Many people in India consider owning a home a big achievement. However, over time, they might need more money for things like fixing up their home, paying for education, consolidating debt, or dealing with unexpected medical bills. That's where top-up home loans come in. They're a way for homeowners to get extra funds by using the value of their property.
What Are Top-Up Home Loans:
Top-up home loans are offered by banks and housing finance companies to people who already have a home loan. These loans let homeowners borrow more money on top of what they already owe, based on how much their property is worth and how well they've been paying off their existing loan. It's a way to access the extra money that has built up in their property.
When To Avail It:
Says Atul Monga, CEO and co-founder, Basic Home Loan: “A home loan top-up can be availed when you need additional funds for purposes like home renovation, education, or any other personal requirement. It is advisable to consider a top-up when you have a stable income, a good credit score, and have repaid a significant portion of your existing home loan. This indicates financial stability and reduces the risk for lenders.”
How To Get The Best Out Of It:
“To get the best out of a home loan top-up, compare interest rates and terms offered by different lenders. Ensure that the additional amount aligns with your financial goals and that you can comfortably manage the increased equated monthly installments (EMIs),” says Monga.
Top-Up Loan Versus Personal Loan
Interest Rates: Top-up loans typically have lower interest rates compared to personal loans. Personal loans usually carry higher interest rates because they're unsecured, unlike top-up loans where your house serves as collateral. Since top-up loans are offered to existing home loan customers with all necessary documents already in place, they are considered more secure, resulting in lower interest rates.
Tax Benefits: Utilizing funds from a top-up loan for predefined purposes like home renovations can provide tax benefits up to a certain limit. However, if you opt for a personal loan for similar purposes, you might not enjoy the same tax benefits. It's advisable to confirm the available tax benefits with your bank before deciding on a personal loan.
Tenure: Top-up loans typically offer flexible tenure options, often allowing longer repayment periods compared to personal loans. Many banks extend the remaining tenure of your existing home loan for the top-up loan, making it a favorable choice over personal loans.
Processing Time: Applying for a personal loan usually involves a lengthy processing time as the bank needs to review your documents, understand your profile, and verify details for the first time. Conversely, top-up loans benefit from quicker processing since the bank already possesses your documents and has verified your details. Many banks enable customers to apply for top-up loans online through net banking, with disbursement occurring within a few hours.
Simple Documentation: Since the bank already holds all required documents from your initial home loan application, applying for a top-up loan involves straightforward and less time-consuming documentation. In contrast, availing a personal loan typically entails filling out numerous forms and submitting various documents.
Top-up loans present a compelling alternative to personal loans. Before making a decision, it's advisable to visit your bank and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both loan types with a representative.
Keep In Mind: While availing of a top-up loan, keep in mind that the purpose of the top-up should ideally contribute to long-term financial well-being, such as enhancing the value of your property. Also, be aware of any processing fees and other charges associated with the top-up, and factor these into your decision-making. Overall, strategic planning, understanding the terms and conditions, and evaluating your financial position are crucial when availing of a home loan top-up
