Reverse Mortgage for Loan: How It Can Help Senior Citizen?

Also, read this article in हिंदी, मराठी, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ગુજરાતી, and ಕನ್ನಡ

The Reverse Mortgage for Loan(RML) was Introduced in India in 2007 to boost the life of house-owning senior citizens. RML is a loan that allows them to fulfill their day-to-day expenses concerning food, medicine, and even so repair of the house. At an age when the majority of people don’t have a daily source of income in India, Reverse Mortgage for Loans is hope for them.

The minimum age of availing the RML is 60 years, regardless of the gender difference, and if a couple seeks a joint loan, then the age limit for the spouse is 55 years or above. The applicant must have his/her own purchased house as RML cannot be secured against the ancestor’s property. If you inherited the property, RML isn’t an option; you need a home you own to apply. There are various factors on which banks and other financial institutions assess the worth of property. But it’s minimum residential life should not be less than 20 years.

A reverse mortgage for a loan is a unique kind of loan in which a borrower, usually a senior citizen only, can mortgage a property he or she already owns to a bank. The bank then pays a monthly amount to the borrower for the required tenure. Banks pay borrowers EMIs in this loan, hence the term ‘reverse mortgage.

What is Reverse Mortgage for Loan?

A reverse mortgage for a loan is a good way for senior citizens to receive some funds if they need liquid cash. Although, they need to have a property in their name. Using their already owned property as a mortgage, the senior citizens can borrow money from a bank which is paid via monthly installments by the bank.

Eligibility of Reverse Mortgage for Loan?

The eligibility criteria for a reverse mortgage loan are:

• The borrower should be a citizen of India and should have a minimum age of 60 years.
• Married couples qualify for the loan if one partner is 60 or older and the other is at least 55.
• The borrower owning properties, either self-acquired, inherited, or occupied by themselves, can use reverse mortgages as a financial tool. The title of the property should clearly indicate the borrower’s ownership. Also, it should be free from any liability, debt, or other obligations.

How Reverse Mortgage for Loan Work?

1. Collateral:
   A borrower pledges the property as collateral to a bank or any financial organization that issues a loan to the borrower based on the valuation of the property.
2. Monthly payments:
   The bank provides borrowers with fixed periodic payments at a specified interest rate in exchange for a pledged property. Instead of making payments, borrowers enjoy financial security through regular payments from the bank in a reverse mortgage. Borrowers receive ‘reverse EMIs’ — fixed payments from the lender throughout the loan’s fixed term.
3. Property valuation:
   The lender determines the pledged home’s price by considering the property’s market demand, current interest rates, past price fluctuations, and the house’s condition. The lender re-values the pledged property every five years and increases the quantum of the loan if the valuation rises gradually.
4. Occupation:
   To qualify for Reverse Mortgage, applicants must agree to remain in the pledged house as their primary residence throughout the loan and receive regular payments.
5. Loan amount:
   The maximum monthly payment under this loan scheme is capped at Rs 50,000, and therefore the maximum lump-sum payment to be made is 50 percent of the entire loan amount with a cap of Rs 15 lakh. But the house owner house should keep paying all the taxes associated with the property, ensure and maintain it as their primary residence. The loan amount increases gradually because the borrower receives payments and interest accumulates on the loan and home equity declines over time.
6. Loan tenure:
   The maximum loan tenure is between 10 to 15 years. Though, some financial institutions are offering till 20 years. After the loan tenure is over or the borrower lives longer than the tenure, the lender won’t make any longer payments, but the borrower can still stay within the house.
7. Interest rates:
   Interest rates are charged on the payments the borrower receives from the lender. Further, the interest payments on the loan amount are deferred to the top of the loan tenure and aren’t paid out-of-pocket, up-front, or monthly. Basically, Reverse Mortgage defers all loan and interest repayment to the time when the loan amount matures.

Documents required for Reversed Mortgage Loan:

The following documents are required to avail of a reverse mortgage for loan:

• Permanent account number (PAN)
• Aadhaar card
• Registered will
• List of legal heirs
• Property details

A reverse mortgage is a perfect option for senior citizens who require a regular income. This supplements their pension without depending upon anyone else. However, reverse mortgages should be a fallback plan, not the first choice for seniors seeking to access funds.

Share this article on WhatsApp.

Also read:

Understanding Different Types of Mortgage for Loan in India

Eligibility and Documentation Process of Mortgage for Loan

What is a Mortgage? Know the Basics of Mortgage Loan

Loan Against Property EMI Calculator

Factors That Affect Loan Against Property Eligibility

Loan Against Property Without Income Proof & Income Tax Return