Buying guide

Interest-only mortgages: A guide for property investors & homeowners

Considering going interest only? Here’s everything you need to know.

Ben Tutty
Last updated: 12 March 2024 | 7 min read
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An interest-only mortgage lowers your short-term repayments by only requiring you to pay the interest, not the principal loan amount. This can be useful for investors to free up cash or for homeowners needing temporary financial relief.

However, the risks are significant. You don't build equity through repayments and will pay more interest overall. When the interest-only period ends, your repayments will increase substantially. It's crucial to seek professional financial advice before choosing this option.

What is an interest only mortgage?

Why use an interest only mortgage?

Investors: for tax purposes

Owner-occupier: to help with short-term financial difficulty

Owner-occupier: to leave room for renovation expenses

For flexibility

An interest only mortgage can be a way to ease financial strain as a last resort.

The risks of interest only

Interest only mortgages cost more overall

When your interest-only period runs out your repayments will increase

If house prices were to fall, you could get into trouble

Your interest rate may be higher

It may be more difficult to get approval

What happens when an interest only loan expires?

How long can you pay interest only on a mortgage

Most loans are principal and interest but there is a place for interest only.

How much do interest only mortgages cost?

Interest only period of five years

Principal and interest repayments

Getting advice before you apply for an interest only home loan

Author

Ben Tutty Ben Tutty
Content Writer