When life throws a financial challenge at you, it is quite natural to look for ways to get through this hard time of cash deficiency. One of the most commonly used options is a Loan Against Property commonly known as LAP.
This term usually refers to a borrowing condition that allows you to use your property as collateral or guarantee for the secured loan. You can choose any of your property, such as a home, office, or anything else that you own. Then, you can avail the loan amount, while your property will be the lender's safety net.
In this blog, let us see everything in detail so that you can clearly understand about Loans Against Property and make an informed decision without any surprises later on.
What is a Loan Against Property?
For those unfamiliar with this term, a Loan Against Property is basically borrowing money by utilizing your property as security. You're not selling the property and walking out the door. You are just borrowing some amount from its value.
The amount borrowed is based on your property worth, and that amount can be used for anything you need, such as financing a business plan, a medical emergency, or even getting a renovation done on your current home, and many others.
Even though this is a pretty convenient method of getting a lump sum, you have to look at everything before getting a loan.
## Why Would You Consider a Loan Against Property?
Here are the reasons why people readily opt for a Loan Against Property when they want funds:
Relatively Much Lower Interest Rates:
Since you are using your property as collateral, you can get relatively much lower interest rates in comparison to unsecured loans, such as personal loans and credit cards. This will save you a lot of money in the long run.
More Quantified Loan Amounts:
As the loan amount relies on your property value, you can be offered higher sums of money than in any other type of loan. This kind of loan is helpful when you need a more massive amount of money for business expansion or fund education.
Longer Repayment Term:
LAPs usually offer longer repayment periods that go from five to twenty years. So you will only pay less interest that is manageable in terms of budget, but do not forget that you need to pay for a long period of time.
*Flexible Use: *
While many other loans are designed for one purpose, but in LAP, it's your money, and you can use it to pay off debts, medical bills, or even start a new business. As you are getting money for your property value, you don't need to explain the purpose.
Potential Drawbacks You Should Be Aware Of:
Nothing's ever rosy and bright all the time. A Loan Against Property has associated risks, and here are some things you should consider:
Losing Property:
The biggest problem with LAPs is the risk of losing property. If you fail to pay back the loan, the bank or lender will seize your property. This is indeed a great risk to undertake, when you cannot pay the interest regularly.
Long-Term Commitment:
Now, the whole appeal of lower interest rates does not sound so great when you realize that you will be committed to that loan for years. If your finances hit the bottom or your income becomes unstable, you will find it extremely hard to hold up to those payments.
Hidden Costs:
Most LAPs have some hidden costs like processing fees, law charges, and sometimes even prepayment penalties. Try to discuss all costs beforehand as much as possible to minimize the number of surprises that arise later.
Who is Loan Against Property Suitable for?
It's quite important to know that LAPs are not meant for all. If one of the following reasons suits you well, then perhaps a Loan Against Property is just the thing needed.
You Own Valuable Property:
If your home office or land has a decent value in the open market, then you can borrow money against such a property without any doubt.
You Feel You Could Pay Back:
If you feel that you are financially stable and you can commit yourself to a long-term repayment cycle, then this is the right way for you.
You Understand The Risks:
You have to be willing to risk your home for security. If you are not able to repay the loan, your house will get seized. Take all these risks into account before you make a choice.
Summarizing:
So, are loans against property a good idea? Well, it is surely depends on your situation. It will be a good idea if you require lots of money and have a rich property to use in support, and also when you are pretty sure to return the loan amount.
Before you make the move, think of all possible options, consider the comparative interest rates charged, and read the fine print. This loan against property can achieve financial goals but is an important commitment.
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