Aviva Lifetime Mortgage Options for Retirement

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As you approach retirement, it's essential to consider your financial options to ensure a comfortable and secure future. Aviva's Lifetime Mortgage is a popular choice for many homeowners.

You can borrow up to 45% of your home's value, tax-free, with Aviva's Lifetime Mortgage. This can provide a welcome boost to your retirement income.

The amount you can borrow will depend on your age, the value of your home, and your current mortgage balance. For example, if you're 65 and your home is worth £200,000, you might be able to borrow £90,000.

Aviva's Lifetime Mortgage is a type of equity release scheme, which means you'll still own your home, but you'll be releasing some of its value to use as you wish.

Curious to learn more? Check out: What Does Mortgaging a House Mean

What Is Aviva Lifetime Mortgage

An Aviva Lifetime Mortgage is a type of equity release product that allows homeowners to borrow money using the value of their property.

The loan amount is tax-free and can be used for any purpose, such as paying off debts or funding home improvements.

Aviva Lifetime Mortgage typically doesn't affect your tax credits or benefits, but it's essential to check with the relevant authorities for confirmation.

For another approach, see: L&g Lifetime Mortgage

What Is

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A lifetime mortgage is a type of loan that allows homeowners to borrow money using the value of their home as security.

It's available to homeowners aged 55 and above, who want to release some of the value of their property without having to move home.

You can borrow up to 55% of your home's value, tax-free, and interest-free for the first 20 years.

This means you can release a significant amount of money to use as you wish, without worrying about interest payments or the risk of falling into debt.

You'll still own your home and have the right to live there for the rest of your life, and you can choose to make monthly payments or not.

The amount you borrow is secured against your home, so if you were to pass away, the loan is repaid from the sale of your property, leaving a lump sum for your beneficiaries.

Explore further: Mortgage Free Loans

Pensioner Mortgage for Over 65s?

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Aviva offers pensioner remortgages for people over 65, with an APRC fixed at 3.19%. Aviva pensioner remortgages are available to those who are 65 or older.

The APRC of 3.19% is a fixed rate, which means the interest rate won't change over time.

Benefits and Features

Aviva's lifetime mortgage allows you to borrow money against your home's value while retaining ownership.

You can use the loan amount to give your home a much-needed refresh, fill up your retirement tank, or help your kids with a leg up on the property ladder.

One of the benefits of Aviva's lifetime mortgage is that you continue to own your home.

The loan comes with features such as a cash lump sum at a fixed rate of interest, a cash reserve facility, and voluntary partial repayments.

Here are some key features of Aviva's lifetime mortgage:

  • You receive a cash lump sum at a fixed rate of interest throughout the term of the lifetime mortgage.
  • The option to setup a cash reserve facility which allows you to draw money from in the future.
  • Voluntary partial repayment features allow you to make partial repayments, with no early repayment charges to pay.
  • A lifetime mortgage will reduce the amount of inheritance you can leave in your estate.
  • A no negative equity guarantee means that you or your estate will never have to pay back more than your property is sold for.

Equity Products Benefits

You can use equity release for a variety of purposes, such as giving your home a much-needed refresh or helping your kids with a leg up on the property ladder.

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Aviva offers only one type of equity release: lifetime mortgages. A lifetime mortgage from Aviva allows you to borrow money against the value of your home while still retaining ownership.

One of the benefits of a lifetime mortgage is that you can continue to own your own home. This means you can stay in the place you love without having to worry about selling it.

Some features of Aviva's lifetime mortgage include a cash lump sum at a fixed rate of interest throughout the term, the option to set up a cash reserve facility, and the ability to make voluntary partial repayments.

Here are some of the key features of Aviva's lifetime mortgage:

Aviva's lifetime mortgage also offers a no negative equity guarantee, which means you or your estate will never have to pay back more than your property is sold for.

Retirement Support for Seniors Over 65

Aviva offers retirement remortgage options for homeowners over 65, with fixed rates starting at 3.8% AER.

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If you're a homeowner over 65, you can also consider an Aviva retirement interest-only mortgage, which has a fixed MER of 3.46%.

Aviva's retirement remortgages provide a secure financial solution for seniors, allowing them to stay in their homes with peace of mind.

With Aviva's fixed rates, you can budget and plan your finances with confidence, knowing exactly how much you'll be paying each month.

Aviva's retirement interest-only mortgages give homeowners the flexibility to pay only the interest on their mortgage, making it easier to manage their finances in retirement.

How It Works

You can apply for an Aviva Lifetime Mortgage at any time after you turn 55, and you'll borrow a cash lump sum without making any monthly payments. The interest builds up over time, charged on the total amount borrowed and the interest already added, which quickly increases the amount you owe.

