This financial tool assists in determining the periodic payment and final lump sum required for a specific type of loan. The loan structure involves paying only the interest accrued during the loan’s term, with the entire principal balance due at the end as a single, substantial payment. As an example, a borrower might use it to calculate the monthly interest payments on a $100,000 loan at 5% annual interest, where only interest is paid for five years, culminating in a $100,000 balloon payment.
Such a financial calculation is valuable for assessing the feasibility and implications of this kind of loan. It allows borrowers to understand the short-term affordability of the loan through lower monthly payments compared to a traditional amortizing loan. Historically, this type of loan structure has been used in various real estate and commercial financing scenarios, often by individuals or entities anticipating a significant future cash inflow to cover the final principal payment, or planning to refinance before the balloon payment is due.