3 ways to pay off your mortgage faster

Here are 3 ways you can pay off your mortgage faster and save yourself thousands of dollars in interest costs.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Paying off a mortgage is one of the primary financial goals many Australians have – if not the sole one.

A home is often a family's largest asset, so paying off the mortgage is a big step towards financial freedom and living a comfortable retirement.

Unfortunately, it remains a massive task to accomplish – even with interest rates at their lowest levels in history.

So here are three tips for paying off your mortgage faster, so you can spend your hard-earned money on more important things!

Get a better rate

Even though interest rates are close to zero, many banks haven't fully passed on these cuts. That's why (if you haven't already), you should pick up the phone today and ask Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), or whichever bank you have your loan through, if you're getting the lowest rate you can. Even shaving 0.2% off your mortgage rate can save you thousands of dollars over the lifespan of the loan.

Who would you rather have that extra dough – you, or your bank? Exactly!

Pay more than the minimum repayments

A principal-and-interest loan sees interest-dominated repayments required at the start of the loan, which taper over time as you pay off more of the principal. That's why making extra repayments on top of the minimum amount required can dramatically shave off years (and interest charges) from your loan. It can also help protect you from the possibility of higher interest rates down the road.

If you're in your first year of a 25-year mortgage, every extra $100 you pay is $100 you won't pay interest on for 25 years. How's that for a return?!

Invest alongside your loan

Many people save investing for when the mortgage is paid off, but there's a better way to do it if you're careful.

Say you have an interest rate of 2.5% on your mortgage. If you invest in an ASX dividend share that pays you 4% a year in dividends, you can use this extra passive income to help you make additional payments down the road, all whilst holding an income-producing asset.

Of course, this option isn't for the faint of heart, as ASX investments can fluctuate wildly in value and some won't always pay consistent dividends. But if used prudently, I think this is a path anyone with a mortgage can use to their advantage.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Personal Finance

Smiling business woman calculates tax at desk in office.
Personal Finance

3 tips to maximise your tax refund from the ATO in FY25

Are you missing anything?

Read more »

Clock with post it as a reminder of Tax Time
Personal Finance

3 tax deductions that many investors forget to claim

Deductions reduce your overall tax bill.

Read more »

Smiling business woman calculates tax at desk in office.
Personal Finance

3 reasons why I love the Australian Taxation Office as an ASX investor

The ATO is very useful for investors for a few different reasons.

Read more »

Tax time written on wooden blocks next to a calculator and Australian dollar notes.
Personal Finance

With $5,000 cash, should I make a superannuation contribution or buy shares by 30 June?

The end of FY25 is just around the corner.

Read more »

A young man wearing a bright yellow jumper and glasses purses his lips together and moves them to the side of his face as he wonders about something.
Tax

Should I sell my loss-making stocks by the end of the 2025 financial year?

Should investors hold or sell stocks that are currently in the red?

Read more »

Tax time written on wooden blocks next to a calculator and Australian dollar notes.
Tax

Tax time: Use this hack to keep the Australian Tax Office off your back

Buying dividend shares can save you paying taxes...

Read more »

Falling yellow arrow with descending wooden bars with the percentage sign written on them.
Cash Rates

Reputable economist predicts big rate cuts to come. How low could the cash rate go?

The Reserve Bank cut interest rates by another 25-basis points this month, down to 3.85%.

Read more »

A young couple sits at their kitchen table looking at documents with a laptop open in front of them.
Personal Finance

After the RBA's rate cut, should I buy ASX 200 shares or pay down the mortgage?

On paper, the answer is simple...

Read more »