With a lifetime mortgage, there are no hidden costs, and you'll get a fixed interest rate. This can be a relief for those who value predictability in their finances.

The loan is secured against the value of your home, and when you pass away or need to go into long-term care, the loan and any interest built up is paid back using money from selling your home, subject to Aviva's terms and conditions.

A different take: What Is a Lifetime Mortgage

What a System Does

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A lifetime mortgage is a long-term loan secured against the value of your home. You can apply for it after you turn 55.

The loan is a cash lump sum, but you don't have to make monthly payments. Instead, interest builds up for as long as you have the mortgage.

The interest is charged on the total amount borrowed and the interest already added, which quickly increases the amount you owe.

You'll need to repay the loan and the interest when you pass away or need to go into long-term care, subject to the lender's terms and conditions.

The loan is normally paid back using money from selling your home.

How It Works

You can apply for a lifetime mortgage at any time after you turn 55. This type of loan is secured against the value of your home, which means you'll borrow a cash lump sum without making monthly payments.

The loan is a long-term arrangement, and interest builds up over time, charged on the total amount borrowed and the interest already added. This can quickly increase the amount you owe.

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You won't have to make monthly payments, but you'll need to consider the impact on your loved ones, as taking out an equity release means you'll leave a lower amount behind. You should also be aware that it may have a tax impact and affect your eligibility for certain welfare benefits.

The amount you can borrow with a lifetime mortgage varies based on your individual circumstances, including your age, property value, health, and lifestyle details. An equity release adviser will provide you with a personalized illustration showing your loan amount and interest rate.

The interest rates and loan amounts offered by different providers, including Aviva, are based on your unique situation. Aviva's calculator on their website can help you determine how much equity you could potentially release, but you'll need to enter personal details to get an accurate result.

Here's a rough idea of the amount of equity you can release from providers across the market:

Keep in mind that these are general estimates, and the actual amount you can release will depend on your individual circumstances.

Eligibility and Requirements

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To be eligible for an Aviva lifetime mortgage, you must be at least 55 years old. This is a standard requirement across the industry, not just for Aviva.

To qualify, you must also be a homeowner in the UK, excluding the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands. Your home must be worth at least £75,000, and you'll need to have a minimum borrowing requirement of £15,000.

Aviva will typically expect you to be mortgage-free, but they do consider applicants with small mortgage balances outstanding. This debt must be cleared before completion or with the released equity, however.

Criteria for

To be eligible for an equity release mortgage, you'll need to meet certain criteria. First and foremost, you must be at least 55 years old, which is a standard requirement across the board.

If you're a homeowner in the UK, you'll also need to consider the location of your property. Unfortunately, properties located in the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands won't be eligible for Aviva's equity release mortgages.

Broaden your view: Negative Equity Mortgage

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Another key factor is the value of your property, which must be worth at least £75,000. This is a minimum requirement to qualify for an Aviva equity release mortgage.

You'll also need to consider the amount you want to borrow, which must be at least £15,000. This is the smallest lifetime mortgage Aviva offers.

In some cases, Aviva may consider applicants with small mortgage balances outstanding, but only if the debt can be cleared before completion or with the released equity.

On a similar theme: Mortgage Equity Withdrawal

Is Make Sure Right for You?

Before taking out a lifetime mortgage, consider your personal circumstances carefully, as it's a lifelong commitment.

It's a big decision, and you should speak to your family about it too.

You'll face a large early repayment charge if you change your mind and want to pay off your lifetime mortgage early.

A lifetime mortgage will also reduce the amount of inheritance you can leave.

This may affect your tax position and your eligibility for welfare benefits.

Disadvantages and Risks

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Home reversion schemes and Aviva equity release plans can reduce the value of your estate.

You may need to pay a solicitor's fee, which can add to the overall cost of the scheme.

Some equity release plans come with higher rates to pay, which can impact your financial situation.

Interest-only lifetime mortgages and Aviva equity release may impact your ability to claim benefits, such as state pensions or other government support.

Disadvantages of Plans

Home reversion schemes can reduce the value of your estate. This means you'll have less to leave behind for your loved ones.

Interest-only lifetime mortgages may impact your ability to claim benefits, which could affect your financial situation.

You may need to pay a solicitor's fee, which can add to your overall costs.

Is Safe?

Equity release can seem intimidating, but it's actually a safe option. As an equity release provider, they're regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

This means they have to follow strict guidelines to protect customers. They're also a member of the Equity Release Council, which sets standards for the industry.

You can rest assured that you or your estate will never have to pay back more than your home can be sold for. This is guaranteed as long as it's sold for the best price reasonably obtainable.

UK Lenders & Options

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The Telegraph, Prudential, and Age Partnership are some of the UK equity release lenders that offer Aviva lifetime mortgage options.

