Buying property is a huge financial decision in life. Whether you are thinking of investing in land for house construction in future or buying a ready-to-move-in house, choosing the right loan type is crucial. There are two commonly popular housing finance options available, i.e. Plot Loans and Home Loans. While both are helpful in acquiring property, there are many significant differences in their features, benefits, and eligibility.
Feature | Home Loan | Plot Loan |
Purpose | Purchase/construct/renovate a ready-to-move or under-construction house/flat | Plot loan can be sued to purchase a residential plot/land |
Restriction on Usage | Can be used for ready/ under-construction/ self-construction properties | Land must be used for residential purpose only (not agricultural or industrial) |
Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio | Up to 80% - 90% of property’s value | Usually up to 70% - 75% of plot’s cost |
Tax Benefits | Available under Section 80C (principal component) and Section 24(b) (interest component) of the Income Tax Act | No tax deduction available on plot loan EMI payments |
Repayment Tenure | Longer tenure up to 30 years | Shorter tenure up to 10 to 15 years |
Rate of Interest | Lower interest rate than plot loans | Slightly higher interest rate than home loans as they are riskier for banks |
Location Restrictions | Wider acceptance, including approved projects, resale, and self-construction | Generally available for locations only in municipal or approved areas |
Loan Conversion | Not applicable | Can be converted later into a composite loan (plot + construction) |
Disbursement | Disbursed in stages for construction and lump sum for ready-to-move | Disbursed in lump sum to buy the land and in stages for composite loans (plot + construction) |
Choose a Plot Loan if you are planning a long-term investment or want to construct your dream house later.
Choose a Home Loan if you want to move in your house immediately, pay stable EMIs, and avail of tax benefits.
In short, a plot loan gives more flexibility and investment potential, while a housing loan offers immediate housing and tax benefits. The right choice of loan depends on your needs, budget, financial goals, and timeline for construction.
Also Read : Step-by-Step Home Loan Process Explained for First-Time Buyers