What is an interest-only mortgage?

An interest-only mortgage is designed to allow borrowers to pay only the interest on the loan for a specified period, which can often range from a few years to up to ten years. During this initial phase, the borrower is not required to make any payments toward the principal amount. This type of mortgage can be appealing to borrowers who are looking for lower initial payments, as they will only be responsible for the interest charges during that designated timeframe. Once the interest-only period ends, the borrower will typically begin making payments on both the principal and interest, potentially leading to higher monthly payments if the principal remains unchanged until that point.

This structure can be beneficial for individuals who anticipate an increase in income or a significant change in their financial situation, enabling them to manage their cash flow during the early years of the mortgage. However, borrowers must be cautious, as they could face payment shock later when the principal repayment begins.