SAKSHI PARDHE
31ST MARCH 2025

A Pagadi property is a unique rental system in India where tenants have long-term occupancy rights but do not own the property. Getting a loan for such a property is challenging due to legal and financial constraints. Below is a detailed analysis of whether loans can be obtained for Pagadi properties and possible workarounds.
- A Pagadi tenant pays a nominal rent to the landlord but enjoys quasi-ownership rights, meaning they can sublet or transfer tenancy with the landlord’s consent.
- The Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999, and other rent control laws govern Pagadi properties, limiting landlords’ ability to evict tenants or raise rents significantly.
Lack of Ownership Title
- A home loan requires the borrower to have ownership rights, but Pagadi tenants only have tenancy rights, not ownership.
- Since the tenant cannot mortgage the property, banks do not consider it a collateral asset for a loan.
Legal Restrictions on Sale & Transfer
- Pagadi properties are not freely transferable like freehold or leasehold properties.
- Transfer requires the landlord’s consent, often with a significant transfer fee (typically 33% to 50% of the transaction value).
- This lack of free marketability discourages banks from approving loans.
Low Collateral Value
- Since the tenant does not own the property, the market value is unclear.
- Banks assess property value based on marketability and resale potential, which is uncertain in Pagadi properties.
Although direct home loans are difficult, here are alternative ways to raise funds:
Personal Loan
- Pagadi tenants can take a personal loan from banks or NBFCs based on their income and credit score.
- Interest rates are higher than home loans (typically 10%–24%).
Loan Against Other Property (LAP)
- If the Pagadi tenant owns another property, they can mortgage that property and take a loan against property (LAP).
Private Lenders and NBFCs
- Some private lenders or non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) may provide loans for Pagadi properties, but at high interest rates (15%–36%).
Redevelopment Loans
- If the Pagadi property is undergoing redevelopment, the new builder or bank may offer a loan to help tenants buy their unit in the redeveloped building.
To make the property eligible for bank loans, tenants can explore:
Purchasing the Property from the Landlord
- Some landlords sell ownership rights to tenants at a negotiated price.
- Once the tenant becomes the legal owner, they can apply for a home loan.
Redevelopment & Apartment Purchase
- If the property undergoes redevelopment, tenants may get a chance to buy ownership rights in the new building at a concessional rate.
- Banks offer loans if the builder has proper approvals and tenants get ownership flats instead of tenancy rights.
Housing Society Formation & Conversion to Ownership
- If multiple Pagadi tenants come together, they can form a housing society and purchase the land from the landlord collectively.
- This converts the property into ownership flats, making it eligible for bank loans.
Legal Considerations in Pagadi Loans & Transfers
- If a tenant wants to transfer their tenancy rights, they must pay a transfer fee to the landlord (33%–50% of the transaction value).
- Some banks or NBFCs may finance the transfer amount if the tenant provides strong financial credentials.
- If the Pagadi system is abolished in the future, properties may become freehold, increasing eligibility for loans.
Conclusion
- Standard Home Loans? No, because tenants do not have ownership.
- Loan Against Pagadi Property? Very rare, as it lacks marketable title.
- Alternative Loan Options? Personal Loans, LAP, Private Lenders, and Redevelopment Loans.
- Best Long-Term Solution? Convert tenancy into ownership through buyout or redevelopment.
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