
Girish and Mahesh are both moving to a new house this year. Girish wants to renovate his existing property to accommodate his entire family. Mahesh, on the other hand, is purchasing a new apartment next to his existing flat to make a bigger house. Now the question is, “Who should take a home loan and who should take a personal loan?”
It is a fair question. These two products have very different purposes and follow different rules. Mixing up loan types can cost you more or limit your borrowing capacity.
So, let’s dive deeper into the home loan vs personal loan breakdown so that you know which one truly fits your goals.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to decide between a home loan and a personal loan based on your requirements -
| Parameter | Home Loan | Personal Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Collateral Required | Yes. The home you are purchasing is mortgaged. | No collateral needed |
| Loan Amount | Usually higher; can go into large sums up to ₹5 cr | Lower amounts, typically up to ₹50,000-₹5 lakh |
| Interest Rate | Lower, because it’s secured with your assets | Higher, since risk is higher |
| Repayment Tenure | Longer, often 10-30 years | Shorter. usually 1-5 years |
| Tax Benefits | Yes (Sections 24(b), 80C) | No tax benefits |
| EMI Size | Smaller due to long tenure | Higher due to shorter tenure |
| Processing Time | Longer (property checks, documents) | Quick approvals, often digital |
| Usage Flexibility | Only housing-related | Any purpose |
So, when it comes to home loans vs personal loans, both options have their benefits. But for Girish, who is renovating his house, a personal loan makes sense. Meanwhile, since Mahesh is purchasing a new flat, a home loan is the best option for him.

While thedifference between a home loan and a personal loan is clear, what about home improvement loans? It is technically part of the home loan family, but it behaves a little differently.
If you’re planning a renovation, like giving your kitchen a proper upgrade or redoing your flooring, a home improvement loan can be a sensible pick. The rates are lower than those for personal loans, and the tenure gives you breathing space. But the catch? You’ll still deal with property checks, quotations, and more paperwork.
A personal loan, on the other hand, is almost frictionless. You decide, apply, upload a few documents, and you’re through. No one asks you for blueprints or renovation estimates. You could redo a bedroom or fix a sudden plumbing disaster; it's up to you.
So when it comes to a home improvement loan vs a personal loan, it is all about how quickly you need the funds and the intended use. If you are redoing your entire flat, a home improvement loan is usually the better option. But if you need to do urgent repairs in your bathroom or kitchen, you’ll thank yourself for going with a personal loan.
Also Read -Can I Get a Personal Loan for a House Deposit?
The right choice between a home loan and a personal loan requires analysing your needs against the product features. Here is a checklist you can use for your loan decision tips in India -
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Apply now for a personal loanand experience easy, transparent financing for your home renovations or any other requirement.
Yes. Since a personal loan doesn’t require collateral, it is quicker to obtain than a home loan. It doesn’t involve the detailed due diligence and property valuation required for a home loan.
Both types of loans usually allow prepayment but also have a lock-in period. Personal loans often have a lock-in period, such as 6 months, and may charge a penalty on prepayment, while many home loans today do not have any penalty for floating rate customers.
Yes. Look out for processing fees, late payment charges, and documentation fees so that you aren’t caught off guard. Trusted lenders disclose everything up front.
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