Is a Secured Loan for You?

Written by: Benjienen Toledo

One of the things you’ll need to consider when buying a home is choosing the best home loan.

What’s the Difference Between Secured and Unsecured Loan?

A secured loan is one where the debt is linked to the borrower’s property while unsecured loans are available to would-be borrowers who have at least a fair credit score or also referred to as personal loan.

Is Secured Loan Suited for You?

Secured loans are most suited for extensive, one-off purchases or expenses such as when you buy your next home, plan for home improvements or flat renovations, debt consolidation or a new car.

What are the Pros of Secured Loans?

• Secured loans are available for much more significant amounts than personal loans
• With property acting as a security layer, it may be easier to qualify for secured loans
• The repayment periods may be longer
• Monthly repayment plan may be easier to manage because you can usually agree to make lower monthly repayments

What are the Cons of Secured Loans?

• Since a secured loan is linked to your property, you could risk losing your home. Thus, you need to keep up repayments on a secured loan
• Since you can agree to make lower monthly repayments, you’ll have to extend your borrowing term to do this – which means that you’ll pay back a more considerable amount overall the longer the term because the more interest you’ll have to repay in total
• Charges such as early repayment penalties could increase the cost of borrowing, so, you need to scrutinise the terms and conditions

The interest rates and terms on both secured and unsecured loans vary widely; you may shop around for the best deal using Ohmyhome Financial Calculators to compare the best rates instantly. You may download Ohmyhome App to use this feature.

To honestly compare loans, focus on the actual amount you will repay and over how long. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home and borrow only what you need.

We understand that getting a home loan is a major financial decision; you don’t have to go it alone. Ohmyhome has in-house mortgage specialists to provide you with unbiased and unrestricted advice based on a comprehensive and fair analysis of the market. Then, they can also assist in getting the best home loan package suitable to your needs and financial situation, free of charge.

Making the wrong decision now could potentially cost you a lot more in the long run.

Call 6886 9009 to speak with our mortgage specialists today!

References: Money Supermarket, Barclays