What is a fixed-rate mortgage with a lower initial interest rate that increases over time called?

A fixed-rate mortgage with a lower initial interest rate that increases over time is called a graduated-payment mortgage. This type of mortgage is designed to accommodate borrowers whose incomes are expected to rise in the future. It starts with lower payments that gradually increase at specified intervals, allowing borrowers to manage their financial burden when they may have limited income.

As the payments increase, they usually follow a predetermined schedule, making it easier for borrowers to anticipate their future expenses. This structure can be advantageous for first-time homebuyers or those with growing or fluctuating income, as it allows for initial affordability while planning for the future.

Other mortgage types, like adjustable-rate mortgages, have interest rates that fluctuate based on market conditions, whereas conventional loans are standard mortgages without features like graduated payments. A balloon mortgage involves a large final payment after a series of smaller payments, which differs fundamentally from the concept of graduating payments.