Is it possible to get a mortgage for older borrowers?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to get a mortgage for older borrowers. However, it may be more difficult, depending on your circumstances. This is because later life lending is much more complex, and so finding the best deal for you isn’t easy. So, whilst getting the mortgage may be more difficult, with help from expert advisers, it is possible.

What is the maximum age to get a mortgage?

The maximum age that you can get a mortgage for older borrowers varies greatly between different lenders. There are also different types of mortgage you can apply for depending on your age and circumstances – always speak to an adviser to find out which you qualify for and what is going to be suitable.

• Standard mortgage. If you still have a good income or you are working beyond retirement there are a number of lenders which will consider your application. subject to age restrictions – normally borrowers would not be much older than 70 to 75 when taking the mortgage out. However if your pension income will support your mortgage repayments. lenders may let you extend the mortgage repayments period to well in to your 90’s.

• Retirement interest only mortgage for older borrowers (RIO mortgages). These are aimed at people with a good pension income who want an interest only facility to keep the repayments low. Because the interest only repayments are lower it’s easier to meet the affordability requirements. However, as borrowers are not reducing the mortgage balance they need a strategy to clear the mortgage. A common example might be selling the property in a few years to downsize to a smaller house. Again some lenders will allow the mortgage to run in to the borrowers 90’s.

• Equity release mortgages. This is a very different type of mortgage for older borrowers aimed at people aged 55 with little or no income. Instead of paying interest each month, the lender allows for the interest to be deducted from the mortgage. Therefore the balance goes up, not down. This suits some people with low income as there are no monthly payments. But the rates tend to be higher and the interest deductions eat away at the equity in their home.

Getting advice about mortgages for older borrowers is an absolute must

This is a complex area and borrowing later in life needs to take into consideration many factors. You do not want to get this wrong so careful consideration of your circumstances and personal goals is critical.

The types of mortgage available and individual lender criteria is also a varied and complex area. A good adviser will fight your corner, and give you the greatest chance of finding a mortgage right for you.

Why is it harder to get a mortgage for older borrowers?

Income

Many older borrowers are either retired or approaching retirement. Because lenders have to follow Mortgage Market Review (MMR) rules, they have to make sure that you can continue to afford the repayments after you retire. As lenders assume you won’t be working after you retire, your finances will be different. To this end, you will have to provide information from your pension or alternative methods of income to show you can continue making repayments. The alternative incomes can include shares or property. If you cant do this your adviser might consider an equity release type mortgages.

Mortgage term

As different lenders have maximum ages that borrowers can borrow at, it can be hard to find a good deal. If you choose to repay your mortgage over a shorter term, you could have more options to choose from. However, repaying over a short term will lead to increased monthly repayments.

For example, if you are 65 and take out a 20 year mortgage, you will be 85 before you pay it off. However, if you choose a 10 year mortgage then you will have repayed it by 75, which more mortgage providers offer.

Additionally, these maximum ages can be difficult to handle even when you’re middle aged. For example, you may find it difficult to take out a 30 year mortgage when you are 40, because you will be 70 by the time you pay it off.

A RIO mortgage might help keep the mortgage repayments low as it is an interest only mortgage. An adviser can help identify if you qualify for this type of mortgage.

Other circumstances lenders could look at

Your health

If you are trying to secure against your house, there are different loans that could help you to release more with regards to your health.

The type of mortgage you’re applying for

You will be assessed differently depending on whether you are applying for a standard mortgage, or a mortgage designed for older borrowers.

Property type

Lenders prefer to lend to standard construction properties, as these are easier to resell in the case of repossession

Credit history

Your past credit history will affect how lenders perceive your ability to repay the mortgage or interest. However with an equity release mortgage this is less on an issue.

More about the types of mortgage for older borrowers

Retirement Interest Only Mortgage

This type of mortgage allows you to borrow against your property. So, in order to get a Retirement Interest Only (RIO) mortgage, you must firstly own you own home. Secondly, you must have equity in your home to take the mortgage out against.

In some cases you may be able to change a RIO to a different type of mortgage. These can include standard repayment or interest only mortgages.

With this mortgage you will only have to repay the interest on the loan each month, rather than making full repayments. However, at the end of the mortgage term, the full amount must be repaid. These mortgages are often paid off when the borrower either sells the property, moves to a care home, or when the borrower passes away.

Equity Release Mortgages

Equity release mortgages could be perfect for you if you are older and don’t want to move to a smaller home. So long as you have equity in your home, you can borrow some of the properties value. You do not have to make monthly repayments, however this means that your debt will increase.

You can take out ERMs when you turn 55, and you can either take out a lump sum, or monthly installments.

This mortgage is generally repaid when the borrower either sells the property or passes away.

How much could you borrow

This depends on many factors, such as the type of mortgage you are applying for, or the various circumstances listed above. Some lenders may be willing to offer 75% LTV mortgages to the right applicant pre-retirement.

However, if you are retired, then it is more likely that the maximum LTV you would be lower. This is because you are no longer working, and so may only have a pension as your income. This is seen as higher risk by lenders. Hence the lower LTV.

What to do if you a declined

If you are declined for a mortgage by your bank, don’t immediately apply for many more mortgages. This could impact your credit report and show up on your next applications. Lenders could interpret this as you being desperate for funds, and so higher risk.

An adviser can assess your circumstances with 1 credit search and narrow down which lenders are likely to help you and advise you which is best.

You should consider

Before you decide to take out a mortgage for older borrowers, it is highly recommended you contact an adviser to discover if there is a better deal available for you. Because the market for older borrowers is more complicated, a mortgage adviser could help you understand which offer is best for you and help you make plans for the future.

For more information on the Mortgage Market Review click here.

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