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A secured loan is any loan that requires the borrower to provide the lender with some form of security. In the case of secured loans, the security will be the borrower's property, regardless of whether it is mortgaged or owned outright. Loans secured against property that is already mortgaged are known as second charges

A loan which is backed by assets belonging to the borrower in order to decrease the risk assumed by the lender. The assets may be forfeited to the lender if the borrower fails to make the necessary payments. whereas loans secured against a property owned outright with no existing mortgage in place are known as first charges. See below for a quick guide to secured loans.

STEP 1 - WHICH LOAN?
Secured home-owner loans are available in varying amounts and for many different purposes, including debt consolidation. The amount available usually ranges from ￡3,000 to ￡50,000, although some lenders will consider lending up to ￡100,000. The amount borrowed is repaid monthly over a term agreed at the outset, which will usually range between three years and twenty five years. You may be charged a penalty if you repay your loan earlier than agreed, and you should check each lender’s individual policy with regards to this.

Lenders charge interest on the amount you borrow, which is referred to as the Annual Percentage Rate (A.P.R). The amount you can borrow, the term available and the A.P.R will all depend upon the equity you have in your property, the lender's view of your ability to repay the loan and your personal circumstances, for example any adverse credit. Subject to your circumstances, you may be able to borrow up to 125% of the property value. The A.P.Rs quoted by the lender will usually be typical rates, and these act as a guide only as the exact rate offered will be on an individual basis. As a general rule, it is advisable to compare the A.P.Rs of different loans, as this is a good way to determine how competitive they are.

Generally, secured loans are much easier to obtain than unsecured loans. This is because the lender has the added benefit of security, which provides protection in the event of a customer's inability to repay. This also means that persons who are self-employed, have recently changed jobs or who have adverse credit can take out a loan. They are also useful for larger amounts or where the applicant requires a longer repayment period.

STEP 2 - HOW DO I APPLY?
Lending institutions offer you the option of taking a secured loan via their branch network, over the telephone, via a written application or online through their website. Initial assessment of your application can be made quickly, however loans under ￡25,000 are regulated, and a 7 day consideration period will be given to allow time for you to assess the implications of the credit agreement, and to ensure that you are fully aware of all the terms and conditions. When assessing your application the lender will consider your income and financial commitments to determine whether you can afford to take on and repay additional finance. They will look at your past credit history and take into consideration any adverse credit such as mortgage arrears, defaults or county court judgements. All lenders insist that where an applicant is married, both parties should be named on the application form.

STEP 3 - HOW AM I PROTECTED?
A secured loan is subject to The Consumer Credit Act 1974. The Act contains strict regulations about how money is lent and covers loans up to a value of ￡25,000. Loans for sums greater than ￡25,000 are unregulated. When taking out a secured loan you will be asked to sign a credit agreement, which should be read carefully as the terms are binding. For regulated loans of under ￡25,000 the lender must provide a consideration period of 7 days. Lenders offer insurance policies and payment protection schemes to cover your monthly repayments in the event of accident, sickness, unemployment and death (conditions apply). Cover does vary between lenders, as does the cost, therefore you should check individual policies for what is included, and just as importantly, what is excluded.

If you are considering protecting your repayments in the event of accident, sickness, unemployment or death, why not browse our Mortgage Protection and Income Protection finders. If you do experience difficulties with your repayments, seek advice from your lender as soon as you can. Remember, your property acts as security for your loan and it is therefore at risk in the event of any repayment problems. The earlier you seek help, the more sympathetic your lender is likely to be. You can also seek help from voluntary organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau.