Understanding the Short Rate Penalty
The short rate penalty, also known as an early repayment charge or exit penalty, is a fee imposed by lenders when a borrower repays a loan or mortgage balance significantly earlier than the agreed-upon term. This penalty is designed to compensate the lender for the interest income they lose due to the early repayment.
How Short Rate Penalties Work
Lenders calculate interest over the life of a loan. When a loan is repaid early, the lender does not receive the full amount of expected interest. The short rate penalty aims to recover some of this lost revenue. The exact calculation method can vary between lenders, but it generally involves a formula that considers:
- The outstanding loan balance at the time of early repayment.
- The remaining term of the loan.
- A penalty rate or percentage applied to the outstanding balance or the expected future interest.
It's crucial to check your loan agreement for the specific terms and conditions regarding early repayment charges, as they can significantly impact the overall cost of repaying your loan ahead of schedule.