Housing loans
Housing loans, also known as home loans or mortgages, are financial products designed to assist individuals in purchasing residential properties. These loans enable people to buy homes without having to pay the entire cost upfront. They typically cover a significant portion of the property's price, and borrowers repay the loan amount in monthly installments over an extended period, often spanning several decades. These loans are secured by the property itself, serving as collateral, which allows lenders to offer lower interest rates compared to unsecured loans.
Interest rates for housing loans can be fixed, remaining constant throughout the loan tenure, or variable, fluctuating based on market conditions. The approval process involves a thorough assessment of the borrower's financial stability, credit history, and the property's value. Down payments are typically required, with the loan amount covering the remaining cost of the property. Additionally, borrowers must factor in additional expenses such as insurance, taxes, and processing fees associated with obtaining a housing loan. Responsible repayment is crucial, as failure to make timely payments could lead to foreclosure, where the lender repossesses the property to recover the outstanding debt. Housing loans play a pivotal role in making homeownership accessible, allowing individuals to fulfill the dream of owning a house while spreading the financial commitment over an extended period.