Which mortgage type is generally considered to have lower initial payments?

An adjustable-rate mortgage is typically associated with lower initial payments compared to other mortgage types. This is primarily because the interest rate on an adjustable-rate mortgage is usually lower than that of a fixed-rate mortgage during the initial period, which can last several years. The appealing lower initial interest rate translates to lower monthly payments initially, making this type of mortgage attractive to borrowers looking to minimize their immediate financial obligations.

After the initial fixed-rate period, the interest rate on an adjustable-rate mortgage can fluctuate, leading to potentially higher payments later on. This contrasts with a fixed-rate mortgage, where the payments remain consistent throughout the loan term, and conventional mortgages, which can include both fixed and variable rate options. In the case of an interest-only mortgage, while the initial payments may also be lower since the borrower is only paying interest for a specified period, this structure can lead to a larger payment shock later when principal payments begin. Therefore, the adjustable-rate mortgage is distinct in its initial affordability due to its lower rates at the beginning of the loan.