How are retirement interest only mortgages different?

Retirement interest only mortgages (RIOs) have become a popular choice for those looking to release equity from their homes in retirement. Unlike traditional mortgages, RIOs do not require the borrower to repay the capital borrowed during their lifetime. Instead, they pay only the interest charged on the loan each month, with the loan amount repaid upon the borrower’s death or if they sell their property.

RIOs can be a good option for those who have retired and own their own home, but need additional income to supplement their pension. They can also be a useful way to release equity to pay for care or home improvements.

In this article, we will explore what RIOs are, how they work, their benefits, and potential drawbacks. We’ll also look at how to qualify for a RIO and how to find the best RIO for you.

What is a retirement interest only mortgage?

A retirement interest only mortgage is a type of mortgage designed specifically for people who are retired or approaching retirement age. It allows borrowers to release equity from their homes by borrowing money against the value of their property. Unlike traditional mortgages, RIOs do not require the borrower to repay the capital borrowed during their lifetime.

Instead, the borrower makes monthly interest only payments on the loan. The loan amount is repaid upon the borrower’s death or if they sell their property. This means that the borrower’s estate will be responsible for repaying the loan.

How do retirement interest only mortgages work?

Retirement interest only mortgages work in a similar way to traditional interest only mortgages. The borrower makes monthly payments on the interest charged on the loan, but does not repay the capital borrowed. This means that the amount borrowed remains the same throughout the term of the loan.

The loan is usually repaid when the borrower dies or sells their property. At this point, the loan amount, plus any interest owed, is repaid from the proceeds of the sale. If the borrower dies before the loan is repaid, the debt is passed on to their estate.

Benefits of a retirement interest only mortgage

There are several benefits to taking out a retirement interest only mortgage:

1. Access to equity: A RIO allows you to access the equity in your home without having to sell it.
2. No monthly repayment of capital: You only need to make monthly interest payments on the loan, which can help to reduce your monthly outgoings.
3. Flexibility: RIOs can be more flexible than traditional mortgages, with some lenders allowing borrowers to make lump-sum payments to reduce the amount owed or to switch to a capital repayment mortgage if they wish.
4. Security: The loan is secured against your property, which means that you are less likely to be turned down for a RIO than for an unsecured loan.
5. Inheritance: A RIO can be a way to release equity from your home to provide an inheritance for your loved ones.

Potential drawbacks of a retirement interest only mortgage

While there are many benefits to taking out a RIO, there are also potential drawbacks to consider:

1. Increased debt: As the capital borrowed is not repaid during your lifetime, the amount of debt owed can increase over time.
2. Limited lenders: Currently, only a limited number of lenders offer RIOs, which means that you may have fewer options to choose from.
3. Interest rates: Interest rates on RIOs can be higher than those on traditional mortgages.
4. Inheritance: While a RIO can provide an inheritance for your loved ones, it can also reduce the amount they receive if the loan is not repaid during your lifetime.

How to qualify for a retirement interest only mortgage

To qualify for a RIO, you will need to meet certain criteria. These include:

1. Age: You will need to be over a certain age, usually 55 or 60, to be eligible for a RIO.
2. Income: You will need to demonstrate that you can afford the monthly interest payments on the loan.
3. Property value: The value of your property will be taken into account, as lenders will want to ensure that there is sufficient equity in the property to cover the loan.
4. Credit history: Lenders will look at your credit history to assess your ability to make repayments.
5. Property type: Some lenders may have restrictions on the type of property that they will lend against, such as flats or leasehold properties.