Definition of 'Hire Purchase'

Definition of 'Hire Purchase'

A method of buying goods through making installment payments over time. The term hire purchase originated in the U.K., and is similar to what are called "rent-to-own" arrangements in the United States. Under a hire purchase contract, the buyer is leasing the goods and does not obtain ownership until the full amount of the contract is paid.

Investopedia explains 'Hire Purchase'

Leasing goods in this manner is a tactic commonly employed by businesses in order to enhance the appearance of earnings metrics. For instance, by leasing assets, it may be possible to keep the debt used to pay for the assets and the asset itself off the balance sheet, resulting in higher operational and return-on-asset figures. In the U.S., consumer rent-to-own arrangements are controversial because they can be used in a way which attempts to circumvent proper accounting standards.

Definition

A system by which a buyer pays for a thing in regular installments while enjoying the use of it.

During the repayment period, ownership (title) of the item does not pass to the buyer. Upon the full payment of the loan, the title passes to the buyer. UK term; the usual US term is installment buying

Definition of 'Mortgage'

A debt instrument that is secured by the collateral of specified real estate property and that the borrower is obliged to pay back with a predetermined set of payments. Mortgages are used by individuals and businesses to make large purchases of real estate without paying the entire value of the purchase up front.

Mortgages are also known as "liens against property" or "claims on property".

15.8 CONCEPT AND MEANING OF HIRE PURCHASE

Hire purchase is a type of instalment credit under which the hire purchaser, called the hirer, agrees to take the goods on hire at a stated rental, which is inclusive of the repayment of principal as well as interest, with an option to purchase. Under this transaction, the hire purchaser acquires the property (goods) immediately on signing the hire purchase agreement but the ownership or title of the same is transferred only when the last instalment is paid. The hire purchase system is regulated by the Hire Purchase Act 1972. This Act defines a hire purchase as “an agreement under which goods are let on hire and under which the hirer has an option to purchase them in accordance with the terms of the agreement and includes an agreement under which:

1.     The owner delivers possession of goods thereof to a person on condition that such person pays the agreed amount in periodic instalments.

2.     The property in the goods is to pass to such person on the payment of the last of such installments, and

3.      such right to terminate the person agreement at any time before the property so passess”

Hire purchase should be distinguished from instalment sale wherein property passes to the purchaser with the payment of the first instalment. But in case of HP (ownership remains with the seller until the last instalment is paid) buyer gets ownership after paying the last instalment. HP also differs form leasing.