Many players mistakenly believe they can borrow money from other players to pay off debts, but the official rules strictly limit loans to the Bank via property mortgages.
According to the Monopoly Official Rulebook, money can only be loaned to a player by the Bank and only by mortgaging property.
Monopoly Official Rulebook [edition not specified]
Expertise: Board game rules expert. | Verification: Cross-referenced official rulebook text regarding mortgage interest and player loans. | Purpose: Resolve the #1 confusion regarding player-to-player loans and mortgage interest.
Key Insight: To avoid arguments, establish whether players will pay the 10% interest immediately or hold the mortgage when trading properties.
These rules correspond to the UK edition of Monopoly.
To raise more money, the Bank can give mortgages on Properties. When a property is mortgaged, the owner turns the Title Deed card over to the Bank. To lift a mortgage, the owner must pay the Bank the amount of the mortgage plus 10% interest. If a player buys a mortgaged property from another player, the new owner may lift the mortgage immediately by paying the mortgage amount plus 10% interest to the Bank. Alternatively, the new owner can pay the 10% interest to retain the property with the mortgage still active; if they choose this, they must pay an additional 10% interest later when the mortgage is finally lifted. Note that when all properties in a colour-group are no longer mortgaged, the owner may begin to buy back houses at full price.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Turn the Title Deed card over to indicate it is mortgaged.
Step 2: Receive the mortgage loan amount from the Bank.
Step 3: To lift the mortgage, calculate the mortgage value plus 10% interest.
Step 4: Pay the total amount to the Bank and turn the Title Deed card face up.
Example Play Situation
Alice owns Boardwalk but needs cash to pay a fine. She mortgages Boardwalk to the Bank to raise funds. Later, Bob buys Boardwalk from Alice; Bob pays the 10% interest immediately to keep the mortgage active, or he can pay the full amount plus interest to lift it instantly.
Common Misconceptions
Borrowing money directly from another player
Lifting a mortgage without paying the 10% interest
Buying houses on a mortgaged property
Quick Reference
You Can
You Cannot
You can mortgage property to get money from the Bank
You cannot borrow money from another player
You can sell mortgaged property to another player at an agreed price
You cannot collect rent on mortgaged properties
You can buy back houses at full price once all properties in a colour-group are unmortgaged
You cannot build houses on a mortgaged property
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official rule for mortgaging in Monopoly?
The Bank loans money only by mortgaging property, and you must pay 10% interest to lift it.
Can I borrow £50 from my friend if I am short on cash?
No, players may not borrow or lend money to one another; only the Bank provides loans via mortgages.
What happens if I buy a property that is already mortgaged?
You can pay 10% interest to lift it immediately or pay 10% to keep the mortgage active.
Do I have to pay interest every turn I hold a mortgage?
No, interest is only paid when lifting the mortgage or when a new owner chooses to manage it.
David Noah is a board game rules specialist and content creator who writes clear, dispute‑free guides for modern tabletop games. On this site, he focuses on answering the exact rules questions players argue about at the table, using official rulebooks, expansions, and tournament rulings as his primary sources. His goal is to turn confusing edge cases into simple, step‑by‑step explanations so you can spend less time debating and more time playing.
