A loan against property (LAP) foreclosure is the process of repaying the full outstanding balance amount of a loan that is secured by property. This payment is typically done before its scheduled end date. You can generally just repay the full principal amount or pay the foreclosure charges.
In certain cases, you may choose to repay the loan earlier than the agreed tenure. Foreclosing a loan can be beneficial if you have the financial means to clear the dues, especially to reduce long-term interest payments. However, when a loan is foreclosed before the stipulated term, financial institutions often impose foreclosure charges for loan against property. These charges are imposed to compensate for the loss of interest income that the lender would have earned if the loan had continued for the full tenure.
According to the RBI circular on foreclosure charges on loan against property, lenders are required to implement these charges transparently, ensuring they are not exorbitant. The charges vary depending on the lender, loan type, and terms outlined in the loan agreement. Typically, foreclosure charges for loans against property range from 2% to 4% of the outstanding principal balance. However, there can be variations based on other factors such as the type of interest rate (fixed or floating), the time the loan has been active and lenders’ policies.
It is important for you to be aware of these charges before committing to the loan, as they can significantly impact the overall cost of the loan if foreclosure is planned. Understanding these costs can help you make more informed decisions and avoid surprises at the time of loan closure.
There are various fees and charges involved in the foreclosure of loans against property. While foreclosure charges are the primary fees, there are other associated costs that you need to account for. Here’s a breakdown of the common charges:
Foreclosure Charges: These are the primary charges for closing the loan before its maturity. Foreclosure charges for a loan against property generally range from 2 to 4% of the outstanding loan amount, depending on the lender and the loan terms. This charge compensates the lender for the interest that they would have otherwise earned had the loan been paid off over its full term.
Part Prepayment Charges: If you make a partial repayment towards the principal amount, they may incur part prepayment charges. It’s important to check if your lender allows part prepayments without incurring charges, as some financial institutions have different terms.
Penalties on Floating Rate Loans: For loans linked to a floating interest rate, lenders may impose additional penalties for foreclosure. The penalty is generally higher if you have foreclosed the loan before the loan has been serviced for a significant amount of time. This is because the lender would have made an interest rate calculation based on the floating rate for a specific tenure.
Legal Charges: In some cases, legal charges may be applicable if there’s a need for legal documentation or property valuation during the foreclosure process. These charges, however, are typically uncommon and are applicable depending on the loan agreement’s terms.
Processing Fees: While many lenders offer quick disbursement loans with minimal processing charges, there may still be a one-time processing fee applicable during foreclosure. This fee may vary between lenders, but it typically ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000.
It’s worth noting that the LAP foreclosure charges might differ based on the loan’s type (business loan or personal loan) or the financial institution's policies. While some lenders may waive foreclosure charges after a certain lock-in period, others may apply these charges regardless of the loan's duration.
Foreclosure charges on the loan against property can add a significant burden to the total cost of the loan. If you’re looking to avoid these charges, consider the following strategies:
Check Your Loan Agreement: Before signing any loan agreement, ensure that you carefully review the terms and conditions. The loan agreement will clearly mention the foreclosure and part prepayment charges, and some lenders may even offer flexibility in these fees.
Choose Loans with No Foreclosure Charges: Some lenders offer loans against property with no foreclosure charges or no prepayment penalties. While such loans might have slightly higher interest rates, they can be more beneficial in the long term if you plan to pay off the loan early.
Wait for the Lock-in Period: Many loans have a lock-in period, which is the time frame during which you cannot foreclose your loan without incurring charges. If possible, plan to repay your loan only after this period expires to avoid extra fees.
Prepay in Parts: Instead of opting for a complete foreclosure, you can consider making partial prepayments. By making periodic payments, you can reduce the principal amount over time and eventually foreclose the loan without incurring excessive charges. Ensure you verify whether your lender charges fees for part prepayment.
Consider Fixed-rate Loans: If you expect to repay your loan early, opting for a fixed-rate loan can be a good choice. Since floating rate loans may have higher penalties for foreclosure, a fixed-rate loan would have fixed charges, making it easier to plan for early repayment.
Discuss with the Lender: In some cases, lenders may be open to negotiating foreclosure charges. If you have been a loyal customer and your loan repayment history is strong, you may be able to request a reduction or waiver of these charges.
Opt for Loans with Lower Processing Fees: Many lenders charge a processing fee for early loan closure, which can add to the overall cost. When comparing options, choose a loan with minimal processing fees or waived charges for foreclosure.
To find your statement, simply log in to your lender’s online portal or mobile app. Enter your loan account number and follow the instructions to download or view your statement.
You can check your loan details by sending a specific SMS to your lender's dedicated number. The format and number will be listed on your lender's website or loan documentation.
Yes, foreclosure charges can be minimised by choosing loans with no prepayment penalties, waiting until the lock-in period ends, or negotiating with the lender.
No, foreclosure charges are not applicable to all types of loans. While they are common for loans against property and personal loans, certain home loans may come with no such charges under certain conditions.
Loan repayments can be scheduled online through your lender's mobile app or website. You can also set up an Electronic Clearing Service (ECS) to automatically deduct your EMI on the due date.
Your loan account number can be found on your loan statement or in your loan documents. You can also contact customer service for assistance in retrieving this number.