Complexities in Reverse Mortgages Alarm Older Australians

Many older Australians are increasingly struggling to understand the reverse mortgage market, according to recent research and inquiry records from the national brokerage, Seniors First.

This complexity is evidenced by a threefold rise in inquiries from Australians over 60 during the past two years, largely driven by concerns over living costs, misconceptions about the products, and inadequate access to information.

Seniors First's latest study revealed over 150 distinguishing factors among reverse mortgage offerings from Australia's leading four lenders. These variations span eligibility criteria, loan features, loan amounts, total fees, costs, and lender policies, creating a challenging landscape for older Australians aiming to tap into their home equity without financial pitfalls.

The CEO of Seniors First, Darren Moffatt, noted the situation has become significantly more complex. "Our research identified over 150 variables in just four lenders, which is daunting for over-60s simply seeking funds from their home equity without expensive errors," he stated. Moffatt highlighted differences in drawdown limits, interest rates, property type rules, and age-based eligibility as key obstacles for these retirees.

Moffatt underscored the disparity between the rising popularity of reverse mortgages and the scarcity of accessible and clear information, which leads to varying levels of financial confidence and uncertainty among seniors. He remarked that reverse mortgages aren't uniform products and often challenging to compare due to non-public eligibility details.

Moffatt advocates for bespoke support, suggesting that specialist brokers like Seniors First are essential in navigating the 'hidden' rules of reverse mortgage products, thus providing much-needed clarity and personalized service as opposed to generic sales pitches.

Published:Friday, 1st Aug 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

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