Heartland hails reverse mortgage growth
New Zealand retirees are increasingly turning to reverse mortgage options, according to Heartland Bank, after the lender's New Zealand reverse mortgage book grew by 11.4%.
Friday, October 4th 2019, 1:50PM 
2 Comments
Andrew Ford, deputy chief financial officer and head of retail at Heartland Bank, says the lender is seeing "strong demand from retirees who want a more comfortable lifestyle".
Ford says customers are turning to reverse mortgages to pay off other debts, provide a little bit more cash for a better retirement, refinancing, travel and home improvements.
He believes the perception of reverse mortgages is beginning to change, with the option no longer seen as "one of last resort", but a way of unlocking a bit of extra cash in retirement.
"Most of our customers don't want anything extravagant," Ford says. "It might just be an extra $500 a month to take the grand-kids out."
Heartland's gross finance receivables for reverse mortgages in NZ grew to $561.2 million last year, up 11.4%. In Australia, it grew to $757.6 million, up 24%.
Ford says the concept of using home equity is quickly becoming "more advanced".
He says reverse mortgages can be a "valuable tool" for advisers looking to free up equity for clients: "I've heard of lots of people who want to retire but can't because of existing debt. Under the Responsible Lending Code it's harder for older people to get a regular mortgage. Reverse mortgages can really help."
Heartland cut its reverse mortgage interest rate to 6.95% on October 1.
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Comments from our readers
It was only a matter of time in my view before the public fully understood and appreciated the value,benefits and advantages reverse mortgages could offer retirees.
I predict this trend will only continue to grow on both sides of the Tasman.
Heartland Bank has positioned itself very well indeed to take advantage of this changing trend and reap the benefits.
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