Loan Details
Maximum 10 years for most lenders
Payment Estimates
Interest Only Period
After Interest Only Period
Interest Only vs Principal & Interest
Interest Only Benefits
- Lower initial payments
- Improved cash flow flexibility
- May suit investment properties
- Allows focus on other investments
Important Considerations
- No principal reduction during IO period
- Higher total interest costs
- Payment shock when IO period ends
- Requires disciplined financial planning
Understanding Interest Only Loans
What is an Interest Only Loan?
An interest only loan allows you to pay only the interest portion of your loan for a set period (typically 1-10 years). During this time, your loan balance remains unchanged as you're not paying down the principal.
Who Might Consider Interest Only?
- • Property investors seeking to maximise cash flow
- • Borrowers expecting significant income increases
- • Those with other high-return investment opportunities
- • Buyers in markets with strong capital growth expectations
Key Considerations
- • Interest only periods are typically limited to 5-10 years
- • Lenders may require higher deposits (often 20-30%)
- • Interest rates may be slightly higher than P&I loans
- • You'll need a clear strategy for the end of the IO period
- • Consider your ability to handle payment increases
Exit Strategies
- • Convert to principal and interest payments
- • Refinance to extend the interest only period
- • Sell the property and repay the loan
- • Make lump sum principal payments during the IO period
⚠️ Important Warning
Interest only loans carry additional risks including payment shock when the interest only period ends. Your loan balance will not reduce during the interest only period, and you may end up paying significantly more interest over the life of the loan.
📋 Calculation Disclaimer
These calculations are estimates only and for educational purposes. Actual loan terms, interest rates, and payment amounts depend on individual circumstances, lender criteria, and current market conditions. Interest only loans are not suitable for everyone and require careful consideration of your financial situation and goals. This calculator does not constitute financial advice. We strongly recommend speaking with a qualified financial adviser before making any decisions about interest only loans.