What is a Balloon Mortgage?

At some point, everyone who’s interested in financing real estate has asked themselves the question, “What is a balloon payment on a mortgage?” While most balloon payments are no longer allowed to be part of most qualified mortgages for consumer purposes, it’s important to note that they can still be used in non-traditional financing arrangements and investment purposes, like owner financing. Since 2014 the so-called Dodd Frank law prohibits investors for non-seller-occupant deals from including a balloon in the mortgage note.

However, before entering into any loan agreement that includes a larger-than-normal payment, it’s crucial that you make sure you understand how this type of payment works, as well as the advantages and risks that come along with it.  Keep reading to learn what you need to know before signing on the dotted line.

What is a balloon loan?

At its core, the term “balloon loan” refers to any loan that requires a lump-sum payment. Sometimes auto loans or personal loans will come in the form of a balloon payment loan. However, in real estate, it’s most common to talk about a balloon mortgage, where the larger-than-normal housing payment usually comes at the end of the loan.

As mentioned above, these days, it’s most common to see balloon mortgages utilized in non-traditional financing and investment-only scenarios. These mortgages can often be found in owner financing arrangements because the lump-sum payment gives the seller the opportunity to receive payment sooner. In addition, it is not uncommon to see balloon mortgages in commercial real estate contexts, especially when a construction loan is involved.

How does a balloon loan work?

Now that you have a better idea of a balloon mortgage definition, it’s time to take a closer look at how these loans work. With that in mind, we’ve broken it down for you as follows:

Interest-only balloon mortgage

The first type of balloon mortgage is an interest-only mortgage. As the name suggests, in this case, the borrower will only make payments on the interest that accrues on the loan. Then, at the end of the life of the loan, they will be responsible for paying off the entirety of the principal loan balance. 

Principal and interest balloon mortgage

In contrast, some balloon payment mortgages allow the borrower to make payments toward both the interest that accrues on the loan and the principal loan amount. Notably, however, the monthly payments will still be lower than they would be if the loan was allowed to amortize like a traditional mortgage fully. Here, at the end of the loan term, the borrower will only be responsible for paying off the remaining loan balance rather than the entire principal amount. 

What is a balloon mortgage example?

For the purposes of this example, let’s say that an interested buyer wants to buy your $300,000 home at an interest rate of 3.0% using owner financing. The mortgage note specifies that the buyer will make a 10% down payment and monthly payments on both the principal and interest for a 10-year period, at which point the balloon payment will come due. 

Using those figures, for the first ten years of the loan, you can expect a monthly mortgage payment of $1,138.34 from the buyer. Then, at the end of the 10-year-period when the balloon payment is due, you will be given a final payment of $206,390.62, which takes care of the remaining loan balance.

An example of a balloon mortgage payment schedule over 120 months 

Why Would Someone Do a Balloon Mortgage?

• They allow for flexible financing terms: Since balloon financing is only allowed in non-qualified mortgages, there are fewer guidelines that need to be met. In this case, a balloon payment can be used on both short-term and long-term loans, as well as either a fixed-rate mortgage or adjustable-rate mortgage. You have the flexibility to decide upon the loan terms with the borrower.
• Balloon mortgage rates are typically higher: Typically, if you allow the borrower only to make interest payments on the loan, you can compensate for the lower monthly payment by charging a higher interest rate.
• You’ll receive payment sooner: Often, people will shy away from owner financing scenarios because they don’t want to have to act like a bank for the next 30 years. Adding a balloon payment to a mortgage note allows you to cut down on the amount of time before your loan is repaid in full.
• You can sell a balloon note: If you don’t want to have to wait until a balloon payment comes due to receive your lump sum payment, it is possible to sell a real estate note with a balloon payment.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Balloon Mortgage?

• They come with more repayment risk: Of course, there is always the possibility that your borrower will not be able to make the balloon payment when it comes due. That’s why it’s especially important to vet any potential borrower if you’re considering this type of loan.

What Are the Risks to Lenders With a Balloon Mortgage?

From a lender’s standpoint, balloon mortgages carry added risk—mainly tied to the balloon payment amount that’s due at the end of the term. If the borrower can’t refinance, sell, or make the one-time payment, the lender is left with few options other than foreclosure or renegotiation.

Balloon loans also assume the borrower’s future financial stability, which isn’t guaranteed. A payment made on time for years doesn’t mean the borrower can cover the balloon payment when it comes due. If the borrower defaults, the lender might face legal costs, property upkeep, and market-related losses, especially if equity in the home hasn’t grown.

