Own your dream home using efficient money management practices

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What Mortgage loan terms do I need to know?

  • Mortgage loan: A facility provided to customers enabling them to purchase, construct or renovate a property for which the bank defines a repayment schedule, basis customer eligibility and requirements.
  • Debt-Burden Ratio (DBR):

    The ratio of your total monthly payments (including installments towards your loans and credit cards), to your total monthly income. This is used by banks to calculate your eligibility for loans and credit cards, as it shows your current liabilities and your ability to repay. As per the Central Bank of the UAE, only those with a DBR of less than 50% are eligible for any loan.

  • Net income:

    The amount left after all deductions by your employer and your expenses including any credit card payments and loan installment payments.

Why is owning a home beneficial?

Benefits:

  • Investing in an asset which may appreciate in value over time
  • Savings on rent
  • Option to design the home as you wish
  • Income from rental income if rented out

Challenges:

  • Significant initial investment needed towards down payment
  • Generally is a long term debt due to the loan amount involved
  • Illiquid asset (can’t be disposed off quickly)

Financial considerations before home ownership or availing a Mortgage loan:

  • Arranging for down payment
  • Monthly Mortgage loan installments
  • Service charges and any other maintenance costs
  • Utility bills (for electricity, water, gas, internet, etc.)
  • Renovation/ Refurbishment costs
  • Landscaping costs (for villas)
  • Life insurance and property insurance premiums
  • Ongoing repairs and maintenance of the property

Considerations for home ownership:

  • Evaluate affordability: It is the most important factor.
  • Weigh the pros and cons: Choose a property and a Mortgage loan that best suits your needs.
  • Use SMART goals: Save for the down payment.
  • Be aware! Know the service charges and maintenance costs.
  • Be regular: Pay your installments timely.
  • Reduce avoidable expenses: Use the additional savings to reduce debt.

Important Note:

  • If you do not keep up your repayments, you may lose your property
  • You may have to pay penalties if you pay off a loan too early
  • If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access financing in the future.

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Tags: Family Finances Articles Debt management Debts & Loans Home ownership Mortgage loan Challenges of property ownership