Take a loan from family members
Check if your parents or spouse can help you with the down payment, even if you are taking this money as debt and plan to return it in due course. Not only would you save a great deal of time, energy, and paperwork but also secure a lender, who will be more compassionate and sensitive if you are unable to repay the loan within a specified timeline, owing to some unforeseen event. If you plan to pay interest to this family member, you will also be able to enjoy tax deductions on this payment.
Word of caution
You run the risk of damaging your personal relationship, in case you fail to repay the money as planned. Treat the entire arrangement like a professional one and meet your obligation accordingly.
Withdraw money from your provident fund (PF) account
The Employee Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) allows subscribers to withdraw a certain portion of their provident fund (PF) money for home purchases and various related purposes. A subscriber could avail of a loan that is equal to 36 times his wages, for property purchases. Read our guide on how to check your PF balance using a UAN member login.
| PF withdrawal reason | Withdrawal limit |
| For buying a plot | 24 months’ basic salary and DA |
| For constructing a house | 36 months’ basic salary and DA |
| For buying a ready-to-move-in house | 36 months’ basic salary and DA |
| For home improvement/renovation | 12 months’ basic salary and DA |
| For repayment of housing loan | 36 months’ basic salary and DA. |
Word of caution
However, note that withdrawing from your PF account might take some time and requires paperwork. You would also have to keep your employer informed about your purchase decision, as they will have to verify your application and send it to the local EFP office. Also note that in case you are leaving your employment, you will be able to withdraw the whole amount lying in your PF account, subject to certain conditions.
Take a loan against the insurance policy
A policyholder can get between 80% and 90% of the surrender value (the value you get when you terminate the insurance plan voluntarily), of the insurance policy as a loan. Let us understand this with an example. If you have an insurance cover of Rs 50 lakhs and its surrender value is Rs 20 lakhs at the time of requesting the loan, you may get Rs 18-19 lakhs as a loan.
Word of caution
The interest rate on loans against insurance policies is higher than home loan rates and ranges from 10%-12%. Also, note that a loan can be taken only against traditional life insurance policies and not against term plans. The policyholder needs to pay the interest on the loan, along with the regular premiums. In case of default on any of these counts, the policy will lapse.
Take a personal loan
This should be your last option and must be used, only when you cannot find any other alternative. This is because personal loans are unsecured and hence, cost more than any other type of loan. You may end up paying nearly 11%-20% interest on personal loans.
Word of caution
“Personal loans are only recommended when the buyer has no other option. Personal loans can elevate the financial burden on buyers, with their higher interest rates and shorter terms for repaying monthly installments. Lower interest personal loans are only possible if one has a good credit score and stable income. So, try and maintain a good credit score from the very beginning, if a personal loan is your only option,” says a senior executive at a leading Mumbai-based Fintech, requesting anonymity.
Source:- https://housing.com/news/how-to-arrange-funds-for-the-down-payment-for-a-house/
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