A five-year mortgage is the shortest loan on offer. The interest rates are incredibly low, but you’ll pay much more each month than you would if you had a longer term. If you can afford the payments, it could be an attractive option.
Compare 5-year mortgages
How does a 5-year mortgage rate compare to 15- and 30-year mortgages?
A five-year mortgage is paid off in only five years. This term is unpopular among homebuyers because of the high monthly payments, making it rare for lenders to offer it.
The most advantageous aspect of a five-year mortgage is the low, fixed interest rate. In a lender’s mind, a borrower is less likely to default on a five-year loan than a 20- or 30-year loan. That’s because borrowers need to meet strict eligibility requirements and be in an excellent financial situation to score a five-year mortgage in the first place.
The rate you’ll pay hinges on several factors, such as your credit score, income, down payment and the purchase price of the home. Since five-year mortgages are so rare, lenders don’t advertise their rates — but you can expect them to be between 1 and 1.5 points lower than that of a longer loan.
When people talk about a 5-year mortgage, they’re often referring to a 5/1 ARM.
A 5/1 ARM is actually a 30-year mortgage with a fixed rate for the first five years. After that, the interest rate can change each year for the rest of the loan period. As a result, you lose the predictability that comes with steady monthly payments — yours may change to match market conditions.
Unlike five-year fixed-rate mortgages, many lenders offer 5/1 ARMs.
What are the benefits of a 5-year mortgage?
A 5-year mortgage offers a few useful benefits for homeowners, including:
- Low interest rates. The shorter the loan term, the lower the interest rate. For 5-year FRMs, you’ll most likely score a rate that’s 1 to 1.5% lower than that of a 15- or 30-year loan.
- Significant interest savings. On that note, you’ll save thousands — or even hundreds of thousands — of dollars in interest over the life of the loan.
- Predictable payments. With a 5-year FRM, you’ll pay the same amount each month for the life of the loan. This makes it easier to budget, and eliminates the risk of an increase of payments if interest rates rise.
- Build home equity faster. Since the loan is so short, you’ll pay down the principal balance, increase (and unlock) your equity and be debt-free much quicker than most borrowers.
What should I watch out for?
Taking out a 5-year mortgage also has its potential pitfalls:
- High monthly payments. The loan is condensed, so you can expect to pay hundreds or thousands more per month than you would for a 15-, 20- or 30-year mortgage.
- Tough eligibility requirements. To ensure you can make the monthly payments, you’ll need to prove you have sufficient income, an excellent credit score and a positive credit history.
- Hard to find. 5-year FRMs are rare, and lenders who offer them often don’t publish their rates online. If you’re interested, you’ll need to shop around.
- Fewer tax perks. Paying less interest is great for your bank account, but it does mean a lower mortgage interest deduction.
- Bigger financial responsibility. You may have less money to cover unexpected expenses or participate in investment opportunities.
Is a 5-year mortgage right for me?
Before debating the pros and cons, you need to figure out if you can get a five-year mortgage. Since the monthly payments are often thousands of dollars more per month, lenders have high standards. The eligibility requirements vary between lenders, but you’ll most likely need an excellent credit score, a low debt-to-income ratio, a larger down payment and proof of cash reserves.
Thanks to these requirements, five-year mortgages are usually only accessible for high-income borrowers who can afford the hefty payments. These mortgages also suit those who want to focus on paying off their home over channeling their money into other investments.
Bottom line
The five-year mortgage is all about extremes: low interest rates and high monthly payments. It’s hard to qualify for, so it’s usually reserved for high-income borrowers who can easily meet lender requirements.
If you’d prefer a more flexible loan, explore your options with our guide to mortgages.
Frequently asked questions
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5-year, fixed rate mortgages are rare, so the rates aren’t often advertised. Credit unions, regional and local banks are typically your best bet, as they have more flexibility to customize loan terms. You’re also likely to have better luck with refinancing to a five-year mortgage.
If you’re looking for a 5/1 ARM, check out these lenders:- Chase
- NBKC
- Citibank
- HSBC
- CF Bank
- Ally Bank
- Valley
- First Internet Bank
- American Federal Mortgage Corporation
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Probably. If you can’t find a five-year fixed rate mortgage, you could take out a longer loan — say 10 or 15 years — and increase your monthly payments to pay it off in five years.
With conventional loans, you can pay as much extra principal per month as you like without penalty. If you have a different kind of loan, read the fine print to make sure there’s no prepayment penalty.
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Yes, but it’s a long shot. The strongest borrowers have the most negotiating power with lenders, banks or credit unions. This is because they have excellent credit scores, minimal debt, and more-than-sufficient income to pay off the loan.
