The Real Estate Encyclopedia & Blog

Junior Mortgage

by | Feb 5, 2026

In real estate finance, a Junior Mortgage is a mortgage that has a lower priority than a first mortgage on the same property. Because priority is usually determined by the order of recording, a junior mortgage is recorded after the first mortgage.

In the event of foreclosure, a junior mortgage is paid only after the first mortgage has been fully satisfied. Due to the increased risk of loss, junior mortgages often carry higher interest rates and stricter lending terms.