You may wonder what the maximum age to get a mortgage is since most lenders favour younger borrowers. While it’s more difficult to get a mortgage as you age, there are still many options available to borrowers above the age of 50. Some mortgage providers don’t set an age cap for mortgages. So, even if you are nearing retirement age, lenders are willing to lend to you.
This article discusses the maximum age for mainstream mortgages in the UK, how age and other factors affect your mortgage eligibility, the best mortgage types for older borrowers, and how to increase your chances of getting a mortgage.
How Does Age Impact Mortgage Eligibility?
Age is a crucial factor that affects mortgage eligibility because older borrowers pose a higher risk to lenders. There are two major risk factors mainstream mortgage providers face with older borrowers – affordability and health problems.
Once you reach the age of retirement, you no longer receive a regular salary. While you will receive a pension and other retirement benefits, your income will still decrease significantly. Hence, it may become more difficult for you to repay your loan monthly.
Another factor is health problems. Mortgage borrowers over the age of 50 have higher chances of developing chronic health problems, meaning they are less likely to pay back in full within the standard 25 – 30-year mortgage plan. Considering these risks, mainstream mortgage providers usually set age limits for getting a mortgage to prevent losses.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t find a mortgage when you are over 50. It only means your options are fewer. Several mortgage lenders specialise in later-life mortgages, and a handful of lenders don’t set a mortgage age limit.
Other Factors that Affect Mortgage Eligibility
Age isn’t the only factor that determines your eligibility. Mortgage lenders consider some other factors when deciding to lend to you. They include:
- Loan-to-Value Ratio
Loan-to-Value (LTV) is the ratio of the mortgage amount to the value of your property. For example, if you take a loan of £150,000 and your home value is £200,000. The LTV is 75%. This means your down payment or deposit for the house will be 25%.
The LTV helps lenders assess the risk and decide the interest rate. Usually, the lower the LTV, the more competitive the interest rate you will be offered. You also get to own more equity. For older borrowers, offering a higher deposit will increase your chances of getting a loan, and typically lenders will demand higher deposits as you get older.
- Affordability
Affordability checks your ability to repay your mortgage monthly for the full term length. It is a crucial factor that mortgage lenders consider when assessing your eligibility.
You have to have sufficient evidence to prove that you will be able to repay the mortgage. If your loan term runs into your retirement years, it means that you should be able to provide evidence that your pension income can repay the loan once you retire. - Debt-to-Income Ratio
Your debt-to-income (DTI) is the ratio of your debt to income. Your DTI ratio determines the percentage of your income that goes to repaying debts. For instance, if your DTI is 30%, it means 30% of your gross income goes to debt payment.
Having a low DTI ratio means you have low debts. Hence, you can attract better offers and stand a higher chance of getting a mortgage. On the other hand, a high DTI may make you ineligible for a mortgage. - Credit Score
Lenders will always check your credit score to determine if you are credit-worthy. A lower credit score means a higher risk for mortgage lenders, while a lower credit score means a lower risk. So, the higher your score, the better your chances of approval.
With a lower score, you may have to pay a higher interest rate if they approve your mortgage. Your credit history determines your credit score, so if you intend to take a mortgage, ensure you build a good credit history. - Home Value and Condition
Another factor that will likely influence your mortgage eligibility is the value and condition of the home. Your mortgage lender will want to ensure that the home you are buying is in good condition and worth its cost. So, they will survey the property to estimate its value.
Your home must be in good condition before you can get a mortgage. If it’s not, you may need to fix the issues before getting a loan. Also, if the lender finds out that the amount you want to pay for the house is more than its appraised value, they may lend you a percentage of the appraised value rather than the full payment.
Best Mortgage Types for Older Borrowers
The criteria for borrowing become stricter as you get older, so it’s crucial to consider if a mortgage option is suitable for you. Below are mortgage options designed for older borrowers, which offer the best benefits:
- RIO
Retirement Interest-Only mortgage (RIO) is one of the best options for older borrowers. It has a minimum age requirement of 50. So, it’s specifically designed for older borrowers who want an interest-only mortgage.
The RIO is an interest-only mortgage that allows people over 50 to take a loan against the value of their house and pay only the interest monthly. You only repay the loan as a lump sum when the last surviving borrower dies or moves permanently into long-term care. This mortgage option is ideal for borrowers who want to pay less monthly. - Equity Release
Equity release allows older borrowers to take a loan against their home without moving out. There are two main types:
1. Home Reversion
A home reversion plan involves selling part or all of your property in exchange for a tax-free lump sum or regular payments. With this equity option, you get to continue living on the property until the last borrower dies or moves into long-term care. When this happens, the provider will sell the house and share the proceeds accordingly. The home reversion plan is only available to borrowers over the age of 65.
