Different loan repayment types
When you apply for a home loan, you may have the option of one of these repayment types:
- principal and interest repayments
- interest-only repayments
It’s important to understand how these different types of loan repayments work and how they can change over time. Each have their advantages and disadvantages.
What is the loan ‘principle’ and what is the ‘interest’?
Your home loan is made up of two parts: the loan principal and the interest.
The loan principal is the amount you borrow to fund your property purchase. This is the difference between the full cost of the property and your deposit.
The interest is the amount you're charged by the lender for borrowing the principal amount. Here’s what you need to know about the two most common types of loan repayments.
Principal and interest repayments
If you have this type of home loan, you’ll need to pay both the principal as well as the interest charged on it.
Advantages of a principal and interest loan
- pay less interest over the life of the loan
- pay a lower interest rate compared to interest-only rates for an equivalent home loan
- pay off your loan faster, so you'll own your property outright sooner.
Disadvantages of a principal and interest loan
- repayments are higher than interest only
- may not be as tax-efficient for investment loans.
Interest-only repayments
This is when you only pay the interest portion of your loan for a set period, for example the first five years of your loan.
As you’re not making payments on the ‘principal’, this will remain the same, unless you choose to make additional repayments.
At the end of your interest-only period, you’ll need to start paying off the principal at the current interest rate at that time.
While interest-only repayments are lower during the interest-only period, you’ll end up paying more interest over the life of the loan.
Advantages of interest-only loans
- lower mortgage repayments for a limited time to suit your lifestyle (e.g. taking time off work to be a primary carer)
- possible tax benefits for investment loans.
Disadvantages of interest-only loans
- principal amount will not reduce during interest-only period
- higher repayments once the interest-only period finishes
- higher interest rate during interest-only period
- more interest payable over the life of the loan.
Case study of two loan repayment types
See how the two types of loans affect John and Rebecca's repayments.
John and Rebecca have a loan of $500,000 and are deciding which repayment option is suitable for them.
The table shows the difference in interest they will pay over the life of their loan.
Principal and interest for life of loan | Interest only for first five years | |
---|---|---|
Interest rate | Principal and interest for life of loan 4.39% |
Interest only for first five years 4.39%
|
Loan size | Principal and interest for life of loan $500,000 |
Interest only for first five years $500,000 |
Loan term | Principal and interest for life of loan 30 years |
Interest only for first five years 30 years |
Monthly repayments during interest only period |
Principal and interest for life of loan n/a |
Interest only for first five years $1,829 |
Monthly principal and interest repayments | Principal and interest for life of loan $2,501 |
Interest only for first five years $2,748
|
Total interest payable | Principal and interest for life of loan $400,307 |
Interest only for first five years $434,161 |
Additional interest paid due to the interest only period | Principal and interest for life of loan $0 |
Interest only for first five years $33,854 |
Calculate and compare property loan repayments
We've created a handy home loan repayments calculator to help you calculate and compare your loan repayments. You can change between principal and interest repayments and interest-only repayments to estimate the different interest charges.
Owner occupier vs residential investor loans
These are two terms you’re likely to see when selecting a home loan or when reviewing interest rates.
Owner occupier means the person or persons living in the home own the home.
A residential investor is someone who purchases a residential home (not commercial or business property) for the purpose of renting it out as an investment.
Interest rates may differ depending on the loan type you’re choosing.
Changing your home loan repayment type
If you already have an interest-only NAB home loan which is about to expire and want to talk about your options, call us on 13 22 65 today.
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The information contained in this article is intended to be of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account any person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, NAB recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances. NAB recommends that you seek independent legal, financial and taxation advice before acting on any information in this article.