The mortgage dilemma: Pay it off early or invest your money?

• Paying off your home loan early guarantees interest savings and financial security, making it a great choice for risk-averse homeowners or those with high mortgage rates.

• Investing instead of early repayment can generate higher long-term returns, especially if your mortgage rate is low and alternative investments offer better yields.

• The best approach depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and need for liquidity – many homeowners benefit from a balanced strategy that reduces debt while keeping investments growing.

On the homeowning scene, the past few years have been a kind of financial whiplash. In the early 2020s, banks were practically giving money away – with rates as low as 1%. Inflation quietly eroded debt, and monthly payments were barely noticeable. Those who locked in ultra-low rates sat comfortably, paying less interest on their mortgage than folks could earn on a simple savings account.

But all that changed. Central banks responded to a rush of ultra-high inflation by aggressively hiking interest rates, sending borrowing costs soaring.

Now, as some countries start to ease rates, a key question is back on the table: is it better to use extra cash to pay off your mortgage early or invest the money elsewhere?

The case for early repayment

For those who lived through the high-interest-rate environment of the 1980s, the answer to this question may seem obvious. Back then, as borrowing costs soared into double digits, just keeping up with mortgage payments was a struggle. And the idea of carrying debt at those levels for longer than necessary was unthinkable. Even today, with mortgage rates sitting around 7% in the US and 5% in Britain – similar to levels seen two decades ago – early repayment can seem like a straightforward way to save money and avoid financial risk.

The logic is simple: the sooner you pay off your mortgage, the less you’ll end up spending on interest. Even if interest rates remain at their current levels, repaying early can reduce your future debt and provide financial peace of mind. And if rates rise further, you could save even more by eliminating what you owe now rather than potentially facing even higher borrowing costs down the line.

But there’s more than just financial calculations to consider: there’s also the psychological appeal of being debt-free. Without a mortgage, you can gain greater financial flexibility, stability, and security – which is particularly attractive in uncertain economic times. Bottom line: early repayment can be an attractive option for the risk-averse.

The case against early repayment

Paying off your mortgage early certainly has its perks, but a lot of financial experts argue that keeping your home loan and investing your spare cash instead can be the smarter move. And that’s because of the opportunity cost – in simple terms, whether you could make more money by investing than you’d save by ditching your mortgage faster.

For years, the logic tilted in favor of this strategy. Mortgage rates were so low that paying down that debt made little sense. People could earn significantly higher returns by simply depositing cash in a high-yield savings account – to say nothing of what they could make investing in the stock market. Even as interest rates climbed, plenty of savings accounts and investments still offered better returns than the cost of a fixed low-rate mortgage.

Then there’s the stock market. Historically, the market’s long-term returns have far exceeded mortgage interest rates. Over the past two decades, the MSCI World Index has delivered an annualized return of over 10%. If a homeowner in 2005 had chosen to invest $1,000 rather than repay their home loan early (assuming a 5% mortgage rate), they would have generated a return of $6,500 – far more than the $1,800 in interest they would have saved by repaying what they owe on their house.

That being said, past returns do not guarantee future performance. The key question for today’s borrowers is whether such stellar investment returns are still likely. A big part of those massive market gains came from falling interest rates and rising stock valuations. Back in 2005, the price of the MSCI World Index was 22x its companies’ long-term earnings. Today, that multiple has risen to 30x – and that means a hefty chunk of past gains came from the fact that investors were willing to pay more for stocks. Unless valuations keep rising indefinitely (which isn’t guaranteed), future returns may not be as cushy.

And let’s not forget the world we live in now: inflation, global uncertainties, and economic turmoil could make future returns a tad shakier than they’ve been in the past.

How to choose which side you’re on

Look, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should repay your mortgage early or invest your money elsewhere. The question hinges on your specific financial situation, your goals, and how comfortable you are with risk.

So the first thing to do is to weigh up your mortgage rate against alternative investment returns. If your mortgage rate is higher than what you can realistically earn through other investments or savings, then repaying early is the logical move. However, if you can earn significantly higher returns elsewhere – say, in stocks, bonds, or even high-yield savings accounts – holding onto your mortgage may be the savvier financial play.

Your own level of liquidity is another important factor. When you put money toward your mortgage, it becomes locked up in home equity – and that’s not as accessible as it would be in a savings account or investment portfolio. If unexpected expenses arise – because of a job loss, medical bills, or a major repair – having your money readily available can be invaluable.

You’ll also want to think through the tax implications. In some countries, the interest on a mortgage is tax-deductible, which actually lowers the effective cost of borrowing. Meanwhile, investment earnings may be subject to capital gains taxes, which could influence your overall returns. You’ll want to make sure you understand how these factors apply to your specific situation.

Finally, it’s important to consider your personal risk tolerance. Some people are comfortable carrying mortgage debt if they believe they can earn a better return elsewhere. Others gain peace of mind by eliminating debt entirely from their lives, even if it means missing out on potential investment gains. Knowing your own comfort level with risk will help guide your decision.So let’s break this into a handy checklist. Early mortgage repayment is most compelling when:

• You have a high mortgage rate, relative to available savings or investment returns.

• You prefer financial security and peace of mind over potential investment gains.

• You have no better use for the money, such as high-interest debt or necessary expenses.

• You are near retirement and want to reduce fixed obligations for financial stability.

On the other hand, maintaining your mortgage and investing your money elsewhere may be the smarter choice if:

• You are locked in a low fixed mortgage rate, making your debt cheap compared to potential returns.

• You want to maintain liquidity for unexpected expenses or investment opportunities.

• You have a well-thought-out investment strategy and can tolerate market fluctuations.

• You can take advantage of tax benefits that lower your effective borrowing cost.

Finding a balanced approach

For a lot of homeowners, the best strategy lies somewhere in between. Instead of fully committing to early repayment or investment, you can take a balanced approach that offers the best of both worlds. In other words, you could make partial early repayments to reduce your debt burden, while still keeping a portion of your cash invested or in savings. Another strategy is to use any windfalls – work bonuses or inheritances, for example – to make occasional lump-sum repayments on your home loan without sacrificing liquidity.

Ultimately, whether you choose to eliminate your mortgage as quickly as possible or leverage low-cost borrowing to build wealth elsewhere, the important thing is to make a decision that aligns with your risk tolerance, financial stability, and long-term goals. In a world with fluctuating rates and evolving economic realities, being intentional and strategic will always be the smartest move.

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Capital at risk. Our analyst insights are for educational and entertainment purposes only. They’re produced by Finimize and represent their own opinions and views only. Wealthyhood does not render investment, financial, legal, tax, or accounting advice and has no control over the analyst insights content.