Can I still buy a house if I have a personal loan?

Asked by: Jailyn Denesik  |  Last update: November 19, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (6 votes)

While using a personal loan that remains active can impact your ability to secure a mortgage, this doesn't necessarily mean you won't be able to buy a home. It might just require more effort to ensure on-time payments. Or, then again, it might require paying off your loan early to lower your DTI.

Does a personal loan affect buying a house?

Lenders typically prefer that no more than 30-35% of your income is used to pay debts. If your personal loan payment carries your ratio over that threshold, you may not qualify for as much as you want or need for a mortgage loan.

Do personal loans mess up your credit score?

Taking a personal loan won't mar your credit score or credit rating by itself, but it can adversely affect the overall score. This can make it tough to get a new line of credit such as loans and credit cards. This means you need to pay back this personal loan before getting anything else for a while.

Can I get a loan if I already have a personal loan?

The simple answer is yes. An individual can take more than one Personal Loan. But just like the first loan, you will have to meet the eligibility requirements of the lender to get approval for the loan. Lenders consider several factors like your current income, existing loans, etc.

Can I get a mortgage if I already have a personal loan?

While using a personal loan that remains active can impact your ability to secure a mortgage, this doesn't necessarily mean you won't be able to buy a home. It might just require more effort to ensure on-time payments.

Can I Take a Personal Loan to Buy a House?

17 related questions found

Can you get a personal loan and home loan at the same time?

To get both loans together you must meet the banks' eligibility criteria involving credit score and income. Assess your financial health before taking both loans and keep an emergency fund aside for contingencies.

What is the minimum credit score for a personal loan?

To qualify for a personal loan, you generally need a minimum credit score of at least 580 — though certain lenders have even lower requirements than that. However, your chances of getting a low interest personal loan rate are much higher if you have good to excellent credit, typically a score of 740 and above.

How does a personal loan affect your taxes?

A personal loan doesn't generally qualify as taxable income because it's a form of debt that must be repaid. Even though you receive all the funds at once, it's not considered income if you pay it back as agreed. That's true even if you use the proceeds for personal needs, such as paying for an emergency expense.

Does paying off a personal loan early hurt credit?

Key Takeaways. Paying off a loan may lower your credit score, but if you practice good credit habits the effect will be minimal. Paying off a loan early can reduce your debt-to-income ratio, which can benefit your credit. Your credit score is based on a number of factors, like payment history and credit utilization.

How much is a $20,000 loan for 5 years?

A $20,000 loan at 5% for 60 months (5 years) will cost you a total of $22,645.48, whereas the same loan at 3% will cost you $21,562.43. That's a savings of $1,083.05. That same wise shopper will look not only at the interest rate but also the length of the loan.

How much is 26.99 APR on $3000?

How much is 26.99 APR on $3,000? An APR of 26.99% on a $3,000 balance would cost $67.26 in monthly interest charges.

How to borrow money to buy a house?

6 ways to borrow money for a down payment
  1. HELOC or home equity loan.
  2. Loan from a relative or friend.
  3. Retirement savings.
  4. Bridge loan.
  5. Down payment assistance.
  6. Personal loan.

Is it smart to take out a personal loan for down payment on house?

It might increase your interest rate. Taking out a personal loan to cover a down payment signals to a mortgage lender that you're financially stretched and may not be able to afford homeownership. This makes you a greater risk.

Which loan is best home or personal?

If you require funds instantly without putting your property as collateral, a personal loan might be more suitable. On the other hand, if you are looking to buy or refinance a home and need a substantial amount with a longer repayment period, a home loan would be the better option.

What is the $100,000 loophole for family loans?

The $100,000 Loophole.

With a larger below-market loan, the $100,000 loophole can save you from unwanted tax results. To qualify for this loophole, all outstanding loans between you and the borrower must aggregate to $100,000 or less.

Does a personal loan hurt your credit?

A personal loan can affect your credit score in several ways⁠—both good and bad. Taking out a personal loan isn't bad for your credit score in and of itself. However, it may affect your overall score in the short term and make it more difficult for you to obtain additional credit until the loan is repaid.

Is a loan considered income?

Borrowers can use personal loans for all kinds of purposes, but the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) cannot treat loans like income and tax them, with one significant exception: Personal loans are not considered income for the borrower unless the loan is forgiven.

What credit score do I need for a $50,000 loan?

In general, to qualify for a $50,000 personal loan you will need to show you have sufficient income to make the monthly payments and have a credit score of 580 or higher. You also must be 18 years old and a U.S. citizen, legal resident, or visa holder.

What is a hardship loan?

Hardship personal loans are a type of personal loan intended to help borrowers overcome financial difficulties such as job loss, medical emergencies, or home repairs. Hardship personal loan programs are often offered by small banks and credit unions.

What is the easiest loan to get immediately?

Some of the easiest loans to get approved for if you have bad credit include payday loans, no-credit-check loans, and pawnshop loans. Before you apply for an emergency loan to obtain funds quickly, make sure you read the fine print so you know exactly what your costs will be.

Can I buy a house with a personal loan?

A personal loan cannot be used to buy a house in most cases.

Should I pay off a personal loan before buying a house?

Potential home buyers that may have too much debt may limit the size of mortgage they are qualified to borrow. On the other hand, those who pay off debt too close to the date of application may experience other issues while obtaining a mortgage due to fluctuations in their credit score.

Can you combine two personal loans into one?

A debt consolidation loan allows you to combine multiple higher-rate balances into a single loan with one set regular monthly payment. It is one of several tools you might consider to gain control of your debt, from bills to credit cards. With a Discover® personal loan, for example, you can apply for up to $40,000.