2. Lifetime Mortgage
A lifetime mortgage allows you to take a tax-free lump sum against the value of your home while still retaining full ownership of the property. The home must be your primary residence. For lifetime mortgages, you can choose to pay a fixed interest rate monthly or let the interest roll up.
When the last borrower dies or moves into permanent long-term care, they will sell the property to repay the loan and any remaining interest. This equity release option is available to borrowers aged 55 or older.
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Can I Improve My Chances of Getting a Mortgage?
While it is more challenging to get a mortgage when you are above 50, you can improve your chances of getting a mortgage by showing that you are a responsible borrower capable of repaying the loan. Here are some steps to take:
- Check your Credit Score: Ensure you have a good credit score. This will help increase your chances of getting better offers. Also, check your credit report and correct any mistakes which may affect your creditworthiness.
- Organise Your Paperwork: Organise the necessary papers to show you have enough to pay your loan. Such documents include proof of state pension, retirement income, or any other benefits and pension you will receive after retirement.
- Avoid Debts: It’s best to pay up outstanding debts and avoid taking out loans close to your application. This would prevent negative views and make your offer more attractive to lenders.
- Deposit More: Older borrowers will most likely need a lower loan-to-value than younger borrowers. So, putting down more deposits will improve your chances of getting a mortgage and reduce the interest rate.
- Ensure Your Home is in Good Condition: Mortgage lenders will survey your home to check if it’s in good condition. So, to attract lenders, you must ensure your home is in good condition.
- Research: Before applying for a mortgage, you must conduct proper research to find a suitable lender. You could also consult a broker for advice on how to go about your application and the best mortgage option for you.
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What is the Maximum Age for Mainstream Mortgages?
There is no specific maximum age for mortgage UK. Most mainstream mortgage lenders set their own age limit for borrowers so that the age cap will vary based on the lender. The common mortgage age limit UK includes:
- 55 – 70 – age limit for taking out a mortgage
- 70 – 85 – age limit for the end of the mortgage term
However, not all lenders set a maximum age for mortgages. Some don’t set any limit but decide based on a case-by-case basis. Generally speaking, your options are more limited once you hit 50, and you may meet stricter criteria and a higher Loan to Value (LTV) ratio when applying for a mainstream mortgage. Here is a breakdown of the available options for older borrowers:
- Mortgages for Over 50s
There are still plenty of options available if you are in your 50s. Most lenders will still offer the standard 25-year term to borrowers in their 50s. So you can expect to get competitive interest rates and attractive offers.
Note that lenders will most likely ask you to provide evidence of your pension income if you are borrowing over the standard loan term. Your pension or other retirement income should be able to repay your loan. You may want to consider borrowing over a shorter term to repay your mortgage more quickly. - Mortgage for Over 60s
While your options are more limited at age 60, many lenders are still willing to offer mortgages. However, most lenders may offer shorter repayment terms, like 10 to 20 years. You may also find other restrictions. Also, you may need to provide evidence that your pension and other retirement benefits will be enough to repay your mortgage. A strong credit score can improve your chances of getting a better interest rate. - Mortgage for Over 70s
If you are in your 70s, it is more challenging to get a mortgage. But it’s still possible to find one, although you may not be eligible for the standard term. Most lenders will offer shorter term lengths of 10 to 15 years and a higher interest rate. You may also consider a guarantor mortgage if you have a willing close family member or friend to act as a guarantor. Other options open to you are niche lenders and building societies. - Mortgages for Over 80s
Once you are over 80, fewer options are available, but a few mainstream lenders, especially those with no max age for a mortgage, could consider lending you. Niche lenders could also offer mortgages for those over 80. However, you are more likely to get a shorter term and higher interest rate.
Some lenders offer mortgages with 3 to 5-year repayment terms, and you can repay these mortgages up to age 85. Usually, your financial information will be subject to closer scrutiny to determine if you are eligible. You can consider getting a guarantor mortgage if you have a close family or friend to act as your guarantor.
- Mortgage for Over 85s
It’s very difficult to find mainstream mortgages when you are over 85. Few niche lenders could consider lending to you if you are at the mortgage maximum age of 85. However, you may get a very short-term length. 85 is often the oldest age to get a mortgage, and when getting a loan at this age, expect a less competitive interest rate, stricter criteria, and more scrutiny.
Conclusion
Generally, older borrowers have fewer options for mainstream mortgages. Many mortgage lenders are not willing to lend to people over 50 or nearing retirement because of the risk involved. While there is no specific age limit for getting a mortgage, most providers set an age cap between 55 and 70 for taking a loan. But it’s still possible to get a loan when you are much older, and you can even get mortgages up to age 85, especially from niche lenders specialising in later-life mortgages.
You can take several steps to improve your chances of getting a mortgage. You can conduct thorough research before choosing a lender, pay up old debts, improve your credit score, organise your paperwork, and deposit more. Doing these puts you at a better advantage when applying for a mortgage.
