Anxiety over reverse mortgages

Published: 6:44AM Friday October 10, 2008 Source: Newstalk ZB

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -

As property prices continue to fall, some home owners with reverse mortgages are starting to feel a little nervous.

A reverse mortgage allows senior citizens to borrow money against that equity in their home, which is then repaid when they either sell up or die.

Derek Hughes from Mortgage Link Kapiti has had a few calls from concerned clients who are seeing the value of their home drop, and their equity go with it.

He says as most people don't borrow more than 45% of their equity, in theory it should not be a problem. But he says with the high interest rates over the last year, people who have borrowed to the limit will be getting a little concerned about how far property prices might fall.

Hughes says in the last six months interest in the loans has really dropped off.

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -
  • more...

Business News Video

Advertising

How do you want your news?

  • Mobile Devices

    TVNZ is available on mobile phones: Text TVNZ to 8869.

  • News Feeds

    See when TVNZ have added new content. You can get the latest headlines anywhere.

  • Podcasts

    Enjoy TVNZ on the move - a wide range of programmes and highlights are available.