Exploring finance options later on in life can be tricky, especially direct from the high street lenders, as they often deem those over 60 years old to be at higher risk.
The risk element is often due to two factors; an assumption of limited income and age. Therefore the terms offered on loans are often not very competitive compared to standard mortgages available to the younger age groups.
Should a retired person find a secured finance option and be successful with an application, often the duration of the loan could be considerably shorter depending upon age and income.
However, the financial market has been diversifying over recent years and is also more understanding that each case is unique, with every borrower having different requirements and backgrounds.
Benefits of Loans for Pensioners
At retirement age, it’s relatively common for individuals to have a lot of their finances locked up in assets.
In these circumstances, it’s common to want cash for the likes of holidays, home improvements or maybe a new car, which is where a secured loan can come in incredibly useful.
Equity release is another potential option, yet the terms of a loan are often more favourable, especially if you have a good credit history.
If you do have poor credit, you may also be interested in reading our guide on instalment loans for bad credit.
However, when applying for a loan, you need to demonstrate that you can pay it back. This is typically done by showing proof of income, but what do you do if you’re no longer employed? What else do lenders accept?
What income is accepted?
Thankfully, there are many different forms of income that are accepted when applying for a pensioner loan, these include the following:
- State pension
- Personal pension
- Employer retirement benefit
- Rental income from a buy-to-let property
- Dividends
- Income from a part-time job
As you can see, there are many forms of income that can be used as part of your application and you can use a combination to demonstrate your ability to repay the loan.
If you are in receipt of disability benefit, this can also be used, but housing benefit is not recognised as a suitable form of income.
Read our complete guide on how do secured loans work?
How to Apply for a Pensioner Loan
When you want to make an application, it makes sense to compare all the latest loan deals available that meet your eligibility criteria. There are many ways to make an application and it can be done over the phone, in person or online.
You can apply for a loan today and receive assistance from a loan broker by using this form.
In order to make an application, the loans broker will ask for some personal information, this will include the following:
- Personal details
- Proof of income
- Information on any current debts you have
Related quick help guides:
- Secured loans brokers.
- Secured loans for pensioners.
- Secured loans for self employed.
- Interest only secured loans.
- Can I get a secured loan on a buy to let property?
- Secured business loans.
Homeowner Loans for Retirees
A retired person may wish to consider a secured homeowner loan for many reasons such as; to undertake developments within a property or to make other investments that would have a higher return than the cost of the borrowing.
It is often recommended to retired people that instead of dipping into retirement savings, other options of financing should be explored, especially during times of low-interest rates.
However, always be mindful that secured loans are held against current assets such as property, and therefore should the repayments not be kept up, the asset could be at risk from possession by the lender.
Specialist lenders are often approached to explore the wider market.
Considerations Before Applying
As with any financial decision, it is recommended to ensure that plenty of research is undertaken before committing to an option.
As mentioned, typically the high street may not be the most competitive lending market to the older borrower and therefore by approaching a broker, all options can be explored to find the most suitable option and the best prices.
Before applying for any suitable financial product it is worth considering the following:
- Ensure the accuracy of a credit report – Request a free report to check it for errors. This credit history report will be used by lenders when reviewing an application and therefore is vital that it is correct.
- Consider how much borrowing is required – It is advisable to only borrow what is needed for the project or purpose of the lending, over the shortest duration affordable to keep interest payments down. This also will allow a financial review period sooner, following a shorter duration of the loan.
- Check the chosen option for age restrictions – Each lender will set their age restrictions on borrowing, so it is worth checking this before applying.
- Accurately calculate living costs – During the application process, a lender is likely to request the living costs and other expenses that an applicant has outgoing each month to ensure the loan is affordable. Having this information in advance will save time later on.
Lenders Criteria for Retired Persons
Specialised lenders may consider a secured loan application from a retired person on a case by case basis, reviewing each applicant against its borrowing criteria within the following elements:
- Age – The applicant’s age both at the time of the loan application as well as the age at the planned end of the loan
- The credit score of the applicant
- Income and affordability – The total monthly income of the applicant, which can be from multiple sources such as a pension and a part-time wage or rental income and dividends
- Equity – The amount of property equity or the total value of other assets
Each lender will have its loan eligibility criteria for all of the above elements including a maximum age that they will lend to, to commence a loan, as well as the age when the loan is due to be repaid.
Other Financial Options for Pensioners
As well as secured loans, an array of other unsecured financial products are available for the older borrower including credit cards, mortgages, equity release mortgages or car finance.
However, often the interest rates offered on unsecured borrowing are higher due to the risks borne by the lender.
The suitability of any of the above options would depend on the purpose of the desired borrowing, the duration of the financial agreement and the costs involved. Seeking independent financial advice may assist with streamlining the relevant options and comparing the best deals available.
In addition to lending options, a pension drawdown could be possible. However, any drawdown taken from a pension pot will affect the overall value of the pension, and subsequently the income that the pension pot could provide.
Therefore, any consideration of such options should be discussed with an independent financial advisor to ensure that this is the right approach for the pensioner and that the consequences are fully understood before committing.
Secured Loans for Pensioners Summary
As with any financial decision, it’s always recommended to seek independent financial advice before committing, to ensure that all terms are fully understood.
Independent brokers will also have access to the whole of the market, rather than just high street lenders which will often reveal a range of options and competitive prices.
Should you be seeking a secured loan within the following categories, approach a specialised broker for personalised service and to discuss the options available:
- Loans for those up to age 85.
- Loans accepting pensions as acceptable income.
- Loans accepting benefits and disability living allowance as approved income types.
- Alternative equity releases financial options.
However, remember that all secured homeowner loans will have consequences for owned assets if the repayments are not kept up.
Give Mortgageable a call today at 01925 906 210 or contact us to speak to one of our friendly advisors.
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