Islamic Bank Mortgage Options for Home Buyers

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If you're a home buyer looking for a mortgage option that aligns with your Islamic values, Islamic banks offer a range of alternatives to traditional mortgages.

One such option is the Murabaha mortgage, where the bank purchases the property and sells it to you at a markup, allowing you to pay in installments.

Islamic banks also offer the Musharaka mortgage, where you and the bank jointly own the property, sharing the profits and losses.

With an Islamic bank mortgage, you can expect to pay a markup on the purchase price, which can range from 2% to 5% depending on the bank and the property.

In contrast to traditional mortgages, Islamic bank mortgages do not involve interest or riba, making them a more appealing option for Muslims.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for an Islamic bank mortgage, you'll need to meet certain criteria. In Saudi Arabia, for example, you must be a Saudi citizen and at least 20 years old. You'll also need to work for an employer on the bank's approved list and have a minimum length of service period with your current employer of at least 3 months.

To qualify for a halal mortgage in Canada, you'll likely need to provide proof of income, credit history, and make a down payment of at least 20%. Some providers, like Halal Financial Corporation, may require a 25% down payment.

Canada Qualification Requirements

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If you're looking to apply for a halal mortgage in Canada, you'll need to meet the qualification requirements set by the provider. These requirements typically involve reviewing your income and credit history.

The down payment required for a halal mortgage in Canada can vary depending on the provider, but Halal Financial Corporation requires a minimum down payment of 25%.

To be eligible for a halal mortgage in Canada, you'll likely need to have a good credit history and a stable income. Some providers may also require a down payment of at least 20%.

Here's a breakdown of the typical qualification requirements for halal mortgages in Canada:

Keep in mind that these are general requirements and may vary depending on the specific provider and your individual circumstances.

Musharaka

Musharaka is a type of halal mortgage agreement where both you and the financier own the property jointly.

Your payments are a combination of rent for the portion of the property owned by the financier and property purchase payment to buy a little bit of financier's share.

Credit: youtube.com, MUSHARAKA PARTNERSHIP : Marifa Academy Islamic Finance

In a Musharaka mortgage, you can pay up to 20% extra per year without penalty, but it's essential to understand the details of any halal mortgage product and evaluate your options based on your needs and financial situation.

The property is owned jointly by you and the financier, which means you'll both share the profit and loss.

Our Waitlist-Free Financing

We don't believe in putting our customers on a waitlist, which is why we've created a financing system that's designed to get you into your dream home as quickly as possible. Our Islamic bank mortgage offers a streamlined application process that can be completed in just a few days.

Our financing process is based on a Shariah-compliant system, which means that we don't charge interest on your mortgage. Instead, we use a markup on the principal amount that's determined by the bank's profit rate.

This approach not only saves you money in the long run, but it also eliminates the risk of falling into debt. With our Islamic bank mortgage, you'll always know exactly how much you owe and when your payments are due.

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Our financing options are flexible, with a range of repayment periods to choose from. This means you can select a plan that suits your budget and financial goals.

We also offer a range of benefits, including lower upfront costs and more flexible terms than traditional mortgages. This can make it easier to qualify for a mortgage and get into your dream home sooner.

Financing Process

The financing process for an Islamic bank mortgage is relatively straightforward. SAIB guarantees in-principle approval within one business day, subject to complete documentation.

You can expect the final approval to take around 12 business days, also contingent on having all necessary documents in order. This timeframe allows for a smooth and efficient processing of your application.

Here's a breakdown of the typical timeline:

Finance Processing Time

Finance Processing Time is a crucial aspect of the Financing Process. SAIB guarantees in-principle approval within one business day, subject to complete documentation.

The timeline for final approval is a bit longer, taking around 12 business days from the point of application, also contingent on complete documentation.

Here's a summary of the processing time:

  • Guaranteed in-principle approval within 1 business day
  • Final approval within 12 business days

Buying Process Overview

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The home buying process with Islamic financing is surprisingly straightforward. Buying a home requires the same four steps as any other U.S. home purchase: application, processing, underwriting, and closing.

The first step is to apply for a mortgage, and the good news is that the Islamic financing process involves the same application process as traditional financing.

The contract itself is the key difference, and it needs to be halal, or sharia-compliant, to meet Islamic financing requirements.

The Islamic financing contract ensures that all parties involved are treated fairly and justly, which is a fundamental principle of Islamic finance.

Underwriting

Underwriting is a crucial step in the financing process. A licensed underwriter will thoroughly evaluate your financial information and supporting documentation to confirm your eligibility for financing.

