U.S. Mortgage Index

First lien

Definition

A first lien is the senior mortgage or other lien with first claim on the property. It is a priority idea, not the same as the general word lien and not the same as a subordinate lien.

In plain English

If more than one loan is secured by the same house, one of those claims usually stands first. That senior claim is the first lien. A second mortgage or other junior claim is a subordinate lien. This page names priority. It does not describe foreclosure lawsuits.

Technical definition

CFPB’s key-terms heading for a second mortgage or junior lien is the official consumer contrast that makes first-lien priority meaningful. The security-interest page is supporting context.

Why it matters

Refinance and piggyback conversations depend on which lien is first. Priority is the concept, not a promise about any one foreclosure.

Sources reviewed

Important note

Keep to lien priority. Do not author foreclosure-priority litigation.