Choosing how your commercial loan payments are structured can shape the financial trajectory of your entire investment. Interest-only and amortizing loans represent two fundamentally different approaches to debt service, and picking the wrong one can mean leaving cash flow on the table or taking on unnecessary risk.
This guide breaks down how each payment structure works, compares real dollar amounts side by side, and helps you determine which option aligns with your investment strategy and timeline.
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What is the difference between interest-only and amortizing commercial loans?
The core distinction comes down to what your monthly payment covers. With an amortizing commercial loan, each payment includes both principal and interest. Over time, your loan balance decreases as you chip away at the amount borrowed. With an interest-only loan, your payments cover only the interest charges during a set period, and the principal balance remains untouched.
Here is how the math plays out on a $2 million commercial mortgage at a 6.5% interest rate:
- Interest-only payment: $10,833 per month
- Amortizing payment (25-year schedule): $13,515 per month
- Monthly savings with interest-only: $2,682
That $2,682 monthly difference adds up to $32,184 per year in additional cash flow during the interest-only period. However, the trade-off is clear: with interest-only payments, you are not building equity through principal reduction.
Amortizing loans follow a schedule where early payments are heavily weighted toward interest, with the principal portion gradually increasing over time. By year 10 of a 25-year amortization, roughly 40% of each payment goes toward principal. By year 20, that figure climbs above 70%.
Interest-only loans skip this equity-building phase entirely during the initial period. The full loan balance remains due at maturity or when the loan converts to an amortizing structure.
It is worth noting that most commercial real estate loans are not fully amortizing in the residential sense. A typical commercial mortgage might have a 10-year term with a 25 or 30-year amortization schedule, meaning a balloon payment is due at maturity regardless of whether the loan includes an interest-only period. The key difference is whether you are paying down principal at all during the loan term. Understanding this dynamic is essential before committing to either payment structure on your commercial financing.
When should you choose an interest-only commercial mortgage?
Interest-only payments are not universally better or worse than amortizing structures. They serve specific investment strategies and property situations. Here are the scenarios where interest-only makes the most sense:
Value-add acquisitions. When you purchase a property that needs significant renovations, repositioning, or lease-up, cash flow may be thin in the early years. Interest-only payments keep your debt service low while you invest capital into the property. Once occupancy stabilizes and rents increase, you can transition to amortizing payments or refinance into a permanent loan.
Bridge loan situations. Short-term bridge financing is almost always structured with interest-only payments. Since these loans typically last 12 to 36 months, amortization would be impractical and would create unnecessarily high payments.
Maximizing cash-on-cash returns. Lower debt service means higher net operating income after debt service, which directly increases your cash-on-cash return. For investors focused on current yield rather than long-term equity building, interest-only periods can significantly boost annual returns.
Short hold periods. If your investment strategy involves selling within 3 to 5 years, the equity built through amortization may be minimal compared to the cash flow benefit of interest-only payments. Most of your equity gain will come from property appreciation and income growth rather than principal paydown.
Stabilized assets with strong cash flow. Even with stable properties, some investors prefer interest-only payments to maximize distributions to partners or redeploy capital into additional acquisitions rather than paying down principal on a low-leverage loan.
Construction and development projects. During the construction phase of a commercial development, the property generates no income. Interest-only payments (often with an interest reserve built into the loan) keep carrying costs manageable until the project is complete and tenants begin paying rent. This is standard practice across virtually all construction lending programs.
What happens when the interest-only period ends?
This is one of the most critical questions borrowers need to answer before choosing an interest-only structure. When the interest-only period expires, one of three things typically happens:
The loan converts to amortizing payments. This is the most common outcome for loans with partial-term interest-only periods. Your monthly payment increases, sometimes substantially, because you now must pay principal and interest over the remaining loan term. The shorter the remaining amortization period, the larger the payment jump.
For example, on that same $2 million loan at 6.5%: if you had a 10-year loan with 3 years of interest-only followed by amortization over the remaining 7 years, your payment would jump from $10,833 to approximately $17,200 per month. That is a 59% increase in your monthly debt service obligation.
A balloon payment comes due. Many commercial loans, especially conduit (CMBS) loans, are structured as full-term interest-only with a balloon payment at maturity. The entire principal balance is due at once. Borrowers typically refinance or sell the property to satisfy this obligation. Understanding how balloon payments work is essential if you are considering this structure.
You refinance the loan. Many borrowers plan to refinance before the interest-only period ends, especially if they have improved the property's value and can secure better terms. This strategy works well in stable or declining rate environments but carries risk if rates have increased significantly.
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Are interest-only commercial loans riskier?
Interest-only loans carry specific risks that amortizing loans do not, but whether they are "riskier" depends on how the borrower manages those risks.
No equity accumulation. The most obvious risk is that you are not reducing your loan balance during the interest-only period. If property values decline, you could end up underwater, owing more than the property is worth. According to Trepp, approximately $1.2 trillion in commercial mortgages matured during 2025-2026, and borrowers without equity cushions faced the most difficulty refinancing.
