Is a reverse mortgage the right solution to meet your needs?

Reverse mortgages for seniors can be a great option for many people. It lets you access funds tied up in your home or investment property without needing to sell the property, when you might not be ready.

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What is a reverse mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a loan that lets you access the equity in your home. You don't have to make regular repayments, and you can stay in your home. The loan is repaid when you sell the property, move out (where the security property is the home you live in), or pass away.

Who can benefit from a reverse mortgage loan?

  • Homeowners 55 and over: if you’re 55 or older, a reverse mortgage could help you access funds tied up in your home.
  • Retirees: it’s perfect if you want extra income to supplement your retirement.
  • Those with unexpected expenses: if you face unexpected costs, a reverse mortgage provides quick access to funds.
  • People who want to stay in their home: if you love your home and don’t want to move, this loan lets you remain in your home while providing access to funds for other needs.

How does a reverse mortgage work?

  1. Accessing funds: you can take the money as an upfront lump sum, regular income payments, as a line of credit, or a mix of these.
  2. No regular repayments: you don’t have to make monthly repayments. Interest adds to the loan balance over time.
  3. Loan repayment: the loan is paid off when you sell the property, or the last remaining borrower moves out or passes away. You can also repay the loan at any time and there are no early repayment charges.

Benefits of a reverse mortgage

  • Immediate access to funds: quickly access the equity in your home without needing to liquidate other assets, which is useful for sudden and unexpected expenses.
  • Stay in your home: keep living in the home you love without selling it.
  • Financial flexibility: use the money for anything you need: aged care, medical bills, home improvements, etc.
  • Preserve retirement income: maintain your other income streams, such as superannuation, pension payments or investment income, while accessing funds from your home.
  • No monthly repayments: there are no regular repayments required
  • Safety net: provides financial security by allowing you to draw funds only when needed and paying interest only on the amounts drawn.
  • Government protections: enjoy protections like the ‘no-negative equity guarantee,’ ensuring you never owe more than your home’s value.

Things to consider

  • Interest costs: over time, the interest adds up and increases the loan balance.
  • Impact on inheritance: the amount your heirs inherit may be less.
  • Age and property value: how much you can borrow depends on your age and your home's value.

Is a reverse mortgage right for you?

You should always consider your financial needs and goals before taking out any loan. A reverse mortgage in Australia can provide security, freedom, and comfort in retirement and it’s an option worth exploring if you want to stay in your home while accessing part of its value.
If you are unsure about how a reverse mortgage might impact your long-term financial goals, we recommend speaking to a financial advisor or another trusted expert.

Am I eligible for a reverse mortgage?

Simple Criteria

  • Eligibility is straightforward: you must be 55 or older and own a home in Australia
  • Don’t worry if your home isn’t fully paid off: provided you can pay out the existing mortgage with your new loan, our reverse mortgage could free you from the burden of ongoing monthly mortgage repayments

We welcome both Australian citizens and permanent residents, including NZ citizens with a Special Category Visa.

It’s Easier Than You Think

At Inviva, we recognise each client's unique circumstances and are committed to helping you unlock your financial potential comfortably and confidently

  • No proof of income needed: we accommodate a variety of property types and do not require proof of income
  • Fast and secure digital application: our reverse mortgage application takes less than 30 minutes and lets you securely provide your financial information quickly and seamlessly
  • Personalised support: contact us for an obligation-free consultation to guide you through the application step by step

Step-by-step reverse mortgage application and approval process

Applying for a reverse mortgage in Australia with Inviva follows a clear process, from initial estimate to settlement of funds. The digital application takes under 30 minutes to complete, and approval is usually finalised in just a few days.
Step 1

Calculate how much you can borrow

Estimate the current value of your home using our free home equity calculator. See how much money you could potentially release from your home. Simply type in your address and whisper us your age.

Step 2

Enter your details

This fast and secure process is designed to make home equity release loans accessible for all Australians. We ask a few simple questions to get you to the approval stage. It’s obligation free, you can withdraw your application at any time.
Step 3

Fast approval

Once we receive your application we will be in touch with next steps. This may include a video call to give you the opportunity to bring any questions you might have. Provided we receive all of the necessary information with your application, we can generally give you a decision within as little as a few days.

Reverse mortgage vs downsizing: which option suits your retirement?

A reverse mortgage allows you to access wealth tied up in your property without selling or moving. Downsizing unlocks capital by selling your existing home and purchasing a smaller, more manageable residence.

When a reverse mortgage loan may be an option

  • You love your current home: You want to age in place near your established community, neighbours and support networks, while potentially using available equity to future-proof the home with modifications that make it more suitable for your changing needs.
  • You want to minimise moving friction: You prefer to avoid the financial and emotional stress of preparing a home for sale, paying stamp duty and relocating.
  • You need flexible income streams: You want tailored fund access, or you wish to leverage additional assets using an Investment Property Equity Release Loan without triggering a sale.

When downsizing may be more practical

  • Maintenance has become unmanageable: Your home or garden is too large, difficult to navigate or expensive to keep up.
  • You want to maximise upfront capital: Selling outright releases your full equity without loan interest accumulating over time.
  • Lifestyle changes: You want to transition to a single-level home, retirement village or a different geographic area.
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Why choose Inviva?

Expertise and support

Our team has years of experience and offers personalised support

Transparent costs

There are no hidden fees. You’ll know all costs upfront

Flexible options

Choose how you access the funds (as a lump sum, regular income payment or a line of credit) with the freedom to repay early with no early repayment fees

Quick access

Fast approval and disbursement mean you get funds when you need them
Explore how a home equity release loan with Inviva can help you enjoy a more secure and fulfilling retirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I borrow with a reverse mortgage in Australia?

You can borrow between $50,000 and over $5,000,000, depending on your age and property value. Eligible borrowers aged 55 can typically access a maximum loan-to-value ratio (LVR) of 15%, with the borrowing threshold increasing by 1% for each additional year of age.

Will a reverse mortgage affect my Centrelink Age Pension benefits?

It can. A reverse mortgage may affect your Age Pension depending on how you receive and use the funds, as amounts you retain may be assessed under Centrelink’s income and assets tests.

Before proceeding, speak with Centrelink and consider independent financial advice to understand how it could affect your individual circumstances.

What does the No Negative Equity Guarantee (NNEG) mean?

Under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009, borrowers are protected by the No Negative Equity Guarantee (NNEG). Inviva loans include this protection, which means that, provided you meet your loan obligations, you will not owe more than the market value of your mortgaged property.

Can I secure a reverse mortgage against an investment property?

Yes, Inviva offers an Investment Property Equity Release Loan tailored for rental properties. This lets property investors aged 55 and older unlock substantial capital without selling the asset or forfeiting ongoing tenant rental income.

Can I get a reverse mortgage if I have an existing mortgage?

Yes, you can secure a reverse mortgage in Australia with an existing home loan, provided the newly released funds can fully pay out the current mortgage balance at settlement. This clears your existing debt and removes the burden of mandatory monthly repayments.

Still have questions?

Call us on 1300 222 223, or get in touch via our website.

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The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, objectives or financial situation. Before acting on information on this website, please consult your professional or financial advisor to determine whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.