How Do Businesses Benefit From a Balloon Mortgage?

For commercial borrowers, a balloon mortgage offers low monthly payments upfront, which frees up cash for reinvestment, staffing, or renovations. This is especially useful in real estate development, where income is backloaded and capital needs are immediate.

Since balloon mortgages are short-term loans, businesses often use them to secure property temporarily—then either refinance or sell the home before the balloon payment is due. With the right planning, the structure can match cash flow cycles better than a traditional mortgage.

Balloon Mortgage Alternatives

If the disadvantages of balloon mortgages feel like a dealbreaker, there are safer financing routes:

• Traditional 15-year or 30-year mortgages: Fully amortizing loans with no surprises at the end.
• Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs): Offer lower initial payments without requiring a balloon payment at the end.
• Owner financing with full amortization: Keeps the transaction flexible but avoids a balloon debt structure.

Each alternative has pros and cons. But they all eliminate the uncertainty of needing a large last payment to close the deal.

How to Pay Off a Balloon Mortgage

To pay off a balloon mortgage, you’ll need a plan well before the payment due date hits. Here are three ways to handle it:

1. Refinance before the balloon payment: Ideally with a fixed-rate loan or more conventional terms.
2. Sell the property: If your mortgage is a home loan on an investment, selling can unlock the equity.
3. Use cash reserves or planned earnings: Some borrowers time the balloon payment with future earnings, but this requires discipline.

Lenders often require proof of your funds to make the balloon well in advance. Don’t wait until the last month to act.

Should I consider a balloon loan?

At the end of the day, though balloon loans aren’t commonplace anymore, they can be used in certain financial situations. Particularly as a seller, balloon payments can be an advantageous feature to include in a home loan. However, like any financial arrangement, this type of loan has its advantages and disadvantages, so you’ll want to be sure to do your research before signing any legally binding documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are balloon mortgages best for?

Balloon mortgages are best suited for individuals or investors who have a clear strategy for managing the lump sum payment at the end of the loan term, such as those expecting a significant increase in income, planning to sell the property before the balloon payment is due, or confident in their ability to refinance. They’re particularly appealing to those who want lower monthly payments in the short term and are comfortable with the risk of a large payment in the future. This type of mortgage might also be a good fit for people who are confident they won’t be in their home long-term, making the balloon payment a non-issue for their financial planning.

Who benefits from a balloon payment?

Balloon payments can benefit borrowers who anticipate having a significantly larger income by the time the balloon payment is due or those who plan to sell the property or refinance the loan before the payment comes up. Investors or homeowners expecting to move or sell within a few years, before the balloon payment is due, might also find this beneficial, as it can lower their costs in the short term while they plan for a more substantial financial move in the future. 

Are balloon loans legal?

Yes, balloon loans are legal in many jurisdictions, but they are regulated to ensure that borrowers are adequately protected. Before giving balloon mortgages, ensure that the borrower understands the terms and conditions of the mortgage agreement, including the implications of a balloon payment, and consider their ability to meet those terms in the future.

Can I pay my balloon payment early?

Yes. Most loan agreements allow early payoff, but check your contract for any payment structure restrictions or prepayment penalties. Paying early can reduce interest and eliminate the looming balloon payment risk.

Can I refinance a balloon payment?

Absolutely. Many borrowers refinance before the balloon payment is due. Just know your credit score, home appraisal, and debt-to-income ratio will affect your eligibility. Work with mortgage lenders several months ahead of the deadline.

Who is a balloon mortgage best for?

A balloon mortgage is a home financing tool best for short-term owners, investors, or those with a clear exit plan. It’s not ideal if you expect to already have a mortgage or need long-term payment stability.

How long is a balloon mortgage?

Balloon mortgage terms usually range from 5 to 10 years. The balloon payment due at the end covers whatever wasn’t paid through monthly installments. Terms are shorter than standard mortgage options to reduce lender risk.

Is balloon financing a good idea?

It depends. If you can pay the balloon or sell the home before the last payment, it can be a smart move—especially if you’re looking for low monthly payments now. But if you’re unsure how you’ll handle the final bill, it’s a gamble.

What does the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau say about balloon loans?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau restricts balloon features on most qualified mortgages. However, they’re still allowed in certain non-traditional financing situations. Make sure your lender explains all the pros and cons before signing.