Investments in loans for the purpose of repair, alteration, improvement, construction, adding to, modernizing, equipping or rehabilitation of real estate upon which an association shall not be required to hold a mortgage lien. Such a loan shall be known as a "property improvement loan." Any association may make loans subject to the limitations set forth in sections 159 through 164 (C. 17:12B-159 through C. 17:12B-164) of this act for the repair, alteration, improvement, construction, adding to, modernizing, equipping or rehabilitation of real estate, which is used wholly or partially for dwelling purposes, including loans for restoration, rehabilitation, rebuilding and replacement of properties which have been damaged or destroyed by fire, hurricane, flood, cyclone, tornado or other catastrophe.
N.J.S. § 17:12B-157