How is a home improvement loan different from a home extension loan?

Having your own house is a dream come true for many people. Even after you do get a house, it’d need continuous upgrades and renovations to maintain it. Whether it is to extend your home to accommodate your family or just simple improvements, any changes to your house will come at a substantial cost.

Understanding such needs of the people, many financial institutions provide loans for specific home purposes. Home improvement loans and home extension loans are examples of such loans.

What are home improvement loans?

Every house needs improvements to add value to the lifestyle of the family in it. With every passing year, new technologies are being introduced to make our life more comfortable. An old house will likely need to be upgraded to accommodate such modern tools. Home improvements can also include general maintenance, repairs, and remodeling.

To meet the massive costs of all upgrades, home improvement loans are offered. These loans are given based on the approximate value of the work you plan to do in your house. Before approving these loans, the lender will check the contract of the builder and properly appraise the bid to reflect a reasonable price. The lender will then loan out the amount to cover the price of the renovation. To ensure that actual work is being done, the lender may periodically check the construction before releasing payments.

Key advantages of home renovation loans

Following are the key advantages of availing a home improvement loan:

Low interest

Home improvement loans usually come with fixed and affordable interest rates. This puts a lower burden on the finances of the borrower, ensuring no struggle to pay back the loan.

Smooth and easy process

Only a few primary documents are needed to take out this loan. The entire process is smooth and easy. Many lenders offer these loans completely online in a hassle-free and quick manner.

No need for a collateral

There is no need to arrange a collateral or any kind of security for a home renovation loan. This makes it a low-risk option for borrowers.

One-stop solution

There are multiple loan options available for home renovations. Since they are all taken under the umbrella of renovation, it becomes very easy to get a loan for a specific requirement.

What are home extension loans?

Instead of going for a new house, you can add new rooms to your existing one if you have the space. It is an ideal option for increasing available space at a lower cost. Whether it is a need for office space, growing family, or study space, a home extension will help you eliminate the hunt for a new home.

While home extensions are certainly cheaper than buying a new house, they still involve a substantial cost. It is best to get a clear idea of the total cost involved in the construction before you go for a loan. This way you will borrow only the fund needed to extend the house.

Key advantages of home extension loan

Below are the key benefits of a home extension loan:

No need to change houses

If you are feeling a space crunch, a home extension can be a better idea than a new house. With a simple home extension loan, you can make new additions to your house without shifting.

Easy approval

Home extension loans are easy to apply to and receive. They only need minimal documentation and can even be completed online.

Long tenure

A great benefit of home extension loans is that they are treated as housing loans. They have long repayment periods and borrowers can pay in small EMIs to ease their financial burden.

Tax benefits

Home extension loans make the borrower eligible for tax deductions of up to Rs 30000 under section 24(b) on payable interest.

Home Improvement Vs Home Extension Loan

	Home Improvement Loan	Home Extension Loan
Purpose	Funding renovations and improvements to an existing home	Funding the expansion and extension of an existing home
Repayment period	Typically, up to 30 years	Typically, up to 20 years
Interest rates	Varies with the financial institution and the borrower’s credit history. Usually ranges from 8.45% to 10.99% p.a	Varies with the financial institution and the borrower’s credit history. Usually ranges from 7.80% p.a to 8.65%.
Eligibility requirements	Resident Indians and non-resident Indians (NRIs) may be eligible to apply for a home improvement loan, which can be used for renovations or other home improvement projects. These loans are typically available to fresh loan applicants or existing borrowers who are 18 years or older and are typically required to be repaid by the time the borrower reaches the age of 70. Home improvement loans are available to both salaried workers and those who are self-employed. Borrowers may also improve their loan eligibility by adding co-borrowers, extending the loan tenure, or providing additional income documentation. A good credit score (750 or above) can increase the likelihood of loan approval and may result in a lower interest rate.	Home extension loans are available to both resident Indians and non-resident Indians (NRIs). Both salaried and self-employed individuals can apply for these loans, which are typically offered to applicants aged 18 and above. Existing borrowers may also improve their home loan eligibility by adding co-borrowers, extending the loan tenure, or providing additional income documentation. A good credit score (750 or above) can increase the likelihood of loan approval and may result in a lower interest rate. Lenders generally require loan repayment by the time the borrower reaches the age of 70.
Documentation requirements	To apply for a home renovation loan, you will need to provide several documents to the lender, including a completed loan application form and proof of age, income, employment or business, and address. You may also need to provide documentation related to the property, such as property ownership documents, as well as an estimated cost of the repairs or renovations.	To apply for a home extension loan, you will need to provide several documents, including proof of identity, address, age, and income, as well as employment or business proof. You may also be required to provide documentation related to the property and the estimated cost of the home extension, as well as a completed loan application form.
Tax benefits	In India, borrowers can claim tax deductions of up to ₹ 30,000 per financial year under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act.	Under Indian tax laws, the principal repayment on a home extension loan may be eligible for a tax deduction of up to ₹ 1.5 lakh per year under Section 80C. Interest payments on the loan may also be tax-deductible, with a limit of ₹ 2 lakh per year for self-occupied homes or no limit for homes that are rented out.

Conclusion

Your house should always be a place of comfort and peace. Regular renovation and extension when necessary are vital to maintaining that tranquility. Home improvement and home extension loans are somewhat similar to each other. The key difference is that the former can only be used for the renovation while the latter can be used for additional construction.