The Ultimate List of Reverse Mortgage Pros and Cons, Australia [2023]

A Reverse Mortgage allows you to draw upon the equity in your home, giving you access to funds that can enhance your lifestyle when you need it most. The compelling part? You continue to live in and hold the title to your home while using the equity you’ve worked hard to build.

Yet, as with any financial decision, there are critical aspects to weigh up. Reverse Mortgages come bundled with benefits that can mean financial freedom and comfort. But they’re not without their complexities and potential downsides. With changes in regulations and a keen focus on protecting Australian retirees, 2023 stands as a pivotal year for anyone considering this path.

Through this comprehensive guide, we’ll unpack the Pros and Cons of Reverse Mortgages, giving you a clear picture of how they can impact your retirement plans. From the peace of mind offered by government guarantees to the fine print of interest accumulation, we’re here to ensure you have all the knowledge at your fingertips.

The Pros of Reverse Mortgages 

1. Financial Freedom in Retirement

The supplemental income from a Reverse Mortgage can take care of those pesky living expenses that never seem to take a holiday. It could turn the dream of renovating your kitchen — perhaps to finally install that island bench you’ve always wanted — into a reality. 

Even healthcare costs, which have a habit of creeping up as we age, can be managed more comfortably with the funds from a Reverse Mortgage.

2. Retain Ownership of Your Home 

Unlike other methods of accessing home equity, Reverse Mortgages don’t require you to sell your home or move out, allowing you to access the wealth tied up in your property while continuing to live there.

3. Avoid or Delay Downsizing 

Reverse Mortgage is a viable option to release home equity if the market conditions aren’t right for downsizing (or if you simply aren’t ready to face the physical and emotional tasks of moving). It allows you to postpone making such a significant life change until you’re more prepared — or not make it at all.

Additionally, staying put means not having to deal with the often-overlooked costs and hassles of moving — agent fees, stamp duty, and moving costs, not to mention the challenge of finding a new place that feels like home. 

[ Related Post: You Don’t Need to Sell Your Home to Finance Your Retirement ]

4. Flexible Drawdown Options

Fancy a lump sum to finance a large project or purchase? It’s yours. Prefer a steady stream of monthly payments to supplement your income? That can be arranged. Or maybe you like the idea of having a line of credit, accessible whenever you need it for unexpected expenses or opportunities — it’s all possible with a Reverse Mortgage.

DID YOU KNOW: A standout feature of a Reverse Mortgage line of credit is that interest only accrues on the funds you actually withdraw. If you have a cash reserve available, you’re not charged interest on it until you use it. This means you can have a substantial amount of money at your disposal without the worry of interest piling up on the total amount available. 

5. Government Protections for Borrowers

Reverse Mortgages are the most heavily regulated credit product in Australia.

You can take comfort in knowing that there are solid protections in place to look after you, the borrower. One of the cornerstone protections is the ‘No Negative Equity Guarantee’. This is your safeguard. It ensures that you’ll never find yourself owing more than your home is worth. 

DID YOU KNOW: The Australian Government also offers their own version of a Reverse Mortgage known as Home Equity Access Scheme (HEAS). 

6. Usually No Impact on Age Pension and Benefits 

In most cases, taking out a Reverse Mortgage won’t affect your Age Pension because the money you receive isn’t considered income by Centrelink. However, how you use the funds could change your pension eligibility. Here’s what you need to know:

• Assets Test: If you take a lump sum from your Reverse Mortgage and don’t spend it immediately, it could be counted as an asset. Holding onto a large sum could increase your assets above the thresholds and potentially reduce your pension.
• Spending the Funds: If you use the Reverse Mortgage for immediate needs, such as paying bills, buying groceries, or even home repairs, it’s less likely to impact your Age Pension since it won’t be counted as an asset.
• Investing the Money: Investing the funds from a Reverse Mortgage can affect your Age Pension. If your investments generate income or increase in value, they could affect both the income and assets tests.
• Saving the Money: Parking the funds from your Reverse Mortgage in your bank account can lead to an increase in your assets, which might affect your pension.

Remember, each situation is unique, so it’s always a good idea to get advice tailored to your circumstances, preferably from a financial advisor or directly from Centrelink.

7. Tax-Free Money 

The money you receive from a Reverse Mortgage comes to you tax-free. That’s right, the cash you unlock from the equity in your home isn’t considered income by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), so it doesn’t get taxed in the way your wages or investment income would.

This means the funds from your Reverse Mortgage can be a clean, efficient way to boost your retirement resources without worrying about the taxman taking a slice. 

8. No Regular Repayment Obligations

With a Reverse Mortgage, you typically don’t have to make any regular repayments, as the loan is generally repaid when you sell your home, move into aged care, or pass away.

9. Minimal Effect on Credit Score 

Taking out a Reverse Mortgage does not impact your credit score in the same way as other loans. Yes, applying for a Reverse Mortgage will appear on your credit report, but as the loan does not require monthly payments there is no measurement of late payments or arrears. 

This aspect ensures that your creditworthiness remains intact, preserving your ability to engage in other financial activities where your credit score would be a factor.

