A mortgage is a loan that is paid back over a set period of time. Taking a mortgage therefore involves paying a certain amount as interest in addition to the principal borrowed. Mortgages can be broadly classified into two types based on the interest rates. These are fixed rate mortgages and adjustable rate mortgages. Most financiers currently offer a number of variations of these two basic types of mortgages.

The monthly interest payments remain unchanged through the whole term in fixed rate mortgages. Thus the borrower does not encounter the problem of having to make unexpected large payments. Fixed rate mortgages are usually taken for 15 or 30 years, although other terms are also possible.

Although the monthly payments may be lower, the borrower pays more as interest on long-term loans as opposed to shorter-term loans. A short term also means that the buyer gets full ownership of the property within a shorter period of time. The borrower can also choose a bi-weekly payment option rather than a monthly one. This reduces the period of the loan, and thus results in lower interest costs.

Various kinds of adjustable rate mortgages are available. In the case of a capped interest rate, the maximum interest rate to be paid is fixed. The lender cannot demand more than this, even if interest rates go up. In the event of interest rates falling, however, the borrower pays less.

Discounted rate mortgages have an initial predetermined period when the interest rates are reduced. At the end of this period they revert to the standard rate. First-time buyers may find this an attractive option. In variable rate mortgages the rate of interest changes with fluctuations in the bank rate.

Thus, a wide range of options is currently available for those who wish to apply for a mortgage.