Paying off the mortgage in advance does not mean that the interest paid before is completely wasted. Repaying the mortgage in advance can save future interest expenses, shorten the loan period, and thus reduce the total interest burden.

Specifically, after the mortgage is repaid in advance, the interest to be paid in the future will be reduced, but the interest already paid will usually not be refunded. This is because banks have included interest costs when issuing loans. Early repayment is equivalent to the early termination of the bank's capital occupation, and the bank cannot obtain interest income by lending again.

However, prepayment may involve liquidated damages or handling fees, and the specific provisions vary from bank to bank. Therefore, before deciding to repay in advance, it is recommended to consult the loan bank about the specific repayment policy and the possible extra expenses. After weighing the pros and cons, make appropriate decisions according to your own economic situation.