Top-up Home Loan
A top-up loan is a provision that helps you to add a certain amount or topping up some amount in your existing home loan amount. Those who already have availed a home loan and make the loan repayment on time can apply for a top-up loan. Top-up loans are offered by the private as well as nationalized banks to their loyal customers.
Benefits and features of Top-Up Loan
Top-up home loans have many benefits such as-
- Fast Loan – As the financial institution is already aware about your repayment history and other personal credentials, no additional paperwork is required by the lender. Thus, top-up loans can be granted instantly without any additional requirements of the documents.
- Low-Interest Rates – The major benefit of the top-up loan is that it can be availed at low-interest rates as compared to other loan options.
- Loan Tenure: Top up on home loan can be taken for a tenure of up to 15-20 years depending upon the remaining period of your existing loan.
- Maximum Loan Amount-The maximum amount of top-up loan that you can get depends on factors such as your present income levels, other loan obligations, etc. and is subject to your outstanding home loan plus the top-up loan being offered, not exceeding 75 to 80% of the market value of the property.
- No restriction of end use- The best part is the loan amount can be used for a variety of purposes such as business expansion, child’s education, medical emergency, or wedding.
- Tax Benefits – Under Section 80C and Section 24 of the Indian Income Tax Act, the top-up loan provides added tax benefits on the money utilized on home reconstruction or renovation.
- Reliable Source – A top-up loan is a reliable financial source when you need the additional cash. In case of urgent situations, it is a swift and trusted solution.
Eligibility criteria for Home Loan Top-Up
Mentioned below are the eligibility factors that are required to apply for a top-up home loan-
- You should already have a running home loan.
- Clear repayment of the existing home loan of six months' is required.
- You must have a good credit score.
- For top-up loans combined with a home loan balance transfer from some other financial institution, one year’s clear repayment history is required.
The general criteria, which is the same as that of regular home loans, is as follows:
- Age: 21 to 65 years
- Nationality: Resident Indian or Non-Resident Indian
- Profession: Applicant should be Salaried or self-employed
Note: Please note that the eligibility criteria may differ from one financial institution to another.
Documents Required for Home Loan Top-Up
- Proof of identity: Passport, Aadhaar card, voter ID card, PAN card, driving license
- Salary slip of 3 months (in case of salaried applicants)
- Proof of Address: Rental agreement, passport, utility bills, etc
- Income details in the bank statement for 3 months
- Pass-port sized photographs
Top Up Loan Calculator
When you apply for a top up on your existing home loan, you might remain in confusion about its repayment option. This is where you can make use of the top up loan calculator. This calculator will help you to know your monthly EMI payments on your top-up loan. However, when you avail a top up on your existing loan, you need to pay a single combined EMI for the existing loan as well as for the additional top-up taken on your present loan. Most of the financial institutions and leading NBFCs consider recalculating your top up loan EMI that you would be paying against your existing amount for the remaining tenure and the top up amount you have availed.
Tax Benefits on Top-Up Home Loan
Tax benefits on top-up home loans can be claimed if the loan amount is used only for construction, renovation, extension, or repair of a residential property. The maximum tax deduction of up to Rs. 30,000 can be availed if the loan amount has been used for a self-occupied home. If it has been used for a let-out property, then, there is no limit on the deduction. However, both come under the overall total tax deduction of Rs. 2 lakh per year that is available only on the interest component of home loans.
On the other hand, if the top-up home loan has been used for purchasing or constructing a new property, the principal and interest component of the top-up loan will be eligible for a tax deduction which is subject to the limit prescribed under Section 80C and 24 (b). However, if the top-up home loan is used for the renovation, alteration, or repair of residential property, the deduction can only be claimed for the interest component of the loan and not the principal component.
Therefore, it is important to preserve the receipts and documents of all the work done on the residential property with the top-up loan to claim the tax benefits on the home loan top-up.
