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➕pre-algebra review

Interest-Only Loans

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

An interest-only loan is a type of loan where the borrower is only required to pay the interest on the loan for a set period of time, rather than the principal and interest. This allows for lower monthly payments during the interest-only period, but can lead to higher overall costs over the life of the loan.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Interest-only loans often have an adjustable-rate, meaning the interest rate can change over time, which can lead to fluctuating monthly payments.
  2. During the interest-only period, the borrower is not building any equity in the property, as they are not paying down the principal.
  3. At the end of the interest-only period, the loan typically converts to a traditional amortizing loan, which can result in a significant increase in the monthly payment.
  4. Interest-only loans may be attractive for borrowers who expect their income to increase in the future or who plan to sell the property before the end of the interest-only period.
  5. These loans can be riskier than traditional amortizing loans, as they rely on the borrower's ability to refinance or sell the property before the interest-only period ends.

Review Questions

  • Explain how an interest-only loan differs from a traditional amortizing loan in terms of monthly payments and equity buildup.
    • In an interest-only loan, the borrower only pays the interest on the loan during the initial period, resulting in lower monthly payments compared to a traditional amortizing loan. However, with an interest-only loan, the borrower is not paying down the principal, so they are not building any equity in the property during this time. In contrast, a traditional amortizing loan requires the borrower to pay both principal and interest, which allows them to gradually build equity in the property over the life of the loan.
  • Describe the potential risks associated with interest-only loans, particularly when the loan transitions from the interest-only period to the amortization period.
    • Interest-only loans can pose significant risks to borrowers. When the loan transitions from the interest-only period to the amortization period, the monthly payments can increase significantly, as the borrower now has to pay both principal and interest. This can be a challenge for borrowers if their income has not increased as expected or if they are unable to refinance or sell the property before the end of the interest-only period. Additionally, interest-only loans often have adjustable-rate features, which can lead to further fluctuations in monthly payments and make budgeting more difficult.
  • Analyze the potential benefits and drawbacks of an interest-only loan in the context of 6.4 Solve Simple Interest Applications, and explain when an interest-only loan might be a suitable option for a borrower.
    • In the context of 6.4 Solve Simple Interest Applications, interest-only loans can be beneficial for borrowers who need lower monthly payments during the initial period, such as when they expect their income to increase in the future or plan to sell the property before the end of the interest-only period. The lower monthly payments during the interest-only period can free up cash flow and make the loan more affordable in the short term. However, the lack of principal payments during this time means the borrower is not building any equity in the property, and the transition to the amortization period can lead to a significant increase in monthly payments, which can be risky if the borrower's financial situation has not improved. Therefore, an interest-only loan may be a suitable option for certain borrowers, but it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and ensure the loan aligns with the borrower's long-term financial goals.