They'll make sure your application complies with federal regulations. This step is where your underwriter may need to make additional requests for documentation.

It's essential to respond to these requests thoroughly and in a timely fashion to avoid jeopardizing your closing. Be prepared to provide additional documentation as needed.

Here are some key things to keep in mind during the underwriting process:

  • Be prepared to provide additional documentation
  • Pay close attention to deadlines and details

Financing vs. Conventional

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Islamic home financing is an ethical and equitable solution to financing needs. It's not limited to followers of any one faith; in fact, it appeals to all people who are interested in a more transparent and ethical system of finance.

Islamic home financing is structured as an investment, where both parties share profit and loss. This approach is guided by Shariah, or Islamic law, and prohibits accruing or disbursing interest by lending entities and investors.

In Islamic finance, loans don't yield interest, but rather, borrowers pay the bank a cut of their earnings. This risk-sharing approach positions lending as a relationship, not just a transaction.

Islamic banks earn profit by equity participation, rather than charging interest. This is a key difference between Islamic and conventional home financing.

A traditional mortgage enables home buyers to make the biggest purchase of their lifetime, but it profits from their needs and creates an uneven and unequal relationship. In contrast, Islamic home financing promotes a more balanced and equitable relationship between the lender and borrower.

Insurance and Protection

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You'll be pleased to know that as part of our Islamic bank mortgage, you'll get free insurance coverage against death or permanent disability. This coverage is called Takaful Life Insurance and it's provided without any medical test for finance up to SR 2,500,000.

To be eligible for this insurance, you must be a Saudi Citizen, at least 20 years old, and have a maximum age of 70 at the time of maturity. You'll also need to work for an employer included in our approved list and have a salary account at The Saudi Investment Bank.

In addition to Takaful Life Insurance, we also provide free Property Takaful, which protects your property against unforeseen events.

Here's a summary of the insurance coverage you can expect:

It's worth noting that all finance facilities are subject to SAIB credit approval and SIMAH (Saudi Credit Bureau) verification, so be sure to meet the necessary requirements and provide all the required documents.

Locations and Services

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Islamic banks offer mortgage services in various countries, with a significant presence in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Malaysia, for instance, has a well-established Islamic banking system with numerous institutions offering Shariah-compliant mortgage products.

In Malaysia, Islamic banks typically operate in major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, catering to a diverse range of customers.

Canada Locations

Canada is a great place to find halal mortgage options, with several lenders offering Shariah-compliant products.

One of the first places to consider is the Canadian Halal Financial Corporation, which has had its products deemed halal by experts in Sharia law.

The Canadian Halal Financial Corporation is not a member of the AAOIFI, but it does adhere to the organization's standards.

Eqraz and Manzil are both members of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions, a not-for-profit organization located in Bahrain that regulates Islamic finance organizations.

These two companies are located in Canada, offering halal mortgage options to Canadians.

Here's a list of Canadian lenders that offer halal mortgages:

  • Canadian Halal Financial Corporation.
  • Eqraz.
  • Manzil.

IjaraCDC, a US-based company, also offers halal mortgages to Canadians, providing another option to consider.

Canada

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In Canada, you can find halal mortgages through specialized lenders. Canadian Halal Financial Corporation is one of them.

If you're looking for a halal mortgage in Canada, you have options. Eqraz and Manzil are two members of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions, ensuring their products meet Shariah-compliant standards.

To qualify for a halal mortgage in Canada, you'll typically need to meet income and credit history requirements, and possibly make a down payment of at least 20%. Halal Financial Corporation requires a minimum down payment of 25%.

The Canadian tax law can make it confusing to determine which mortgages are truly compliant with both Sharia and Canadian laws. Eqraz has raised concerns about the compatibility of certain mortgage types in Canada.

Here are some Canadian halal mortgage providers:

  • Canadian Halal Financial Corporation
  • Eqraz
  • Manzil
  • IjaraCDC (US-based, but available to Canadians)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to get an Islamic mortgage?

Islamic mortgages can be more challenging to qualify for due to higher down payment requirements, but some Sharia-compliant options offer more flexible terms. Qualifying for an Islamic mortgage may require a larger upfront payment, but it's worth exploring options that can work for you.

Krystal Bogisich

Lead Writer

Krystal Bogisich is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she has established herself as a versatile writer capable of tackling a wide range of topics. Her expertise spans multiple industries, including finance, where she has developed a particular interest in actuarial careers.

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