10. Protection from Market Fluctuations

Since the loan amount of a Reverse Mortgage is based on the home’s value at the time of the agreement, borrowers are protected from future market downturns that could affect property value.

This means that if the real estate market takes a dip, the amount you owe on a Reverse Mortgage won’t increase due to a decrease in your home’s market value.

11. Option to Repay Early 

If your financial situation improves, you have the option to repay the Reverse Mortgage early without a prepayment penalty, giving you the flexibility to settle the debt when it’s convenient for you. You can also pay interest each month if you want so that the debt size doesn’t grow. 

This can be a strategic financial move, especially if you decide that you want to sell your home or leave it as part of an inheritance without the attached loan.

12. Potential for Capital Gains in Home Value 

While you’re receiving funds from a Reverse Mortgage, your property could still be appreciating in value, which might result in more significant estate value over the long term.

This can be especially advantageous in high-growth areas where property values continue to climb, potentially offsetting the accumulating interest on the Reverse Mortgage.

13. No Income Required to Qualify 

Unlike many other loans, you don’t need to have an income to qualify for a Reverse Mortgage, as the loan is secured by the value of your home.

This advantage is particularly true for retirees who no longer have a regular income stream but need to access cash for their various needs without the pressure of proving income for loan approval.

The Cons of Reverse Mortgages

1. The Compound Interest Factor

Put simply, compound interest means that you’re not just paying interest on the initial loan amount, but also on the interest that accumulates over time. It’s interest on interest. This can cause the loan balance to increase quite a bit as the years tick by, even if you don’t feel the pinch day-to-day since there are no immediate repayments.

2. Reduction in Home Equity 

Accessing equity through a Reverse Mortgage is a bit like using future money today. It provides immediate financial relief or the means to enjoy your retirement more fully. You can turn the equity locked up in your bricks and mortar into tangible benefits now, whether that’s for everyday expenses, a bit of luxury, or essential home modifications.

3. Impact on Inheritance 

When you draw upon the equity in your home through a Reverse Mortgage, you are effectively dipping into the reservoir of wealth that traditionally forms part of your beneficiaries’ inheritance. 

This means that as you enjoy the benefits of the loan now, the equity available to your loved ones upon your passing will likely be less. The size of the slice of the pie they’ll inherit gets smaller with each withdrawal and as interest accumulates.

[ Related Post: Balancing Legacy and Financial Stability: Will a Reverse Mortgage Affect My Kids’ Inheritance? ] 

4. Fees and Charges

Reverse Mortgages often come with a set of upfront fees – these can include application fees, legal fees, and property valuation costs, among others. There’s also the matter of ongoing service fees, which may apply throughout the life of the loan (depending on the lender). It’s important to add up these costs and factor them into your decision, as they can add a substantial amount to the loan balance over time.

5. Higher interest rates than normal home loans 

Interest rates on Reverse Mortgages are typically higher than on traditional home loans. Why? Because the lender is taking on more risk since they don’t receive payments until the house is sold or the last borrower moves out or passes away. 

6. Possible Effect on Future Loans and Financial Assistance 

When you tap into a Reverse Mortgage, you’re securing a loan against the value of your home. This means part of your home’s worth is mortgaged to the lender, reducing the amount of equity available to pledge for future borrowing. 

Although the loan to value ratio you can borrow on a Reverse Mortgage increases each year, if borrow the absolute maximum as a lump sum (as opposed to a cash reserve) it’s possible you may not be able to access additional funds without selling the property.

7. Restrictions on tenancy & renting out the property  

Moving out of your home for an extended period, such as for a long-term overseas holiday, can trigger the need to repay the Reverse Mortgage. Also, some lender contracts may prohibit renting out the property.

This could force the sale of the home at an inopportune time or when you are not ready to move. Each lender is different in this regard, so it’s good practice to check the loan terms when you apply. 

Additional Resources and Assistance About Australian Reverse Mortgages 

Looking into Reverse Mortgages can seem a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of helpful information out there. The key is knowing where to look.

Australian Government’s MoneySmart Website

MoneySmart is a comprehensive hub for financial guidance, featuring straightforward guides and calculators that break down the complexities of Reverse Mortgages.

Department of Social Services

For specifics on how a Reverse Mortgage could influence your government pension and benefits, this website has all the essential information.

Specialist Reverse Mortgage Broker

For tailored guidance, seek out a specialist broker who can consider your personal situation and guide you through the ins and outs of Reverse Mortgages.

Community Legal Centres and Financial Counselling Services

These local resources often offer free advice and can provide valuable insights into making financial decisions that affect your future.

Seniors First Website and Blog

Stay updated with the latest insights, updates, and practical tips on Reverse Mortgages. We’re dedicated to helping you make informed and confident financial choices.

Ready for the Next Steps? 

Understanding the pros and cons of Reverse Mortgages can seem challenging, but with the right guidance, you can find a solution tailored to your needs. 

Seniors First is dedicated to assisting you through this process. Whether you’re just starting your journey or need some final pointers, our expert brokers can help you. 

CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY HERE or call us on 1300 745 745. 

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only. It’s essential to seek advice from a financial expert or mortgage broker specific to your circumstances before making any decisions.