Things to Keep in Mind Before Taking a Joint Loan

Table of Contents

• Things to Keep in Mind Before Taking a Joint Loan
  1. Choosing your co-borrower
  2. Be aware of restrictions you may face
  3. Properly evaluate your financial standing
  4. Tax Benefits
  5. Insurance

Things to Keep in Mind Before Taking a Joint Loan

The popularity of joint loans has increased in the modern world. Despite the challenges associated with taking a joint loan, they offer many benefits, such as lower interest rates and better loan terms. According to a survey conducted by a financial services provider, 58% of people opt for joint loans when they are looking for a large loan. With joint loans, two or more people join forces to secure a loan, which means that each party is equally liable for repayment. At times when you find that you are falling short of the criteria for being eligible for several different types of house loans, joint loans can seem like a godsend. 

The many benefits of this type of home loan include less financial burden and the ability to obtain loans even with a low credit score. Although a joint loan can be beneficial, there are certain things to consider before taking one.

Suggested read: Benefits of Joint Home Loans

1. Choosing your co-borrower

While joint loans may offer an easier approval process, it’s important to also consider the potential downsides that can come with them. 

Choosing the right co-borrower is one of the most important steps toward taking a joint loan. Your co-borrower should have the financial stability to shoulder the responsibility of the loan. Additionally, they should be eligible for joint loans - ideally, they should have a good credit score and meet all the other requirements. The possibility of disagreements with your co-borrower is one of the major factors that tend to be overlooked. It is important to remember that joint loans also involve both parties accepting responsibility for the loan and any associated debt, so both parties will need to be prepared to do this.

2. Be aware of restrictions you may face

Taking out a joint loan typically involves both parties agreeing to certain restrictions they must follow to be approved for different types of home loans. This is because there are several stakeholders involved, and the documentation for each of these should be checked. These can include limitations on the amount of money that can be withdrawn during a specific period or restrictions on how the loaned money can be spent. Make sure you understand these restrictions so you don’t run into any problems.

3. Properly evaluate your financial standing

Before taking out a joint loan, it’s important to thoroughly analyze both parties’ financial situations. Do you and your partner have a reliable income and a good credit score? What kind of debts are you and your partner currently paying off? Knowing the answers to these questions helps you determine whether taking out a joint loan is a responsible decision and whether or not you will qualify. It is advisable to apply with the co-borrower who has the best credit score as the primary applicant, while the others can be designated as co-applicants. However, keep in mind that, even if one of the borrowers defaults, the credit score of all the borrowers could be impacted negatively!

4. Tax Benefits

Opting for a joint loan has benefits in the form of tax benefits as well. There are tax deductions of up to Rs 2 lakhs that can be claimed under the Income Tax Act, for the payment of interest accrued on home loans, during the respective financial year.

Similarly, the portion of the principal amount that is repaid during a particular period can also be considered for tax deductions. All co-borrowers can avail of these benefits according to the proportion of their share in the property ownership. It is necessary to keep in mind that there is a limit to the home loan tax benefits that can be claimed as well.

5. Insurance

Have you ever wondered, what would happen if one of your co-borrowers was rendered unable to repay their share of the loan (for example, in the case of death)? The burden would then fall on the shoulders of the remaining co-borrowers. To leapfrog over such risks, it is necessary to get life insurance coverage for all the borrowers involved while applying for the loan. This will safeguard you and your co-borrower's interests in the case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Suggested read: Home Loan Insurance