Applying for a dream home is a cherished aspiration of many. This offers a sense of security, and stability, and is an excellent asset. While home loans traditionally have been linked with salaried classes, self-individuals too have an equal need of availing a home loan. Covered here are the crucial reasons for considering the option of a home loan along with the challenges encountered by the self-employed during the process of home loan application.
What’s the importance of opting for a home loan by a self-employed?
Home loans come across as an important source of financial help for the self-employed class who look to purchase a home but might not have the required funds readily available to them. For instance, Mr Saha, a self-employed businessman, can use the home loan to meet his goal of owning a home without depleting his enterprise capital.
Enhanced creditworthiness
A successful home loan repayment can enhance self-employed individuals’ credibility, allowing them to get hold of other financial opportunities in the upcoming times. For instance, Mr Das, a self-employed content creator, repaid his home loan timely, which ameliorated his credit profile and score, making it simpler for him to get a business loan to meet his enterprise expansion needs.
Tax benefits
Self-employed tend to avail tax benefits on both interest and principal constituent paid on home loans. For instance, Ms Chatterjee, a self-employed architect can get loan deductions on interest payments on a home loan, lowering her overall tax-linked liability.
Investment for long-time period
Being a homeowner via a home loan is an excellent long-term investment option offering potential appreciation and stability in value. For instance, Mrs Iqbal, a self-employed online journalist, sees her home loan as an investment that not just meets her instant housing requirements but even holds considerable potential to generate returns over the long-term in the future.
Mitigating rising real estate costs
Home loans come across as an option that allows self-employed to keep a good pace with rising real estate costs, ensuring they can afford their aspired property. For instance, Dr. Raman, a self-employed doctor, and physician, chose a home loan to buy a home in a porch location, even when the prices of the property surged over the past few years.
Easier cash flow management
Home loan permits the self-employed to manage their cash inflow effectively by disseminating the payment over an extended time period. For instance, Mr Raj, a self-employed graphic designer, finds it convenient for paying EMIs (equated monthly instalments) instead of making a lump sum payment or the home.
Professional advancement
Being a homeowner can increase the expertise image of self-employed, instilling confidence in their business associates and clients. For instance, Mr Rishabh, a self-employed software developer, considers having a dedicated office vertical in his own home. This has elevated his standing and credibility in availing a home loan.
Stable housing expenses
With a fixed EMI, self-employed individuals can have better control over their housing expenses, avoiding fluctuations in rental costs. Example: Mr Mehta, a self-employed photographer, appreciates the stability of his housing expenses through his home loan, unlike the uncertainty of annual rental hikes.
Retirement planning
Self-employed individuals can view a home loan as a part of their retirement planning strategy, as they can own a property free of debt during their golden years. Example: Mrs Rao, a self-employed entrepreneur, considers her home loan as a stepping stone towards financial security in her retirement phase.
Leverage for other investments,
A home loan may serve as a benefit for self-employed to pursue other investment opportunities, like beginning a new business or diversifying their investment portfolio. For instance, Ms Gupta, a self-employed artist, utilised her home loan as security to secure a loan for her business for expanding her firm.
Empowering entrepreneurship
Self-employed can make the most out of home loans to establish a pragmatic base for their business ventures, which can result in further success and growth. For instance, Mr Shivam, a self-employed restaurant owner, used a home loan option to buy a property for another restaurant, offering a stable base for his culinary-linked business.
Sense of belonging
Being a homeowner endows a sense of emotional fulfilment and belonging for self-employed persons, as this represents stability. For instance, Ms Deshmukh, a self-employed designer, feels a sense of attachment and pride to her home, knowing it was acquired via her hard work and home loan.
Legacy for family
Self-employed can form a legacy for their family members by owning a home via a home loan, offering security and asset for future generations. For instance, Mr Dasgupta, a self-employed baker, envisions his home to be a legacy that his kid can inherit, offering financial stability.
Home loan options for self-employed individuals
Axis Bank MCLR
Axis Bank follows the Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rate (MCLR) system, which ensures transparency and fair interest rates for self-employed borrowers.
India Bulls home loan
India Bulls home loan offers tailored home loan products for self-employed individuals, with flexible repayment options and competitive interest rates.
Challenges faced by self-employed individuals for availing a home loan
Fluctuating income
Lenders may be sceptical about providing home loans to self-employed individuals due to the fluctuating nature of their income.
Income documentation
Self-employed might find it extremely challenging to offer proper income documentation like tax returns and audited financial statements.
Lack of collateral
Self-employed individuals may face difficulties in providing adequate collateral to secure a home loan, especially if their business assets are limited.
Higher interest rates
Self-employed home loans might slightly have a higher rate of interest than those offered to the salaried class.
Limited credit history
Self-employed individuals with a limited credit history may encounter challenges in establishing their creditworthiness to lenders.
Longer approval process
Self-employed individuals often face a longer approval process for home loans due to the need for additional documentation and scrutiny of their financials. There are lenders who can help you through the hoam loan process smoothly too
Seasonal business concerns
Self-employed individuals running seasonal businesses may find it difficult to meet repayment obligations during the off-season, potentially affecting loan eligibility.
Loan amount limitations
Lenders may impose stricter limits on the loan amount for self-employed individuals, considering the perceived higher risk associated with their income stability.
Limited loan options
Self-employed might have lesser loan options available than salaried as few lenders might prioritise salaried for home loans.
Complicated loan structures
Self-employed might face complicated loan structures and eligibility parameters requiring expert help to navigate through the loan procedure.
Credit score impact
Any defaults or delays in repayment of the loan can have a considerable impact on the credit score of self-employed, impacting their future endeavours.
Multiple financial commitments
Self-employed often juggle multiple financial commitments, making it necessary to evaluate their repayment potential before getting a home loan.
Changes in regulations
Government regulations or policies linked with home loans can affect the home loan eligibility and conditions for self-employed.
Conclusion
For self-employed, home loans come across as an important financial option to mitigate their dream of becoming a homeowner. Such options provide financial assistance, investment opportunity and tax benefits over the long run. Despite distinct challenges witnessed, there are even various options tailored for self-employed, such as Axis Bank MCLR system and India Bull Home loan. By better understanding the significance of home loan options and staying prepared for distinct challenges, self-employed can navigate through the loan procedure successfully and make their dream of becoming a homeowner come true.