REVERSE MORTGAGE
How does a Heartland Reverse Mortgage work?
Have peace of mind in retirement with a Heartland Reverse Mortgage.
We understand that everyone has different needs when it comes to retirement. That’s why we offer flexible options to help tailor your loan to your needs – whatever stage of retirement you’re in.
About our Heartland Reverse Mortgage
A Heartland Reverse Mortgage could give you the financial freedom to release some equity from your home without having to sell.
Our Reverse Mortgage is designed to help you manage your financial requirements by accessing what you need, as and when required. The amount you can borrow depends on a number of factors such as your age and the value of your home. Our Reverse Mortgage allows you to live in your home for as long as you wish, so you can continue to benefit from any potential increase in property values. Making regular payments is not necessary, as interest is added to the loan each month. However, you are free to do so at any time – giving you extra flexibility.
Importantly, you will always retain ownership of your home. A reverse mortgage only becomes repayable when you sell your property, move into long-term care or pass away.
Reverse mortgage drawdown options
Flexibility is key. That’s why we offer three drawdown options, with interest only charged once funds are drawn down from your loan.
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1
Reverse mortgage initial advance
This is the first lump sum payment, paid to you at the start of your loan. It is the perfect option for those wanting to repay a mortgage or other debts, renovate their home, buy a new car, or even go on a trip to see the grandkids. In addition to this first payment you can receive future funds as needed either through regular advances or a cash reserve facility (like a ‘line of credit’).
A minimum lump sum payment of $5,000 must be initially drawn down.
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2
Reverse mortgage regular advance
A regular advance is a perfect option for those who plan to draw on their loan to supplement their income. The biggest draw card for this option is that it gives you the power to set a specific amount as a regular monthly, quarterly or annual payment for up to 10 years.
The minimum regular drawdown amounts for this option are $300 per month, $625 a quarter or $2,500 annually.
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3
Reverse mortgage cash reserve
A cash reserve is a great option for those who want to make sure they have access to funds in case of an emergency expense, healthcare, unplanned home repair or when that once in a lifetime trip comes along.
The good news is the money is easily accessible via a request form. Similar to all our other loan options, you don’t pay any interest on the undrawn amount. The minimum drawdown is $2,500.
Reverse mortgage interest rates
Heartland only offers a variable interest rate. This provides flexibility, as
voluntary repayments can be made to your reverse mortgage at any time.
The interest rate is calculated on the daily balance and added monthly to
your account. Our current Standard Reverse Mortgage interest rate is:
5.60% p.a. (comparison rate 5.62% p.a.*)
*Comparison rate is based on a loan of $150,000 over a term of 25 years. Please note the comparison rate only applies to the examples given. Different loan amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees and costs savings, such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan.
Answers to frequently asked questions
We understand there is a lot to consider when taking out a reverse mortgage, so here are the answers to some commonly asked questions.
Standard Heartland Reverse Mortgage*
Age of youngest borrower | Maximum % of home's value available |
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60 | 15% |
65 | 20% |
70 | 25% |
75 | 30% |
80 | 35% |
85 | 40% |
90 | 45% |
*Subject to lending criteria, property location and change. If the security property is an investment property or holiday home, the maximum amount available is reduced by 25%.
Although a reverse mortgage is designed to last for as long as you wish to keep your home, you may repay all or part of your loan at any time without penalty, providing you with flexibility.
Property Criteria
Your property must be residential, of conventional construction and in good repair. It must also meet our minimum property criteria, including valuation, size and location.
The property should be mortgage free, or if there is a mortgage outstanding, it must be repaid with your Heartland Reverse Mortgage.
Heartland understands that some customers (who we call nominated borrowers) may not be the sole owners of the home they live in. In these circumstances Heartland will need to be contacted to ensure the application can proceed.
Funds can be used for almost anything that helps you live a more comfortable retirement.
Many people use the loan to fund home repairs or improvements, repay debt, travel to visit family, pay for medical procedures, upgrade to a more reliable car, assist with in-home care, or a host of other uses to make life easier and more comfortable. Fundamentally, a Heartland Reverse Mortgage is designed to help you live a better retirement.
You should also consider any other options which may be available, such as downsizing, to ensure a reverse mortgage is right for you.
Heartland assists you to do this as part of our thorough application process.
If you wish to lease out your owner occupied home, please contact Heartland to discuss your situation. This is not always possible and is based on your specific circumstances and loan conditions.
Fees will apply and a new valuation of your home will be required. This will be confirmed at the time of application. You will also be required to obtain independent legal advice on the further advance loan.
Please note that under a Heartland Secondary Property Loan, the loan balance will become due and payable when the security property (in this case the secondary property) is sold or the last nominated borrower no longer resides in their owner-occupied home (or primary residence). This could be due to moving house, moving into a retirement village, aged care or passing away.
If a member of a couple is still residing in their home (security property), a Heartland Reverse Mortgage can be used to pay for the partner’s entry into care.
Our Aged Care Option also allows for a higher LVR, with examples as follows:
Age of youngest borrower | Maximum % of home's value available |
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60 | 20% |
65 | 25% |
70 | 30% |
75 | 35% |
80 | 40% |
85 | 45% |
90 | 50% |
Our Aged Care Guide provides more detail regarding Heartland's reverse mortgage for aged care finance offerings, and an index of acronyms to help you navigate the terminology can be found here.