To help you pay off your mortgage fast, some mortgage providers offer a 10-year fixed term. If you can comfortably make the monthly payments, you stand to save thousands in interest.
How does a 10-year mortgage compare to a 30-year mortgage?
A 10-year mortgage offers you the chance to pay a lot less in interest over a short term in exchange for higher monthly payments than a 30-year mortgage.
While the interest paid on a 30-year mortgage can nearly equal the initial principal, you may pay only 25% of that initial principal as interest with a 10-year term.
A $500,000 mortgage at 4.59% interest
Mortgage term
Monthly Payment
Total interest paid
Savings
10 years
$5,193.19
$123,182.80
$293,852.40
30 years
$2,547.32
$417,035.20
–
While your monthly payments on a $500,000 mortgage with a 30-year term and a 4.59% APR are $2,547, the interest you’ll have paid by the end of the loan term totals $417,035.20 — or more than 80% of the original principal.
A 10-year mortgage will run you $123,182.80 in total interest, though the trade-off is monthly payments of $5,193. For further comparison, that’s roughly $67,000 less than interest you’ll pay on a 15-year mortgage.
Compared to a 30-year mortgage, you could save around $294,000 in interest on the same home with a 10-year mortgage.
Low interest rates. Most lenders that offer 10-year terms keep interest rates low, sometimes less than a 15-year rate.
Huge interest savings.The interest you’ll end up paying on a 10-year mortgage is much lower than that of a 30-year loan.
Quick equity build-up. With more of your payment going toward your principal, you’re building equity at a much faster rate than through a 15- or 30-year mortgage.
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Though 10-year mortgage savings are substantial, watch for potential financial drawbacks:
High monthly payments. Monthly payments on a 10-year mortgage are high compared to 30-year mortgages, which can become a problem if you aren’t easily able to cover living expenses.
Less flexibility. High monthly payments could mean you have less money for investing elsewhere, which can be risky.
Limited purchasing power. You might not qualify for a more expensive home with a 10-year mortgage.
Is a 10-year mortgage right for me?
A 10-year mortgage isn’t for everyone. The monthly payments are demanding, and locking yourself into a 10-year mortgage could limit you from spending in other areas.
But if your income can support it, paying over a decade rather than 30 years can help you build equity and save thousands in interest.
ARM vs. fixed 10-year mortgage
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM) offer interest rates that can fluctuate over time based on the market. For example, a 5/1 ARM has a fixed interest rate for the first 5 years, and once that time is up, the rate can change annually.
If you plan on moving to another home within 10 years, a 10/1 ARM is likely the better financial choice to help you save on interest without the high monthly costs of a 10-year fixed payment. Otherwise, a 10-year fixed mortgage can help you pay off your home loan and own your house quickly.
All major banks in Canada offer 10-year mortgages, though many home owners opt for longer repayment periods to keep their monthly payments manageable.
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Bottom line
If you can afford the monthly payments of a 10-year mortgage — and you can find a bank that offers them — you can save a lot in interest compared to a traditional 30-year term. But those high monthly payments can be prohibitive for those with unstable finances, making a longer-term mortgage a safer, more flexible, more reliable choice.
Frequently asked questions
A 10-year adjustable mortgage is a 30-year loan that features a fixed rate for the first 10 years. After the initial fixed rate, your interest rate can change from year to year until you pay off the loan.
Refinancing your mortgage to a shorter term can help you pay off your loan faster and save a substantial amount on interest. Some experts say you should consider refinancing if rates drop to at least 1% lower than your current rate.
When rates are low or you’re looking for a large loan. Adjustable-rate mortgages often feature lower rates and payments early in the term compared to fixed-rate mortgages.
These loans can also help you take advantage of falling interest rates without the need for refinancing. But keep in mind that rates can rise as well, depending on the market.
Steven Dashiell is a writer at Finder specializing in all things credit cards. With more than 300 articles under his belt, he aims to help readers embrace credit cards and maximize their rewards. Steve is studying to become a Certified Educator in Personal Finance, and is a frequent face on Finder’s YouTube channel, offering the latest in credit card hacks and advice. His expertise has been featured on numerous outlets, including U.S. News & World Report, Time, CBS, Fox Business, Lifehacker, Martha Stewart Living and more.
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