lainamäärä

Lainamäärä refers to the principal amount of a loan. It is the total sum of money that a borrower receives from a lender and is obligated to repay. This amount is distinct from the total cost of the loan, which includes interest, fees, and other charges. When applying for a loan, whether it's a mortgage, personal loan, or car loan, the borrower and lender agree upon a specific lainamäärä.

The lainamäärä is the base upon which interest is calculated. The interest rate, also known as the korko, is applied to the outstanding lainamäärä over the loan term. Repayments are typically structured to gradually reduce the lainamäärä over time. Early in the loan's life, a larger portion of each payment goes towards interest, while later payments are more heavily applied to reducing the principal.

Factors influencing the acceptable lainamäärä include the borrower's creditworthiness, income, existing debts, and the purpose of the loan. Lenders assess these factors to determine how much they are willing to lend. For secured loans, such as mortgages, the collateral's value also plays a significant role in determining the maximum lainamäärä. Understanding the lainamäärä is crucial for borrowers to comprehend their financial obligations and the overall cost of borrowing.