What is a mortgage loan and how does it work? Your complete guide

Mortgage loans are vital for homeownership, enabling extended repayment and manageable costs. Understanding the terms is crucial for responsible borrowing. Proper management can enhance credit scores, while defaults may harm financial reputation.

Dakshita Ojha
Updated17 Mar 2025, 09:18 AM IST
Understanding mortgage loans and how does it work?
Understanding mortgage loans and how does it work?

The acquisition of ownership through home purchase stands as a fundamental life achievement for most people although it generally requires substantial monetary investment. Mortgage loans provide necessary funds that enable people to achieve their homeownership aspirations through extended repayment plans.

Also Read | How to get the best personal loan deal in 2025? 3 key tips shared

Understanding mortgage loan

Mortgage loans function as secured loans that require you to deposit real estate including houses or businesses for loan protection. The ownership rights of the property rest with the lender as long as you have not completely repaid the debt. This financing approach is highly sought because it provides borrowers access to big loans at reasonable rates while extending the payment duration.

How does a mortgage loan work?

A mortgage offers credit to a lender-for the purpose of purchasing real estate-usually a bank or other financial organization. The borrower repaid the loan's principal and interest to the lender throughout a repayment period-a period, usually 15 to 30 years, during which the borrower makes monthly payments to his lender. If the borrower defaults, the lender may take physical possession of the property and sell it to compensate themselves.

Types of mortgage loan

  • Basic mortgage: The lender may sell the collateral property in the event of a default from the borrower to recoup the unpaid balance.
  • Usufructuary mortgage: The lender collects rents from the subject property until such time the loan is paid back. They don't get true ownership of the subject property under this type of mortgage.
  • English mortgage: The lender may take possession of the collateral property in case of a default in the repayment of the loan within a stipulated time frame.
  • Sub-mortgage: It is used for clients having lower credit ratings. Loans are still made by lenders but with higher interest rates due to their risk assessments.

Also Read | Personal loan: How is this different from a secured loan? An explainer

Impact of mortgage loan on your credit score?

Depending on the way you manage repayments, a home loan can have a dramatic influence on your credit score, positive or negative. If you repay your mortgage on time, then your creditworthiness increases, which means that you will find it easy to take other loans in the future. On the other hand, late or missed payments will spoil your financial legacy as well as credit report.

Key factors to consider before taking a mortgage loan

  • Amount of loan: The amount of the loan that is sanctioned will depend on your finances and the market worth of the property.
  • Interest rates: Mortgage interest rates depending on the lender will generally range between 11-15%. You may either go for a fixed rate loan or a floating rate loan.
  • Additional charges: Remember that processing, documentation, and application components can increase the total amount of loan.

Also Read | Personal loans: 5 key reasons for which it is not unreasonable to borrow

In conclusion, a mortgage loan is an important financial tool that makes homeownership possible by setting costs over a long range. But for responsible borrowing, understanding the terms and conditions is necessary. Judiciously balancing interest rates, costs, and pay-out commitments will help make decisions and get a loan that fits your financial goals.

(Note: Raising a loan comes with its own risks. So, due caution is advised)

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Business NewsMoneyPersonal FinanceWhat is a mortgage loan and how does it work? Your complete guide
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First Published:12 Mar 2025, 03:52 PM IST
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