What is a Mortgage? Understand Everything About It

Discover everything you need to know about mortgages with our comprehensive guide. Learn what a mortgage is, how it works, and essential details for homeowners.
Loan Against Property
5 min
07 June 2024

When contemplating significant financial commitments in India, understanding what a mortgage entails is crucial. The term 'mortgage' might seem daunting, but it represents a prevalent form of secured loan where property is used as collateral. This introduction will explore the essentials of mortgages and highlight how opting for a loan against property by Bajaj Finance can benefit you.

Definition of Mortgage in India

What is a Mortgage? A mortgage in India is a secured loan where the borrower pledges real estate as collateral to obtain financing from a financial institution. This arrangement allows borrowers to access large amounts of money, typically used for buying property, without paying the full cost upfront.

How does a mortgage work?

A mortgage functions as a secured loan where the borrower pledges a property to the lender as collateral. Here is a breakdown of the mortgage process:

  1. Loan agreement:
    The borrower and lender agree on terms including loan amount, interest rate, repayment schedule, and loan duration. The agreement details actions if payments are missed.
  2. Pledging the property:
    The property is legally pledged as security. The borrower retains possession, but the lender can take it if terms are unmet.
  3. Repayment and interest:
    Regular payments are made, covering both principal and interest. Interest compensates the lender for the loan's risk and opportunity cost.
  4. Default and foreclosure:
    If repayments are not met, the mortgage defaults, possibly leading to foreclosure. The lender can sell the property to recover the loan balance, though the borrower has a chance to rectify the default.
  5. Discharging the mortgage:
    Upon full repayment, the mortgage is discharged, removing the lender's claim, and restoring full ownership to the borrower.

By binding the repayment of the loan to the borrower's property, a mortgage reduces the financial risk to the lender and enables the borrower to access larger sums of money than unsecured loans typically allow. This makes mortgages a popular choice for financing significant investments like home purchases.

Types of mortgages available in India

Various types of mortgages cater to different financial needs in India:

  • Simple mortgage: The borrower is personally liable, and the property is the security.
  • Usufructuary mortgage: The lender possesses the property and receives rental income until the debt is cleared.
  • English mortgage: The borrower transfers property to the lender but retains the right to reclaim it upon full repayment.

Key components of a mortgage

The key components that make up a mortgage include:

  • Principal: The actual loan amount borrowed.
  • Interest: The cost of borrowing the principal, expressed as a percentage.
  • Tenure: The duration over which the loan is to be repaid.
  • EMI: Equated Monthly Installment, which is a fixed payment amount made by the borrower to the lender at a specified date each calendar month.

Benefits of taking a mortgage

Mortgages offer several benefits:

  • Capital appreciation: Over time, property values typically increase, yielding significant returns.
  • Tax benefits: Interest payments on a mortgage offer tax deduction under various sections of the Indian Income Tax Act.
  • Improves credit score: Timely repayment of a mortgage can improve your credit score, enhancing your borrowing capacity.

Process of applying for a mortgage in India

Applying for a mortgage in India involves several steps:

  1. Eligibility check:
    The borrower must meet the lender's criteria, including age, income, employment, credit history, and existing debts.
  2. Property valuation:
    The lender appraises the property to determine the maximum loan amount based on its market value.
  3. Document submission:
    The borrower submits necessary documents like identity proof, residence proof, property documents, and income proof.
  4. Loan approval and disbursal:
    Upon verification and legal checks, the loan is approved and disbursed to the borrower’s bank account.

Interest rates on mortgages in India

As of 2024, mortgage interest rates in India typically range from 8% to 9.5% per annum. These rates vary based on factors such as the borrower's credit score, loan amount, loan tenure, and the type of interest rate (fixed or floating). Borrowers with higher credit scores and stable financial profiles usually benefit from lower interest rates, making it essential to compare offerings from different lenders to find the most favourable terms for your mortgage needs.

How to apply for a mortgage with Bajaj Finserv Loan Against Property?

To apply for a mortgage with Bajaj Finserv Loan Against Property, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official Bajaj Finserv Loan Against Property website or nearest branch.
  2. Fill out the application form with the required personal and financial details.
  3. Submit the necessary documents, such as proof of income, property papers, and identity proof.
  4. Await approval after the verification and valuation process.
  5. Upon approval, sign the loan agreement and receive the loan amount in your bank account.

Understanding what a mortgage is and how it can be leveraged in India is fundamental for anyone looking to finance property purchases or large expenditures. With attractive features such as tax benefits and the potential for capital appreciation, mortgages are a wise financial decision. Opting for a loan against property by Bajaj Finance offers a structured and secure way to finance your needs with the backing of one of India's leading financial institutions.

Bajaj Finserv app for all your financial needs and goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:

  • Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-approved limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements and even get quick customer support—all on the app.

Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

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Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a mortgage in simple words?
A mortgage is a loan secured by property, where the property acts as collateral for the loan.
What is the short answer to the mortgage?
A mortgage is a secured loan used to finance property purchases.
Is a mortgage a loan?
Yes, a mortgage is a type of loan specifically secured by real estate.
What is a mortgage vs. loan against property?
A mortgage specifically involves the purchase of property, whereas a loan against property can be used for various other financial needs using property as collateral.
What does fixed and variable mortgage mean?
A fixed mortgage has a constant interest rate throughout the term, while a variable mortgage has an interest rate that can change based on market conditions.
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