Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
From the moment your home loan is approved to the final transfer of funds, the disbursement process involves several important steps. Each stage, from documentation to the actual transfer, plays a crucial role in ensuring everything goes smoothly. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect during each phase of home loan disbursement.
From Approval to Keys – Quick Home Loan Disbursement Made Easy!
What is Home Loan Disbursement?
Home loan disbursement refers to the release of the approved loan amount by the lender to either the property seller or builder. This process occurs after the loan approval and completion of all necessary documentation and legal verifications.
Types of Home Loan Disbursement
When you buy a house with a loan, the bank gives you money in parts or all at once. Here’s how it works:
Full Disbursement
- What It Is: You receive the entire loan amount all at once.
- When It’s Used: This is common when buying a house that is already built or a resale property.
- How It Works: The bank transfers the full amount directly to the seller’s account in a single payment.
- Benefits: It’s simple and quick since you get all the money at one time.
Partial Disbursement
- What It Is: The loan money is given to you in smaller amounts or instalments.
- When It’s Used: This is typically used when you are building a new house.
- How It Works: The bank releases money based on the progress of the construction. Before giving the next instalment, the bank checks to make sure the construction is on schedule.
- Benefits: It helps ensure that the money is used properly for building the house.
Construction-Linked Disbursement
- What It Is: Similar to partial disbursement, but the money is released at specific stages of the building process.
- When It’s Used: Ideal for buying an under-construction property.
- How It Works: The loan is paid out in instalments tied to different construction phases, such as laying the foundation, building the walls, adding the roof, and completing the project.
- Benefits: It aligns the loan disbursement with the actual building progress, ensuring funds are available when needed.
Home Loan Disbursement Process
Understanding the home loan disbursement process is important because it’s the final step in getting your home loan. Here’s a simple guide to how it works:
- Application and Documentation
- Loan Approval
- Property Verification and Valuation
- Loan Disbursement
1. Home Loan Application
The first step is applying for a home loan. You can apply either offline by visiting a bank branch or online through the bank’s website. When you apply, you need to provide a lot of information and documents, such as:
- Personal Details: Information about yourself and your family.
- Financial Information: Your income, assets, and liabilities.
- Proof of Identity: Documents like your PAN card and Aadhar Card.
- Address Proof: Documents that show where you live.
- Income Proof: Salary slips and tax returns from the last three years.
- Property Details: Information about the apartment you want to buy, including floor plans and the seller’s or developer’s initial estimates.
Nowadays, many banks allow you to submit your home loan application and all required documents online, making the process faster and more convenient.
2. Loan Sanction
After you submit your application, the bank reviews all the information and documents. If everything looks good, the bank gives you an in-principle sanction for a certain loan amount. This means the bank agrees to lend you that amount based on your financial situation.
Next, you receive a sanction letter from the bank. To get this letter, you might need to pay a small fee for administrative and processing charges. This letter is important because it shows the seller or builder that the bank is ready to fund your loan.
Before issuing the sanction letter, the bank’s legal team checks the property’s legal documents, such as title deeds and any other necessary papers, to make sure there are no issues like disputes or unpaid dues.
The bank decides how much to lend you based on your income, expenses, and other financial factors. If needed, you can add a co-borrower, like your spouse, to increase the loan amount.
Once the sanction letter is issued, it includes important details like the approved loan amount, the date when you need to start paying installments, the loan tenure, and the interest rate. Remember, the sanction letter is only valid for a certain period, so you need to proceed with the next steps before it expires.
3. Loan Disbursement
The final step is getting the loan money, which is called disbursement. The bank usually disburses the loan in stages, especially if you are buying an under-construction property. Here’s how it works:
- Completion of Requirements: Before the bank releases the money, you need to show that you have paid your down payment to the seller or builder.
- Request for Disbursement: You can request the loan disbursement either offline by visiting the bank branch or online through the bank’s website.
How is Home Loan Disbursed for Under Construction Property?
1. Disbursement in Stages
- Based on Construction Progress: The lender releases the loan amount in installments as the builder completes each phase of construction.
- Builder’s Role: After finishing a stage, the builder sends a demand letter to you, indicating that it’s time for the next payment.
- Your Role: You then request your lender to disburse the necessary funds to the builder.
2. Paying Pre-EMI Interest
- What is Pre-EMI?: During the construction period, you don’t start paying the full Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) that includes both principal and interest. Instead, you pay only the interest on the amount that has been disbursed so far. This interest-only payment is called Pre-EMI.
- Why Pre-EMI?: Since the full loan amount hasn’t been released yet, you’re only charged interest on the money that’s actually been given to the builder.
Transitioning to Full EMI Payments
- Completion of Construction: Once the property is fully built, the lender disburses the remaining loan amount to the builder.
- Start of Full EMI: You begin paying the full EMI, which includes both the principal and the interest.
- Loan Repayment Begins: With full EMI payments, you start reducing the principal amount you owe.
Option to Start Full EMI Early
- Your Choice: You can choose to start paying the full EMI right after the first disbursement, even while the property is still under construction.
- Benefits:
- Reduce Total Interest Paid: Starting EMI payments earlier can lower the total interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan.
- Faster Principal Reduction: You begin reducing your principal balance sooner.
- How to Opt In: Inform your lender of your decision before the disbursement process begins.
How to Stop Further Disbursements on a Partially Disbursed Home Loan
If you’ve started a home loan but haven’t received the full amount yet, you might be able to halt the remaining funds. This can be helpful if you no longer need the extra money or if your plans have changed.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Contact Your Lender | Reach out to your bank or lending institution. Explain why you want to stop the remaining disbursements. |
| Review Loan Agreement | Look over the terms and conditions of your loan. Check for any clauses about halting disbursements or possible fees. |
| Negotiate Terms | Be prepared to discuss changes to your loan agreement. Understand that there might be fees or adjustments to your repayment schedule. |
| Confirm in Writing | Get all agreements and changes in writing. Ensure that both you and the lender have a clear record of the new terms. |
| Adjust Repayment Plan | Update your repayment plan based on the new loan amount. |
| Monitor Your Loan Account | Keep an eye on your loan statements to make sure no additional funds are disbursed and that all changes are correctly applied. |
Get your home loan disbursed without delays—choose Credit Dharma for a seamless home loan process.
Why Choose Credit Dharma for Your Home Loan?
Buying a home is a big step. Getting a home loan can be hard, but we make it easy. Choosing Credit Dharma for your home loan simplifies this process. We offer expert advice and personalized assistance to make everything hassle-free. You’ll receive timely updates on your loan application and disbursement progress.
From the initial application to the final disbursement, we provide comprehensive support. Enjoy clear and honest communication at every stage, with no hidden surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
The disbursement process typically begins after all necessary loan approvals are secured and the required paperwork is completed.
Yes, disbursements can be full or partial, and they can be disbursed in a lump sum or in multiple installments depending on the loan agreement and the construction stage of the property.
In construction-linked loans, the disbursement amount at each phase is decided based on the completion of predetermined construction milestones.
Canceling a home loan after disbursement has started is generally not allowed. However, if only a part of the loan has been disbursed, you might negotiate stopping further disbursements or restructuring the loan based on your circumstances.
If construction costs exceed the approved loan amount, you can apply for a loan enhancement with your lender. You’ll need to provide updated cost estimates and justification for the increased amount.
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