In 2014, the lending regulator suggested to banks that they think twice before offering loans to people nearing retirement or already retired.
In a practice guide on residential mortgages, the Australian Prudential Regulatory Agency (APRA) advises: “Future changes in a borrower’s circumstances, such as the likely lower income and repayment capacity during the impending retirement of a borrower, would also be considered by a prudent ADI (deposit taking bank). It would be prudent not to rely on the presumption of future superannuation lump sums unless the lump sum is verifiable and reasonably imminent.”
While APRA provides guidelines on how much risk banks should entertain when lending to certain groups, it is up to the lenders themselves to make the final call.
During the banking royal commission, a number of incidences have surfaced of unethical lenders who did make the call to write loans to elderly people who had limited capacity to service a mortgage, unless their house was sold.
No doubt when the royal commission winds up, there will be further calls for banks to think wisely before lending large amounts to those over 60.
Borrowing during your 50s is not as easy as borrowing during your 30s or even 40s, especially if you do not own a home and are considering a 25-year or longer loan. The chances that you will likely not be working beyond 65 or 70 will be taken into account by a lender who rightfully will need to know how you will service your loan after your wage-earning days are over.
One reverse mortgage broker, Seniors First, lists all the top lenders on its site and claims it can help older borrowers and pensioners access funds. However, when YourLifeChoices requested an interview with the broker about the terms of loans on offer to older borrowers some time ago, it was declined.
In 2011, the National Consumer Credit Protection Act made changes to rules on responsible lending to borrowers over the age of 50. This group now has to demonstrate an ‘exit strategy’ for what will happen with the loan when they retire, according to online lender State Custodians.
The organisation said that would-be borrowers had a better chance of obtaining a loan if their exit strategy included the potential to:
- sell an investment property or other assets
- earn income or payout from superannuation
- downsize from their property
- receive investment or other income that will continue into retirement, such as an annuity.
If you are struggling with your finances and need a smaller amount of money than a traditional mortgage you may be able to receive a personal loan. But beware, these often have high interest rates.
It is worth checking first to see if you qualify for a loan from the Government. According to MoneySmart, the Department of Human Services offers some alternatives:
- Pension Loans Scheme – If you are a retiree, self-funded or a pensioner, you can use your real estate as security for a loan under this scheme.
- Advance Payment – You can receive your social security payment in advance if you need some help to cover immediate expenses.
Are you over 50 years of age and wondering if you can borrow from a bank? Have you been turned away by lenders because of your age?
Related articles:
Not so easy for over-50s borrowers
Pensioner loans expanded
Reverse mortgage pitfalls
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