A quick overview of Homeowner Loans
If you need to borrow a larger sum of money than a standard personal loan allows, a homeowner loan, also known as a secured loan or a second charge mortgage, could be the answer. These loans are secured against the equity in your property, often allowing for lower interest rates and longer repayment terms than unsecured options. Whether you are looking to renovate your home or consolidate existing debt, you can find out more in our guide to secured loans.
What can homeowner loans be used for?
Lenders are generally quite flexible about the use of a secured loan, although how much you can get will depend on the level of equity you hold in your home. The most common uses include:
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Debt Consolidation: Combining high-interest credit cards or loans into one lower monthly payment
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Major Home Improvements: Funding extensions, loft conversions, or new kitchens that add value to the property
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Large One-off Costs: Such as a wedding, a child's education, a vehicle
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Deposit requirements: To provide a deposit for a second property or to a relative who needs help onto the property ladder
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Funding Business Ventures: such as start up capital or financing commercial premises
How homeowner loans compare to personal loans
Homeowner loans are specifically for those who own a property and are willing to use it as collateral. Because the lender has the security of your home, they are often willing to lend more money over a longer period.
This table compares the typical features of both products.
|
Feature |
Homeowner (Secured) Loan |
Unsecured Personal Loan |
|
Typical Loan Amount |
£10,000 to £500,000+ |
£1,000 to £50k |
|
Repayment Terms |
3 to 30 years |
1 to 7 years |
|
Interest Rates |
Often lower especially for large sums |
Generally higher for larger amounts |
|
Credit Score Impact |
More flexible; easier for bad credit applicants |
Requires a good to excellent score |
|
Speed of Funding |
2 to 4 weeks |
Very fast, often same day |
|
Collateral Required |
Your property |
No |
|
Risk to Borrower |
Home at risk if you default |
Credit score damage & legal action |
Featured Articles
Secured Loans Explained
A complete guide to secured loans
Bad Credit Secured Loans
How to get a secured loan with a history of bad credit
Secured Loans: Pros, Cons and Alternatives to Consider
Advantages and disadvantages of homeowner loans
Secured Business Loans
A guide to secured loans for business purposes
Second Charge Buy-to-Let Mortgages
A guide to buy-to-let secured loansFAQs
While faster than a first-charge mortgage, homeowner loans usually take between 2 to 4 weeks to complete. This timeframe allows for a property valuation and the necessary legal checks to ensure the second charge is properly registered.
Speak to a homeowner loan specialist
THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
IF YOU ARE THINKING OF CONSOLIDATING EXISTING BORROWING YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT YOU MAY BE EXTENDING THE TERMS OF THE DEBT AND INCREASING THE TOTAL AMOUNT YOU REPAY.
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