How to sell a house with a loan?
In the current real estate market, many homeowners may be facing a common question:How to sell the house smoothly when the house is still under loan?Not only does this involve complex processes, but it also requires understanding the relevant policies and considerations. Below is a detailed answer to this question to help you complete your transaction efficiently.
1. Basic process of selling a house with a loan

The sale of a property under loan is different from an ordinary property transaction and mainly involves the following steps:
| steps | Operation content | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Assess property value | Evaluate current market value through professional institutions | Make sure the selling price covers the remaining loan |
| 2. Contact your bank | Consult the early repayment process | Liquidated damages may be required |
| 3. Sign the sales contract | reach agreement with buyer | Clarify payment method and time |
| 4. Release of property | Pay off the loan with the buyer's down payment or self-raised funds | A bank release certificate is required |
| 5. Transfer of ownership | Complete property transfer | Taxes and fees apply |
2. Frequently Asked Questions about Selling a House with a Loan
In practice, homeowners may encounter the following problems:
1.The remaining loan is higher than the house price:If the property depreciates in value, the sale price may not cover the loan. At this time, you need to raise funds yourself to make up the difference, or negotiate a solution with the bank.
2.Buyer loan approval delays:If a buyer needs a loan to purchase a house, the approval time may affect the progress of the transaction. It is recommended to communicate with the bank in advance and choose an institution with faster lending speed.
3.Liquidated damages issue:Some banks charge liquidated damages for early repayment, usually between 1% and 3% of the loan contract. The following are the liquidated damages policies of several major banks:
| Bank name | Early repayment liquidated damages | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| ICBC | 1%-2% of the remaining principal | Reduction of loan after one year |
| China Construction Bank | 1.5% of remaining principal | Need to apply 30 days in advance |
| China Merchants Bank | 1% of remaining principal | Only available for certain loan products |
3. Alternatives to Selling a House with a Loan
If you can't pay off your loan right away, you can also consider the following alternatives:
1.Remortgage:Transfer the loan to the buyer's name. Bank approval is required and the buyer must meet loan conditions. Currently, only a few banks in China support this business.
2.Pay off the loan with the buyer’s down payment:Negotiate for the buyer to pay a higher percentage of the down payment to be used to pay off the remainder of the loan. A tripartite agreement needs to be signed to ensure the safety of funds.
3.Guarantee company advances:The loan is repaid temporarily through a guarantee company and repaid after the transaction is completed. Certain interest and service fees are required.
4. Things to note when selling a house with a loan
1.Communicate with the bank in advance:Confirm the repayment process, required materials and liquidated damages to avoid delays caused by information asymmetry.
2.Keep your funds safe:The buyer's down payment should be used directly for repayment, and it is recommended to operate through a capital supervision account.
3.Tax calculation:Real estate transactions under loans are still subject to deed tax, personal income tax, etc. The following are common tax rates:
| Tax type | Rate | Payer |
|---|---|---|
| Deed tax | 1%-3% | buyer |
| personal income tax | 1%-2% or 20% difference | seller |
| value added tax | 5.6% (exempt for 2 years) | seller |
5. Summary
Although the process of selling a property covered by a loan is complicated, it can be completed smoothly with advance planning and sufficient communication. The key is toAssess property value, understand bank policies, and ensure financial security. If you encounter difficulties, you may wish to consult a professional agent or lawyer to help avoid risks.
Through the above structured analysis and data display, we hope to provide you with clear guidance and help you successfully solve the problem of "selling a house with a loan".
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