Extension of mortgage age limits show changing habits for UK house buyers
Recent changes by lenders to raise the maximum age limits for mortgage applications are a sign of a changing culture in the UK according to Linden Homes. Changes in policies have been announced by leading lenders including Halifax and Nationwide who have raised the age limit for mortgages to 80 and 85 respectively. Linden Homes is advising people to take this as an opportunity to step up the ladder.
Tom Nicholson, divisional managing director at Linden Homes explained: “These new mortgages offering people the chance to lend later in life are ideal for those people in their 40s and 50s who are considering a property move, but may’ve been restricted previously by the length of term they could borrow money for. This is another move by the lenders to drive the market and reflects the changing habits of people renting for longer and moving up into larger homes, later in life.”
The new mortgage policies work the same as any other monthly mortgage repayment agreement; so buyers are required to pay their mortgage each month. Providing those applying have an existing pension in place which will cover the cost of the monthly repayments, a mortgage agreement will be drawn up against the usual rigorous criteria for eligibility.
Adam Champion, business development director at New Homes Mortgage Helpline says this new type of mortgage product is a sign of the times: “People need to see these new mortgage opportunities as a type of financial planning tool; they have their place in the market. First-time buyers are getting older which over time pushes back the ages of those making the second, third or ‘final’ move. These new mortgages available open up the market for those looking to make their next move as they approach retirement age for instance.”
Adam stressed these products are a positive advance for the housing market to help people make choices as they get older: “These new products shouldn’t be confused with old endowment style mortgages; they work just the same as any other monthly repayment mortgage, with the debt being repaid over the term. These products give people the chance to make individual choices and find a financial product that works for them and their own situation. They do have a place in the market and I am sure this will really create a great opportunity for those people looking to upgrade their property to consider the new options that now are available to them.”
Tom warns that people looking to make the next house move may however, be missing out on securing their dream home to meet their family’s needs. He explained: “Many people in their 40s, 50s or 60s considering a house move will consult their bank to see how much they can borrow and may be told they aren’t in a position to get that larger home they want. What they may not have considered, is speaking with housebuilders offering new build homes, where potential can be unlocked with other schemes available.
Tom continued: “The likes of Help to Buy – which is open for all to use* however late in life – coupled with these new mortgage criteria could mean an upgrade to a spacious family home in an ideal location, is in fact feasible. We’d encourage people in this position to speak with our advisors to see how we could help make that move a reality.”
Linden Homes has a number of homes available including Wilshere Park (01707 861 386) in Hertfordshire, Froyle Park (01420 384 394) in Hampshire or Velare Place (01932 282 132) in Surrey. For more information on the new mortgage opportunities and schemes available, contact the sales team.
*Terms and conditions apply
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Media can contact Emma Cox or Kelly Ward at Remarkable Content on 01962 893893 for more information, images and interviews with Linden Homes.
