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How to Get a Mortgage if You’re Over 40

Navigating the mortgage market when you’re over 40 can feel like a unique challenge, but there are more options than ever to help you achieve your goals.

Whether you’re a first time buyer, moving to a larger property, or looking at later-life financial options, understanding the process and your choices will put you in a strong position.

Aged 40+ Mortgage Advice

Many lenders cater to borrowers aged 40 and over, tailoring their products to meet the needs of those who might be closer to retirement or have more complex financial situations.

With careful planning, lenders might be willing to extend loan terms beyond retirement age, especially if you can demonstrate a reliable income or assets to support repayments.

Being over 40 can even work in your favour. The key is to be well-prepared and to explore all your options with the help of a professional mortgage advisor.

Understanding Affordability for Over 40s

Lenders assess affordability by examining your income, expenses, and any other financial commitments you may have.

For applicants over 40, retirement age often becomes part of the calculation. If the loan term extends past your planned retirement, lenders will ask about your post-retirement income, such as pensions, savings, or investments.

Debt levels are also scrutinised. If you have personal loans, credit card balances, or other financial obligations, it’s wise to address these before applying.

By reducing your overall debt, you increase your affordability and may qualify for more competitive rates.

For self-employed individuals or those with fluctuating income, demonstrating affordability might require additional documentation, such as tax returns, business accounts, or other proof of earnings.

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Mortgage Options for Over 40s

Repayment Mortgages

The most common mortgage type, repayment mortgages allow you to pay both the interest and a portion of the loan amount each month.

Over time, this reduces your debt until the loan is fully repaid by the end of the term.

Many lenders are willing to offer terms of up to 35 years, depending on your circumstances, even if this means repayments extending beyond retirement age.

Interest-Only Mortgages

An interest-only mortgage allows you to pay just the interest each month, with the full loan amount due at the end of the term.

These are suitable for borrowers with a clear repayment strategy, such as selling an investment or using savings.

While not as widely available as repayment mortgages, interest-only loans are still an option, especially for buy-to-let investors.

Remortgaging or Downsizing

If you already own a property, remortgaging can help you access lower rates, consolidate debt, or release equity for home improvements.

Alternatively, downsizing to a smaller property can reduce financial commitments and free up capital for other uses, such as retirement planning.

Lifetime Mortgages
For those aged 50 and over, lifetime mortgages provide a way to release equity from your home while continuing to live there.

These products typically require no monthly repayments, with the loan repaid when the property is sold. While not suited to everyone, they offer a flexible option for later-life borrowers looking to supplement their income.

Deposit Requirements and Options

Credit Score

Your credit score is a key factor in any mortgage application. Lenders will review your history of repayments, outstanding debts, and financial behaviour. To improve your credit score:

Check your credit score for free*

Try Checkmyfile and obtain a new copy of your credit report. We can use this document to work out how likely you are to be approved for a mortgage.

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Free Credit File With CheckMyFile

Larget Deposit

Providing a larger deposit, such as 10% or 20%, can offer significant advantages. Lenders generally reward borrowers who can reduce their Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio.

A larger deposit not only makes your application more attractive but also enables access to lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms.

For instance, a 10% deposit reduces the LTV to 90%, while a 20% deposit lowers it to 80%.

Lower LTV ratios mean the lender is taking on less financial risk, making it easier for them to offer favourable terms.

Over the life of the mortgage, the savings on interest can be substantial.

Gifted Deposits

For borrowers who lack sufficient savings, gifted deposits can be an invaluable solution.

A gifted deposit involves receiving funds from a family member or close friend to contribute towards your mortgage.

These funds must be given as a gift, with no expectation of repayment, and lenders will usually require a formal declaration to confirm this.

Gifted deposits are especially popular among first-time buyers, but they are equally beneficial for older borrowers who might be purchasing a second home or moving to a more expensive property.

This option allows you to increase your deposit size, reducing your LTV and improving your access to better mortgage deals.

Working With a Mortgage Broker Like Ourselves

At the heart of what we do is a commitment to making the mortgage process straightforward and stress-free for borrowers.

We pride ourselves on providing professional, approachable advice tailored to your individual needs.

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Whether you’re navigating complex income structures, seeking later-life mortgage options, or simply want the confidence that you’re making the right decision, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

With access to thousands of products, strong relationships with lenders, and a passion for delivering exceptional service, we aim to turn the mortgage process into a positive and rewarding experience.


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About the Author

Malcolm Davidson

Managing Director of UK Moneyman Ltd.

Malcolm is one of the UK’s most well-known and respected Mortgage Advisors. He is passionate about providing a 5* customer experience and he has also trained and mentored dozens of fellow Advisors in a career that is now in its third decade.

In addition to his day to day duties as Managing Director, Malcolm still gives out mortgage advice and feels lucky that his job is also very much his hobby.

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