LV= mortgages for 60-year-olds typically have loan-to-value percentage ratios of 45%, 55%, and 70%.

More 2 Life over 60 mortgages also offer a range of loan-to-value options.

One Family equity release schemes for people over 70 have loan-to-value percentage ratios of 45%, 55%, and 70%.

Yorkshire Bank later life mortgages for over 70s offer flexible loan options.

Metro Bank interest only lifetime mortgages for people over 60 have a range of loan-to-value options available.

Axa later life mortgages for over 70s offer competitive interest rates, with Aviva Equity Release Under 55 offering a 2.19% APR.

For your interest: Loan Mortgage Officer

Customer Experience

Aviva's customer-first approach is reflected in their thoughtful touches, such as a free valuation for customers.

The absence of monthly repayments has been particularly conducive to maintaining Elizabeth Clements' lifestyle, who recently took out an Aviva lifetime mortgage.

Low interest rates and no fees involved in the Aviva lifetime mortgage were decisive factors in Elizabeth Clements' choice.

Being a Good Lender?

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Aviva is a highly regarded equity release provider, having won industry awards for their services in this sector. They were named 'Best Equity Release Lender' and 'Best Equity Release Lender for Customer Service' by What Mortgage Awards in 2024.

Aviva has an impressive average rating of 4.1/5 on Trustpilot, based on feedback from over 37,000 customers. However, it's worth noting that these reviews are based on all of Aviva's products and services, not just their equity release product range.

Their reputation for excellent customer service is evident in their recognition as 'Best Equity Release Lender for Customer Service' in 2024.

Customer Testimonials

Customer Testimonials are a powerful way to gauge the effectiveness of equity release schemes. Many customers have reported using equity release to pay for home modifications, such as a new kitchen or a lift.

For instance, one customer was able to get a property equity release to give their daughter money to buy a house, which would have been impossible without the loan. This highlights the flexibility of equity release schemes in meeting individual needs.

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Equity release can also be used to pay off debt, as seen in the case of a customer who had spent their life running up credit cards and loans. They were able to get a £180,000 equity release and now have no monthly repayments.

Some customers have used equity release to pay off their mortgage, freeing up money for other expenses. A customer who was divorcing their husband used equity release to pay off their ex and stay secure in their home.

The following equity release schemes have been used by customers to achieve these goals:

  • Aviva Equity Release
  • Canada Life Voluntary Select Gold
  • L&G Legal & General Flexi Max Voluntary Repayment Plan
  • Stonehaven Interest Only Lifetime Mortgage
  • Canada Life Equity Release Schemes
  • More to Life Flexi Choice Voluntary Payment Super Lite
  • Pure Retirement Drawdown Plan
  • Stonehaven Interest Select Plan
  • NatWest Lifetime Mortgage
  • Royal Bank of Scotland Equity Release
  • Liverpool Victoria LV Equity Release
  • Nationwide Equity Release Plans
  • TSB Equity Release Schemes
  • Aviva Lifetime Mortgages
  • Bridgewater Equity Release
  • Just Retirement Drawdown Lifetime Mortgage
  • TSB Equity Release
  • Royal Bank of Scotland Equity Release Plans

Elizabeth Clements's Endorsement

Elizabeth Clements's Endorsement is a great example of a customer who was thoroughly impressed with Aviva's lifetime mortgage. Their calculator was a game-changer, allowing Elizabeth to accurately forecast the loan-to-value ratio.

Low interest rates were a major factor in Elizabeth's decision, and the absence of fees was a big bonus. The free valuation was a thoughtful touch that showed Aviva's commitment to customer satisfaction.

Elizabeth's situation is a great illustration of how a lifetime mortgage can be a convenient option for some people. No monthly repayments have been particularly conducive to maintaining her lifestyle.

Application and Process

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Our Aviva lifetime mortgage application process is designed to be straightforward and hassle-free. It should take around 8 to 10 weeks from start to finish.

You can expect the money to land in your bank account once the application is complete. We've outlined the application process in detail, so you know what to expect every step of the way.

You can watch a 3-minute video to learn more about how our equity release works. This will give you a solid understanding of the ins and outs of our lifetime mortgage.

Our application process is designed to be efficient, with the money landing in your account once the application is complete. You can read more about the application process on our website.

Additional reading: Fraud Mortgage Application

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the interest rate on a lifetime mortgage?

The interest rate on a lifetime mortgage typically ranges from 5.65% to 5.85%. This rate may vary depending on your specific lifetime mortgage plan.

Alfred Blanda

Senior Writer

Alfred Blanda has carved out a niche for himself in the realm of banking information, offering readers clear, concise, and comprehensive insights into the financial sector. His articles are known for their depth and clarity, making complex financial concepts accessible to a wide audience. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for educating, Blanda continues to be a trusted voice in financial journalism.

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