Secured loans are backed by personal property, usually a home. A
secured loan can be made against a home whether it is under mortgage or owned outright. The amount of the loan can depend on a number of factors, particularly how much the owner owes on the property in comparison to the value of the property. The larger this difference, the increased likelihood of a larger loan. Of course, the borrower's credit rating and amount of current debt will also be a factor.
Loan PurposesSecured loans can be used for a wide variety of purposes, from debt consolidation (such as paying "off" credit cards), to home improvements, to vacation money. The length of time a borrower has to pay off a secured loan will depend on the lending institution and the terms set forth in the loan, but can range anywhere from three to twenty-five years.
Because
secure loans are exactly that--more secure for the lender--they typically have a lower interest rate. Interest is charged on the amount borrowed and calculated into an Annual Percentage Rate (APR). The loan is paid back monthly over the term of the loan.
Some arrangements include penalties for paying back the loan ahead of schedule. Secured loans are often larger than unsecured loans, given the security of the loan. Most fall into the £3,000 to £50,000 range, although they can go as high as £100,000.
source : http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk/articles/secured_loans_unsecured_loans.html