This is a pre-approved limit of money you can borrow either in its entirety or in bits at a time. The popularity of these loans is due to its flexibility and ability to reduce mortgages quickly. However, they usually require the borrower to offer their house as security for the loan.
A line of credit can be set to a negotiated time (normally 1-5 years) or be classed as revolving (longer terms) and you only have to pay interest on the money you use (or 'draw down'). Interest rates are variable and due to the level of flexibility are often higher than the standard variable rate.
Some lines of credit will allow you to capitalise the interest until you reach your credit limit i.e. use your line of credit to pay off the interest on your line of credit.
Most of these loans have a monthly, half yearly or annual fee attached.
These loans are suited to people who are financially responsible and already have property and wish to use their property or equity in their property for renovations, investments or personal use.