Should you consider principal and interest from day one?

When taking out a home loan, one of the key decisions a borrower faces is whether to pay principal and interest from the start, or to opt for an interest-only period. While both options have their place, many borrowers could benefit by tackling both principal and interest from day one.

Understanding the difference

A principal and interest loan requires you to repay the original amount borrowed (the principal) along with interest charged by the lender. Over time, your debt decreases, and more of each repayment goes towards the principal. In contrast, an interest-only loan allows you to pay just the interest for a set period, usually 1 to 5 years, without reducing the original loan amount. This means your monthly repayments are lower initially, but you don’t build equity through repayments during that time.

Why some borrowers choose interest-only

Interest-only loans are popular with property investors and first home buyers who want to preserve cash flow early on. For investors, the ability to claim interest as a tax deduction adds another appeal. For first-time buyers, lower repayments can ease financial pressure while settling into homeownership. However, there are risks. Because you’re not reducing the loan balance, you may end up paying more over the life of the loan. If your property value falls, you could owe more than it’s worth. And with tighter lending restrictions in place, it might be harder to qualify for interest-only terms, especially on owner-occupied loans.

The case for principal and interest

Choosing a principal and interest loan from the outset can lead to long-term savings and financial security. Firstly, paying down your loan immediately helps build equity faster. This gives you more flexibility if you want to refinance, invest again, or sell in future. It also shortens the life of the loan, particularly if you make extra repayments, which can save thousands in interest.

Secondly, principal and interest loans typically offer lower interest rates than their interest-only counterparts. Repayment structures are also straightforward. The lender calculates your repayments, so the loan is paid off in full by the end of the term, usually 25 or 30 years. By increasing your repayment amount or frequency, you can get out of debt sooner without major lifestyle changes.

Choosing what’s right for you

There’s no right answer, and the choice depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and income stability. If you're confident in your cash flow and want to reduce your debt as quickly as possible, paying principal and interest from the beginning can set you up for long-term financial success. On the other hand, if you’re an investor seeking flexibility or short-term tax advantages, an interest-only period may serve your strategy, provided you're mindful of the risks. Before you decide, speak with a mortgage broker who can compare your options and help structure a loan that matches your goals, both now and in the future.