Can a single woman working as a freelancer secure a home loan?

livemint.com:

I am a 40-year-old single woman in need of a home loan to buy a 1-BHK house. Currently, I work as a freelance content writer. Should I approach private banks, PSU (public sector unit) banks, or NBFCs (non-bank financial companies) for the loan? What are the merits and disadvantages with each option? —Name withheld on request It is very much possible to secure a home loan with proper planning and consideration.

Here’s how you can approach it: Loan amount: Before applying for a home loan, assess your affordability for monthly EMI (equated monthly instalments) outgo based on your income. As a freelancer, lenders may require additional documents, such as income tax returns, bank statements, and client contracts, to evaluate your income stability. Make sure you have a set of these documents ready.

Down payment: Aim to save a substantial down payment to reduce the loan amount and enhance your chances of loan approval. Having a higher down payment can also help you negotiate better interest rates. Lenders: You have several options to explore when it comes to lenders.

These include private banks, PSU banks, and NBFCs. There are pure-play affordable players in the market, who have customized programmes especially for structuring loans and assessing incomes for informal self-employed profiles. There are many lenders (housing finance companies), who support first-time women borrowers without credit history or with informal incomes.

Interest rates and terms: Regardless of the lender type, compare interest rates, loan terms, processing fees, and other charges. Choose a loan option that offers favorable terms and aligns with your financial goals. Seek expert advice: It may be beneficial to consult a financial advisor or loan expert