Due-On-Sale Clause A provision in a mortgage contract that requires that the mortgage be repaid in full upon a sale or conveyance of interest in the property that secures the mortgage. Mortgages with a due-on-sale clause are not assumable. Investopedia Says: A due-on-sale clause helps to protect the lender, or the ultimate holder of the mortgage, from the risk that the mortgage may be transferred to the new owner of a property when the rate on the mortgage is below current market interest rates. This would extend the life of the mortgage; the holders of a below-market-interest-rate mortgage - or a mortgage-backed security, asset-backed security, or collateralized debt obligation backed by a below-market-interest-rate mortgage - generally favor the early retirement of that mortgage. Related Terms: Assumable Mortgage Assumption Clause Deed Of Release |