New Delhi [India], May 26: Home improvements are a part of owning your space. Over time, you may want to upgrade your interiors, address repairs, or expand areas to accommodate changing needs.
Similarly, lifestyle aspirations may evolve, requiring funds for higher education, a vacation, major purchases, and experiences. When managing these expenses through your savings gets challenging, a personal loan offers support. Learn how you can use it for diverse needs in this blog.
Why consider a personal loan for home and lifestyle upgrades
Instead of postponing your home improvement plans or essential expenses, you can leverage a personal loan to upgrade. It is a practical financing option thanks to:
Simple onboarding
The digitised application process makes it easier to apply for a personal loan. Lenders assess basic factors supporting your eligibility, like age, credit score, and income stability. The KYC process is completed via a video call.
Quick disbursal of funds
Some expenses like sudden home repairs and funding education can't wait. Personal loans help fund them on time with disbursal in minutes. Your application is also processed with automated checks for instant approvals.
No collateral requirement
Unlike a home loan, you need not pledge your property to avail a home renovation loan. This simplifies your loan application without worrying about asset valuation. The same convenience extends to funding lifestyle expenses with a personal loan.
Multipurpose use
As a personal loan is not tied to a specific purpose, you are free to use the borrowed amount as you deem fit. You are not required to inform the lender about your needs. Cover multiple expenses with the same amount.
Repayment flexibility
Repayment of principal and interest becomes manageable through EMIs. You can spread them across a loan tenure based on your convenience within a typical range of 9 to 60 months.
Higher loan amount
Personal loans support bigger plans with a sizeable amount. You can qualify for a FIRSTmoney personal loan of up to ₹15 lakhs from IDFC FIRST Bank with flexible tenure and zero foreclosure charges.
You can also avail multiple on-demand loans to fund additional requirements from the approved loan offer without reapplying.
Things to consider before applying for a personal loan
A home renovation loan or a personal loan for lifestyle plans works best when planned well. Before you apply, consider these aspects for smart borrowing:
Your specific needs
While you enjoy the flexibility of using the borrowed amount, it helps to define your needs. Note down the expenses you're trying to fund and borrow accordingly. This helps you stay financially disciplined and avoid financial strain during repayment.
Eligibility and documentation
The eligibility and documentation criteria differ across lenders. Research on them to apply thoughtfully and prepare your application for approval. You may also use a personal loan eligibility calculator to check if you qualify.
Repayment comfort
It helps to plan your repayment strategy before you apply for the loan. Assess how the EMI fits into your monthly budget without affecting your expenses and savings. Use a personal loan EMI calculator to decide on the ideal EMI.
Total borrowing cost
While the interest rate influences affordability, a personal loan also involves charges like a processing fee, overdue EMI penalty, EMI bounce charges, document-retrieval fee, etc. Take stock of all cost components to get a realistic view of the overall loan cost.
Loan tenure
Use the flexibility of adjusting the loan tenure smartly. Consider your financial situation and the impact on interest outgo before finalising. A shorter tenure increases EMI, but helps you go debt-free sooner, while a longer tenure is convenient and increases interest.
Lender credibility
Choose a lender with transparent terms, reliable service, seamless onboarding, and a good reputation. This makes a significant difference in your borrowing and repayment experience.
Final words
A personal loan helps you cover your home upgrade and lifestyle needs without compromises. You need not wait until your savings catch up. Fund the expenses when it matters the most and space out the cost with manageable EMIs.
Make informed borrowing decisions to leverage the perks of a personal loan for such planned expenses. Take the time to review terms and understand the impact of the loan structure on your future finances.

