What does a lock-in clause do?

A lock-in clause primarily serves to prohibit early repayment of a loan until a specified date. This means that if a borrower has a lock-in clause, they are generally not allowed to pay off the loan before that date without potentially facing prepayment penalties, which can protect the lender's interests.

By restricting the ability to repay early, the lender ensures that they receive a certain amount of interest payments for a defined period, effectively securing their investment. The clause is often included in mortgage agreements and other types of loans to stabilize the terms for both parties, particularly in times of fluctuating interest rates. Understanding how such clauses work is essential for both borrowers and lenders in managing financial expectations and obligations.