Payment shock. When the interest-only period ends and payments increase by 40% to 60%, borrowers who have not adequately prepared may face cash flow pressure. This is especially concerning if property income has not grown as projected.
Refinance risk. Borrowers counting on refinancing at the end of the interest-only period face uncertainty about future interest rates and lending conditions. With commercial mortgage rates currently ranging from 4.93% to 8.75% depending on loan type and borrower qualifications, rate environments can shift significantly over a 3 to 10 year period.
Higher total interest cost. Since the principal balance does not decrease during the interest-only period, you pay interest on the full loan amount for longer. Over the life of the loan, this results in significantly more total interest paid compared to a fully amortizing structure.
Market timing dependency. Interest-only borrowers who plan to refinance or sell at the end of the IO period are more exposed to market conditions at that specific point in time. If commercial property values have declined or cap rates have expanded, the exit strategy becomes more difficult. Amortizing borrowers have the cushion of reduced principal to help offset market shifts.
That said, sophisticated investors mitigate these risks by maintaining reserves, having clear exit strategies, and choosing interest-only structures only when the investment thesis supports it. The risk is not in the loan structure itself but in misaligning the structure with the investment plan. Many experienced sponsors specifically request interest-only terms and build their entire underwriting model around the lower debt service, planning conservatively for the transition to amortizing payments or refinancing.
What is the typical interest-only period on a commercial loan?
Interest-only periods vary significantly depending on the loan type, lender, and deal specifics. Here is what you can expect across the most common commercial loan programs:
Bridge loans are typically structured as fully interest-only for their entire 12 to 36 month term. Since these are transitional financing vehicles, amortization is rarely required.
CMBS/Conduit loans commonly offer interest-only periods of 2 to 5 years, with some offering full-term interest-only for lower-leverage deals on well-stabilized properties. According to industry data, over 50% of CMBS loan transactions have been structured as interest-only in recent years.
Bank loans may offer 1 to 3 years of interest-only payments, particularly for value-add deals or properties in lease-up. Banks tend to be more conservative with interest-only periods compared to other lenders.
Life insurance company loans typically provide 1 to 5 years of interest-only for stabilized, high-quality assets with strong sponsors.
Agency loans (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac) for multifamily properties may offer interest-only periods of 1 to 5 years for qualifying borrowers and properties with low leverage.
Hard money and private loans are frequently structured as full-term interest-only, similar to bridge loans, with terms typically ranging from 6 months to 3 years.
The length of the interest-only period you can secure often depends on your leverage ratio and property quality. A borrower requesting 65% LTV on a Class A multifamily property will likely qualify for a longer IO period than a borrower at 75% LTV on a suburban office building. Lenders view IO periods as added risk, so they compensate by requiring stronger fundamentals elsewhere in the deal.
How do monthly payments compare between interest-only and amortizing?
Let's walk through a detailed comparison using a $1.5 million commercial loan at 7.0% interest to show how payments differ over time.
Year-by-year payment comparison: $1.5M loan at 7.0%
| Time Period | Interest-Only Payment | Amortizing Payment (25-yr) | Monthly Difference | Annual Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Years 1-3 (IO period) | $8,750/mo | $10,598/mo | $1,848/mo | $22,176/yr |
| Years 4-10 (post-IO) | $11,284/mo* | $10,598/mo | -$686/mo | -$8,232/yr |
| Total interest (10 years) | $1,107,360 | $921,760 | N/A | $185,600 more |
| Remaining balance (Year 10) | $1,325,000 | $1,115,400 | N/A | $209,600 more owed |
*Assumes IO loan converts to amortizing over remaining 17 years after 3-year IO period.
The pattern is clear: interest-only payments provide significant cash flow relief in the early years but result in higher total costs over the loan's life. The $66,528 in cash flow savings during the 3-year interest-only period comes at the cost of $185,600 in additional total interest and $209,600 less equity built by year 10.
This trade-off makes sense for investors who can deploy the saved cash flow into improvements that increase property value by more than the additional interest cost. For a value-add investor who uses that $66,528 to fund renovations that increase the property's value by $200,000, the interest-only structure clearly wins.
For a buy-and-hold investor focused on long-term wealth building, the amortizing structure builds equity consistently and reduces total borrowing costs. The forced savings mechanism of amortization creates a disciplined approach to wealth building that many investors prefer, even if it means lower annual distributions.
Another consideration is how lenders view your remaining balance at refinance time. A borrower who has amortized their loan from $1.5 million to $1.15 million has a much easier path to refinancing than one who still owes the full $1.5 million, especially if property values have been flat. Use our commercial mortgage calculator to run your own scenarios and see how each structure impacts your specific numbers.
Ready to compare payment structures for your deal? Talk to a Clearhouse Lending advisor.
Which commercial loan types offer interest-only options?
