Personal Loans vs. Loan Against Property – Which is Better

Are you paying more than you should for your loan? You're not alone if you're stuck between a personal loan and a loan against property (LAP). Many Indians don’t know which is better, and more importantly, which will cost them less. One gives quick money. The other offers low interest. But picking the wrong one can burn a hole in your pocket for years.

This guide breaks it down. There is no fluff, no confusing jargon, only simple talk, real numbers, practical examples, and clear direction. Let’s start.

Personal Loan and LAP: What’s The Real Difference?

As of May 2025, personal loan growth dropped from 17% to 14.5% YoY, while credit growth slowed to 9.8% overall. 

Personal loans and LAP look similar on the outside. Both give you money when you need it. But inside? Very different beasts.

Personal loans are great when you need money fast, say for a wedding, urgent medical bills or a vacation. There’s no asset involved. You apply online, get the amount in 2–5 days, and repay in 1–5 years.

LAP takes longer. But the loan size is bigger and the interest is smaller. You pledge your home or shop. The bank verifies your property papers. That process may take 2–3 weeks. But you get higher loan limits, sometimes ₹1,00,00,000 or more.

Interest Costs: Which One Will Burn Your Wallet?

You must ask How much am I paying back in total?

Let’s look at two people, Raj and Priya.

Raj needs ₹15,00,000 for his sister’s wedding

Yes, LAP has lower EMI. But because of the longer tenure, Raj pays more in the end.

Now Priya:

Priya needs ₹5,00,000 for urgent surgery

In Priya’s case, LAP looks cheaper on EMI, but she ends up paying more due to long tenure.

That’s the catch. LAP has small monthly payments but big total cost if stretched.

Loan Amounts: What Can You Actually Get?

This depends on income, job, credit score, and property.

Personal Loans:

• Salaried people can get ₹50,000 to ₹20,00,000.
   
• Self-employed individuals usually get less unless their income is very stable.

LAP:

• You can get up to 60% of your property’s market value.
   
• Property worth ₹1,00,00,000? You might get ₹60,00,000.

With LAP, your property is the real hero. The more it’s worth, the more you can borrow.

Speed, Risk, and Paperwork

Here’s the boring, but important, stuff.

Personal Loan:

• Approval Time: 2 to 5 days
   
• Documents: PAN, Aadhaar, salary slips, bank statement
   
• Risk: Only your credit score takes a hit if you default.

LAP:

• Approval Time: 15 to 30 days
   
• Documents: Property papers, latest tax receipts, encumbrance certificate
   
• Risk: Bank can seize property if you stop paying.

Yes, LAP comes with bigger risk. You must be sure you can repay.

When Should You Choose Personal Loan?

You should pick a personal loan when:

• You need less than ₹15,00,000
• You want the money in 2–3 days
• You have no property to offer
• Your need is short-term (within 5 years)
• You don’t want to risk your home

This is best for:

• Weddings
• Emergency medical bills
• Big-ticket purchases
• Paying off high-interest debts

Use it like a short-term fix.

When is Loan Against Property Better?

Go for LAP when:

• You need ₹20,00,000 or more
• You can wait 3–4 weeks for approval
• You own property that’s free of disputes
• You’re comfortable pledging your home/shop
• You need a longer tenure (7–15 years)

Ideal for:

• Business expansion
• Overseas education
• Buying new property
• Consolidating bigger loans

Techniques to Compare Smarter

Use these tricks:

1. EMI-to-Income Ratio:
Make sure EMI is not more than 35% of your monthly income.

2. Break-Even Point:
Figure out at what point total interest crosses over. This helps you decide tenure.

3. Property Evaluation:
Banks don’t consider the market price. They go by the circle rate or the bank valuation, whichever is lower.

4. Prepayment Clause:
Check if you can prepay without penalty. LAP often allows it after 6 months.

Final Thoughts

Loans are not just about interest rates. They're about your life goals, income flow, and how comfortable you are with risk. A personal loan gives you speed. LAP gives you size.

But here’s the truth: Always calculate total cost, not just EMI. Always compare repayment flexibility. And always, always read the fine print.

Only then do you know which is better for you.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for both a personal loan and an LAP at the same time?
Yes, if your income supports it and your credit score is 750+. But lenders will look closely at your repayment capacity.

2. Is LAP available on agricultural land?
No. Most banks don’t accept agricultural land. Only residential, commercial or industrial land qualifies.

3. Will LAP affect my property ownership?
No. Ownership stays with you. But the lender has a charge on it until the loan is cleared.

4. Can I rent out the property while under LAP?
Yes, but you must inform the bank and ensure rental income doesn't go against loan terms.

5. What if the property is jointly owned?
Then all co-owners must be co-applicants. Their credit score and income will also matter.

Apply for Loans Fast and Hassle-Free

Apply Now

About the Author

LoansJagat Team

We are a team of writers, editors, and proofreaders with 15+ years of experience in the finance field. We are your personal finance gurus! But, we will explain everything in simplified language. Our aim is to make personal and business finance easier for you. While we help you upgrade your financial knowledge, why don't you read some of our blogs?