What type of loan structure features paid-down principal with decreasing interest payments over time?

The straight-line principal reduction loan is characterized by a structure where the principal amount of the loan is reduced in equal installments over the loan term. As the principal balance decreases, the interest portion of the payments also decreases, leading to lower interest payments over time. This structure results in larger initial payments that diminish over the life of the loan, creating a pattern where the borrower pays more upfront but benefits from reduced monthly obligations as the loan matures.

In contrast, the fixed rate loan maintains consistent monthly payments throughout its term, meaning both principal and interest portions remain constant, without the benefit of declining interest payments. An interest-only loan only requires the borrower to pay interest for a certain period, without reducing the principal, which does not align with the characteristics described. Finally, an adjustable rate mortgage features fluctuating interest rates that can change over time rather than focusing on a stable decreasing principal structure. Thus, the straight-line principal reduction loan is the clear choice for its specific characteristics of principal repayment and decreasing interest obligations.