Not all commercial financing programs include interest-only as a standard feature. Here is a breakdown of availability across the major loan categories:
Bridge loans. Interest-only is the standard structure. Nearly all bridge loan programs are fully interest-only for the entire loan term. Rates typically range from 7.5% to 12%, with terms of 12 to 36 months.
CMBS/Conduit loans. Interest-only options are widely available, with over half of recent conduit loan originations structured as interest-only. Full-term IO is available for lower-leverage deals (typically below 60% LTV), while partial-term IO is common at higher leverage levels.
Permanent/Agency loans. Interest-only periods of 1 to 5 years are available on permanent financing programs, particularly Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac multifamily loans. Qualification typically requires lower leverage, strong DSCR (1.40x or higher), and stabilized occupancy.
Bank and credit union loans. Interest-only options vary by institution and deal quality. Banks are generally more conservative but may offer 1 to 3 years of IO for strong borrowers with value-add business plans.
SBA loans. Interest-only periods are limited on SBA 504 and 7(a) loans. Some SBA programs allow brief interest-only periods during construction or renovation phases, but standard SBA loans are amortizing.
Hard money/Private loans. Interest-only is the norm for these short-term, higher-rate financing options. Terms are typically 6 to 24 months with rates from 9% to 14%.
The availability and length of interest-only periods also depend on deal-specific factors. Lenders are more likely to approve interest-only structures for borrowers with strong track records, properties in prime locations, lower leverage ratios, and clear business plans that justify the reduced payment structure.
Keep in mind that some loan programs may advertise interest-only options but attach conditions that effectively limit their usefulness. For example, a bank might offer IO but require a compensating balance, additional collateral, or a personal guarantee that makes the IO benefit less attractive on a net basis. Always evaluate the complete loan package rather than focusing solely on the interest-only feature.
How does interest-only structure affect your total cost of borrowing?
Looking at total cost over the full loan lifecycle provides the clearest picture of the financial trade-off. Using a $3 million commercial loan at 6.75% with a 10-year term:
Scenario A: Full amortization (25-year schedule)
- Monthly payment: $20,785
- Total payments over 10 years: $2,494,200
- Remaining balance at maturity: $2,196,000
- Total interest paid: $690,200
- Equity built through paydown: $804,000
Scenario B: 3 years interest-only, then amortizing
- IO monthly payment (Years 1-3): $16,875
- Amortizing payment (Years 4-10): $23,154
- Total payments over 10 years: $2,554,236
- Remaining balance at maturity: $2,532,000
- Total interest paid: $1,086,236
- Equity built through paydown: $468,000
Scenario C: Full-term interest-only
- Monthly payment: $16,875
- Total payments over 10 years: $2,025,000
- Remaining balance at maturity: $3,000,000 (full principal)
- Total interest paid: $2,025,000
- Equity built through paydown: $0
The numbers reveal a clear spectrum. Full amortization costs the least in total interest and builds the most equity. Full-term interest-only costs the most in total interest and builds zero equity through paydown. The partial interest-only structure falls in between.
However, total cost is only one piece of the puzzle. Investors also need to consider the time value of money, opportunity cost of capital, and the returns generated by deploying saved cash flow into property improvements or additional investments. A dollar saved today through lower IO payments may generate significantly more than a dollar if invested wisely. Factor in all the closing costs when comparing total deal economics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from interest-only to amortizing payments early? Most commercial loans allow voluntary principal payments during the interest-only period, though some may have prepayment penalties or yield maintenance provisions. Check your loan documents for specific terms around additional principal payments.
Do interest-only loans have higher interest rates? Not necessarily. Interest-only structures may carry a modest rate premium of 0.10% to 0.25% with some lenders, but rates depend more on the loan type, property quality, leverage, and borrower strength. CMBS and bridge loans, which commonly offer IO, have their own rate structures independent of the payment type.
What DSCR is required for an interest-only commercial loan? Lenders typically require a higher debt service coverage ratio for interest-only loans to ensure the property can support payments when they eventually increase. Expect minimum DSCR requirements of 1.25x to 1.40x during the interest-only period, with some lenders underwriting to a "stressed" amortizing DSCR as well.
Can I negotiate a longer interest-only period? Yes, interest-only periods are often negotiable. Factors that increase your leverage in negotiations include lower LTV ratios, strong borrower experience, high-quality properties, and competitive lending markets. Working with an experienced commercial mortgage advisor can help you secure optimal terms.
Is interest-only better for multifamily versus other property types? Interest-only structures are particularly popular for multifamily acquisitions due to the availability of agency (Fannie/Freddie) IO programs and the relatively predictable income streams. However, IO can work well for any stabilized property type or value-add deal with a clear improvement plan.
How do lenders evaluate interest-only loan applications? Lenders evaluate IO loan applications similarly to amortizing loans but with additional scrutiny on the exit strategy. They want to see a clear plan for how you will handle the increased payments or balloon payment when the IO period ends. Strong reserves, proven track records, and realistic projections strengthen your application.
Let Clearhouse Lending help you choose the right payment structure for your next commercial deal.