Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for Me?
This is the most important question — and the one that matters more than rates, features, or loan size.
A reverse mortgage can be helpful in the right circumstances, but it isn’t right for everyone. The answer depends on your goals, your timeline, and what you value most about your home and finances.
Here’s a simple, honest way to think through whether a reverse mortgage might be right for you.
You May Be a Good Fit If…
You Want to Stay in Your Home Long-Term
Reverse mortgages tend to work best when you plan to remain in your home for several years.
If staying put matters more to you than freeing up all your equity right now, this is a strong indicator it may be worth exploring.
You’re Asset-Rich but Cash-Poor
If most of your wealth is tied up in your home and cash flow feels tight, a reverse mortgage can help bridge that gap without forcing a sale.
You Want More Flexibility in Retirement
A reverse mortgage can provide additional income or access to funds to cover living expenses, medical costs, or home modifications — without regular repayments.
You’re Comfortable Using Some Home Equity
This is a big one.
A reverse mortgage means using part of your home’s value now. If you’re comfortable with that trade-off in exchange for comfort and flexibility, it may align with your priorities.
You May Want to Think Twice If…
You Plan to Sell or Move Soon
If you expect to sell, downsize, or move into care in the near future, the costs of a reverse mortgage may outweigh the benefits.
Preserving Maximum Inheritance Is a Top Priority
Because the loan balance grows over time, a reverse mortgage usually reduces the equity left for beneficiaries.
If this is a major concern, other options may be more suitable.
You Have Other Affordable Options
If downsizing, refinancing, government support, or family arrangements can meet your needs with less long-term impact, those options may be worth prioritising.
The Questions That Really Matter
Rather than asking “Can I get a reverse mortgage?”, it’s more helpful to ask:
- What problem am I trying to solve?
- How long do I want to stay in my home?
- How much flexibility do I want later?
- Am I comfortable with the long-term trade-offs?
Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer
Reverse mortgages sit at the intersection of finances, lifestyle, and family.
Two people in very similar situations can make completely different — and equally valid — choices based on what matters most to them.
The Most Important Step Is Clarity
The biggest risk isn’t choosing a reverse mortgage.
It’s choosing one without fully understanding how it fits into your long-term picture.
Want Help Figuring Out If It’s Right for You?
If you’re unsure whether a reverse mortgage suits your situation — or you’re weighing it up against selling — a conversation can help you get clarity without pressure.
Book a Reverse Mortgage Strategy Conversation
The right decision isn’t about the product — it’s about what gives you confidence and peace of mind.
