Home Loan Processing: Essential Documents and the Significance of Encumbrance Certificate
When getting a home loan, gather key documents reflecting your finances and homeownership goals. The documents required for a home loan are necessary to verify the borrower’s identity and income. The documents are also used to verify the property you intend to purchase.
The exact requirements might vary from one lender to another, but generally, here are the essential documents:
- Sale Deed: A Sale Deed is a legal instrument. Through it, the ownership of a property is transferred from the seller to the buyer. This document is required by banks and financial institutions as proof of ownership of the property being mortgaged.
- Property Tax Receipts: Property Tax Receipts are proof of property tax payment for a specified period. Banks and financial institutions require these receipts to ensure that all taxes related to the property have been paid.
- Building Plan Approval: Building Plan Approval is a document issued by the local municipal corporation certifying that the construction of the building has been approved per the regulations. This document is essential when applying for a home loan as it ensures the building is legally constructed.
- NOC from Society: NOC (No Objection Certificate) from Society is required when purchasing a property in a cooperative housing society. This certificate confirms that there are no objections from the society regarding the sale of the property.
- Property Documents: These are essential to prove ownership and include the sale agreement, allotment letter, and possession letter from the builder/seller.
- Property Valuation Report: This report is provided by the bank’s empanelled valuer and gives an estimate of the property’s value.
- Encumbrance Certificate: This document is crucial as it provides information about any legal or monetary liabilities on the property. It certifies that the property is free from any outstanding mortgages or loans.
Some other documents required for a home loan are:
- Application Form: This is the formal request for a home loan. It includes personal and financial information about the applicant.
- Proof of Identity and Address: Documents like Aadhar Card, Passport, Driver’s License, or Voter ID card.
- Proof of Income: This can include salary slips, income tax returns, Form 16, and other relevant documents depending on your employment type (salaried/self-employed)
- Bank Statements: To show your financial stability, typically for the last six months.
- Processing Fee Cheque: To cover the cost of processing the loan application.
What is an Encumbrance Certificate?
An Encumbrance Certificate (EC) is a legal document. It certifies that a property is free from monetary or legal liabilities such as mortgages, loans, or other claims. The local sub-registrar’s office issues it and lists all transactions related to the property for a specified period. This document is essential when buying a property as it confirms its title is clear and transferable.
Why is an Encumbrance Certificate important for Home Loan Processing?
An Encumbrance Certificate is important for home loan processing as it assures the lender that the property being mortgaged is free from any encumbrances. Banks and financial institutions require this certificate before approving a home loan, and failure to provide it can lead to rejection of the loan application.
Banks and financial institutions request the encumbrance certificate to verify the property’s ownership and marketability. It also helps to protect the interests of both the lender and the borrower, as any existing liabilities on the property could impact its value and the loan repayment process.
Read: Comprehensive Guide on Home loan processing fees And Hidden Charges
What is a Nil Encumbrance Certificate?
If you request an EC for a specific period, you will only receive details for that period and not more. An EC includes the history of all registered liens on the property for a particular period. At most, the Encumbrance Certificate of a property is for up to 30 years. A “Nil Encumbrance Certificate” is issued if no charges are set on the property during the period. This means no person has set a lien on the property during that period.
Conclusion
The encumbrance certificate first should ensure the property’s legal standing and marketability when applying for a home loan. It’s a wise practice to consult your lender or financial advisor. They can help you grasp the documentation needed for your home loan application.
Read: Section 80EE Income Tax Act: A Comprehensive Guide