ASIC urges seniors to consider alternatives to reverse mortgages

REVERSE mortgages are dangerous and on the nose with ASIC, but how are asset-rich, cash poor Australians supposed to pay the bills in retirement?

AUSTRALIANS approaching retirement are being urged to consider alternatives to reverse mortgages, after an Australian Securities and Investments Commission review found many borrowers were using them without understanding the risks.

ASIC spokesman Michael Saadat said a reverse mortgage could affect aged care access later in life.

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“If consumers borrow too much at the beginning, the effect of compound interest and uncertain property prices means there is a risk they end up with insufficient equity or none at all,” Mr Saadat said.

Reverse mortgages work by allowing homeowners to borrow money using the equity in their home as security. The loan can be an upfront lump sum, a regular income stream or a line of credit and is paid back in full when the home is sold, including fees and interest accumulated (1 to 2 per cent higher than normal mortgages).

“Really, it’s about your needs and whether you need a lump sum upfront. If you don’t, the best way to do is through a drawdown on a line of credit,” Mr Saadat said, adding there were a range of other options out there.

“The main alternative is the (Federal Government’s) pension loan scheme. It lets you top up your pension, paid as a fortnightly income stream,” he said. “It accrues as a loan, paid back to the government when you pass away. Last year they decided to expand it so you can increase the pension by up to 150 per cent, but it requires you to be eligible for the aged pension.”

Downsizing was another option, which Mr Saadat said may not appeal to everyone.

“There are also products that allow you to unlock the equity in your future, by selling a share of your home for an upfront price,” he said.

It might be time to look at the alternatives to reverse mortgages. Picture: iStock

One such product is the Homesafe Wealth Release, offered by Homesafe Solutions.

Homesafe provides an upfront payment to the homeowner-usually a percentage of the equity available in their home- in return for a larger percentage share of the proceeds of the property’s sale at an agreed later date.

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Homesafe chief operating officer Dianne Shepherd said that unlike a reverse mortgage, no compounding interest is involved.

“Homesafe invests in the value of a property as a partner with the homeowner,” she said. “It’s about ensuring people’s rights are protected; that they can stay in their home as long as possible.”

Originally published as ASIC urges seniors to consider alternatives to reverse mortgages