contingencies

Product Variants:

Banks have designed various products out of Loan against property. Traditionally, LAP typically meant a loan that will be available with the property as a security for the loan. However with changing times and competition heating up, banks have come out with innovative products. The list below is indicative only and a few banks offer LAP as a combination of one or more variant.

  • Term Loan ( TL )
  • Overdraft / Cash Credit ( OD / CC)
  • Get the best in market interest rate for your personal loan
  • Lease Rent Discounting ( LRD )

Most nationalized banks structure loans in such a way there is a Term Loan component and other as a Cash Credit/ Overdraft component. The conditions for servicing the loan are different and one need to be careful while choosing such combo products.

Term Loan:

Term Loan is the traditional offering where the bank sanctions a particular amount to the borrower as the loan against the property. The amount of loan is determined by the value of the property and the margin as well as the requirement that is present for the funds. The amount is then sanctioned to the borrower that he/she can use as per his/her requirements. The interest will be calculated based on the figure of the loan disbursed and the repayment schedule for the loan against property is then worked out accordingly. The borrower will then repay the loan through monthly installments as per the working and this will then complete the entire loan process.

Overdraft/ Cash Credit:

Overdraft is another way in which the loan can be given and operated. Here, once the loan against property is approved for a specific amount the entire figure does not have to be taken by the borrower. Rather the borrower has the option to choose the manner in which he/she actually wants to operate the account and use the overdraft amount available to him/her. This means that the money can be withdrawn as per the need and this also results in a saving of interest cost because the amount of interest will be based upon the overdraft amount withdrawn and the time for which it is used. At the same time, the borrower can keep making deposits into the account as per the convenience and this will go on to reduce the outstanding overdraft amount. This again saves on the interest cost because the borrower pays interest only on the overdrawn amount for the applicable time. On an overall basis, the borrower can use the money till the limit that has been sanctioned and the amount of the interest will be calculated at the interest rate decided upon based on the actual situation. There is also the facility to renew the overdraft limit at specific time intervals whereas in the term loan offering the loan limit remains the same for the entire duration of the loan against property

Lease Rental Discounting:

One of the most powerful loan product which unlocks the value of the property without denting one’ s pocket . Also a powerful tool for multiplying wealth. When compared to Term loan and Overdraft wherein the borrower’s eligibility is scrutinized based on the business income, LRD does not take into account the business income. Banks would look at the rentals , source of rental, rental period etc and sanction a loan. However bank would insist on escrowing the rent to their account to take care of the prepayment. The quantum of loan would depend upon the valuation of property, lease rentals, no. of years the lease has been executed etc. However banks look at such proposals only if the rent is coming from a known corporate/ entity.

Documents Required for Loan Against Property:

The common list of documents for both Salaried and Self Employed applicants are as follows:

  • Photograph
  • Identity proof
  • Address proof
  • Income proof
  • Bank Statements
  • Continuity Proof
  • Qualification proof (applicable only for Self Employed Professionals)
  • Income tax returns along with all supportings including audit reports for the past 3 years.
  • Last 12 months’ bank statements of main business banking
  • Original title deeds of the property that is being offered as collateral to loan.
  • Property tax receipt.
  • NOC from society to create mortgage of the property.

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