As a homeowner, you know that small and large jobs are always part of the equation. Of course, the cost is considerable. The best solution? Take out a renovation loan. It's simple, attractive and effective.
Swiss buildings are in great need of energy renovation
When it comes to renovating their home, many homeowners have opted for a renovation loan. This method of financing simplifies both small and large-scale work, while giving priority to priorities. So you won't have to "tighten your belt" to renovate and modernize the bathroom, or wait until next year to bring your heating and insulation systems up to standard. It's easier to bring your home up to date with renovation work. You'll be able to rectify any imperfections or shortcomings in your home's energy efficiency.
A study carried out by the Swiss Contractors' Association has produced the following estimate of the number of buildings in need of renovation: there are no less than 1.5 million, with deficiencies in energy, insulation and comfort. To renovate your home, consider taking out a renovation loan. Calculate the cost of your loan and quickly obtain the funds you need to complete the work.
Take out a private renovation loan instead of a mortgage
Why do you need a renovation loan? Do you have a roof to replace, facades to refresh, wallpaper to install, bathroom fixtures to modernize or walls to insulate? A renovation loan will enable you to carry out your projects comfortably. This is thanks to cost control, as you'll have the choice and the opportunity to better select your service provider.
Private credit represents a much faster and more advantageous solution than a mortgage. Of course, a mortgage can be used to finance the purchase of a property, as well as to cover major works. Consumer credit, however, is more useful for smaller jobs.
To undertake the necessary renovations to your home, obtain a private credit using our calculator and simulate your repayment online, free of charge. You'll be able to determine right from the start which monthly repayments are best suited to your financial situation. Don't hesitate to ask us for a comparison and get all the important information you need before embarking on your renovation loan project.
Conditions for obtaining a renovation loan
The conditions for a renovation loan are much less stringent than for a mortgage. However, you'll still need to prove that you have a small portfolio to qualify for financing. The conditions remain the same, whether the property is a principal residence, a second home or a rental property. Here's a list of the first documents you'll need to gather:
- A copy of your identity card
- Your last three pay slips
- A copy of your mortgage contract
Even before you collect your documents, you can submit a non-binding application using the following button:
When should you choose a mortgage rather than a private renovation loan?
When buying a property in Switzerland, taking advantage of a mortgage seems more appropriate. For properties abroad costing less than 250'000, a personal loan is still an excellent solution. If you're planning a major project, you should consider taking out a mortgage. This is particularly important if the total cost exceeds 250'000 Swiss francs.
However, when applying for a renovation loan, you'll need to submit estimates for the work to be carried out to your bank for approval. You will then submit your invoices to the same bank for payment. Generally speaking, the bank that accepts your mortgage will ask you to contribute 20 % of the cost of the work.
What if the work has to be done after the property has been purchased?
In this case, the procedure will be a little more complex, since you'll need to take a number of steps. First of all, you'll need to show your bank how the work will add value to your property. Then, you may have to go back to a notary to create or increase the mortgage.
Please note that this will entail more or less substantial costs. Beware: your application will be rejected if your mortgage has already reached its ceiling. If you're not planning to buy a property, consider a renovation loan or a consumer credit. This type of financing is more flexible, simpler and less expensive, and requires almost no supporting documents.
Renovation loan rates and repayment terms
Depending on the bank, private loan renovation rates range from 3.9% to 9%. By comparison, mortgage rates vary between 1% and 2%, depending on the bank and the loan term. They are therefore lower than those for private credit. To decide whether or not it's really worthwhile, you'll need to look at the term and your budget. Indeed, mortgage repayments can be spread over many years - even decades. Some borrowers even have a lifetime mortgage.
Private renovation loans generally have a maximum term of 84 months. However, this depends on the financial institution selected. Some will be able to make a few exceptions, others will be inflexible. You also have the option of renegotiating the rate on a private loan. This depends on your plans and the duration of the loan. When you look at the long term, private credit will have cost you less with interest. This is because the repayment period is shorter.
Use a renovation loan to finance small jobs
As you can see, there are many advantages to opting for a renovation loan rather than increasing your mortgage. Indeed, in the latter case, obstacles can quickly discourage the homeowner. Particularly when the latter requires a small amount. For a CHF 20'000 renovation, for example, a mortgage increase is rarely granted. Banks only cooperate when the amount requested reaches CHF 200'000 or more.
When it comes to renovation loans, homeowners generally benefit from special terms and conditions to finance work of any size, especially if it's their main residence. What's more, interest rates can be negotiated and are generally at a reasonable level in relation to the borrower's needs and repayment capacity.
Insurance and guarantees to protect your private credit
Opt for a bank that can offer you a complete security package, including a monthly payment guarantee in the event of death, unemployment or disability. For even greater security, don't hesitate to take out payment protection insurance. This type of insurance guarantees repayment of interest and monthly payments in the event of involuntary unemployment or disability. In the event of a claim, the borrower can take a break between monthly payments, subject to certain conditions.
In conclusion, mortgage or private renovation loan?
Let's just say that the 2 are equally valid, and that it's really a question of carefully studying what's best for you. Note, however, that it is preferable to take out a mortgage when financing the work involved in a property purchase. However, this becomes much less attractive when you already own the property in question. Whatever your choice, take the time to calculate the interest over the repayment period and compare the results, as this could tip the balance. In the end, you may find that the cheapest and easiest solution is a renovation loan.
Now that you know the advantages of a renovation loan, all you have to do is apply. With Lica it's simple, fast and efficient! That's right, you make your request online in less than 2 minutes, and then our specialized teams do the work for you. That saves you time and money!