'I'm a mortgage expert - you should pay off early and there's an easy way'

'I'm a mortgage expert - you should pay off early and there's an easy way'She said it wasn't just about getting on the ladder, but what you do when you get thereCommentsMoneySteven Smith Content Editor09:54, 17 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesMichelle Woolley(Image: Michelle Woolley/Newspage)An expert has explained why you should pay off your mortgage early – and how you can do it easily. For years, the focus has been on getting onto the property ladder, but one expert has pointed out that what happens after that matters just as much.‌In a world of rising rates, shifting markets and economic uncertainty, more homeowners are starting to rethink their long-term strategy. For some, that means one simple goal - clearing their mortgage as early as possible.‌While investing and leveraging debt has its place, one broker said the emotional and financial benefits of being mortgage-free were often underestimated.‌Michelle Woolley, of Derbyshire Mortgages, said the decision ultimately came down to mindset and risk appetite.She added: “If you're not risk-averse, paying your mortgage off early is great. The only time I wouldn’t is if you are gambling on making more money investing than your interest rate, or if you are in a very high tax band and again having debt doesn’t bother you.”For many borrowers, however, the appeal goes far beyond the numbers. Michelle continued: “This isn’t just about figures on a spreadsheet, it’s about freedom.‌“The world feels uncertain at the moment. Rates move, lenders change their minds, the market shifts quickly. You can’t control any of that. What you can control is how long you stay in debt.”View 3 ImagesA mortgage adviser said it wasn't just about money(Image: d3sign via Getty Images)She said even small overpayments could make a significant difference over time. Michelle added: “I say this to clients all the time – if you can afford to overpay, even a little, do it.‌“It might not feel like much month-to-month, but over...