Heartland Bank announces monthly advance option for reverse mortgage loans
A mortgage-free home represents many years of hard saving, but there are few options available to older New Zealanders
to access those funds.
Now Heartland Bank (Heartland) (NZX: HBL) is offering a monthly advance option on its Reverse Mortgage Loan, which
allows seniors to leverage the value of their home and provides them with more cash flow flexibility and financial
freedom.
Heartland Bank is the largest provider of reverse mortgage loans in New Zealand. The new feature will allow seniors to
opt to receive a minimum $300 monthly advance directly into their nominated account, or into their Heartland Direct Call
account, which currently pays 2.75% interest.
“Demand for our reverse mortgage product is growing rapidly, and we recognise there is a growing need for payments to be
convenient and flexible,” said Lisa Hatfield, Heartland Senior Manager Retail.
“This new feature is ideal for borrowers looking to boost their income streams to maintain their lifestyles in
retirement, without selling their property.
“People are using our loans to fund home repairs or improvements, travel, pay for medical procedures, or a host of other
uses to make life easier and more comfortable.”
Hatfield noted increasing interest from people approaching retirement age and looking to refinance small amounts
outstanding on a standard mortgage.
“There are no regular repayments on our reverse mortgage loans, so using one to replace an existing mortgage can
eliminate one demand on income after retirement.”
In the year to June 2016, Heartland’s New Zealand reverse mortgage loan book increased by $28 million to $365 million,
and has grown strongly since.
Hatfield said the product was receiving increasing recognition from government agencies and consumer organisations as an
option for the growing retirement-age population to fund better retirement lifestyles.
Ministry of Social Development data show around 75% of older New Zealanders own their homes mortgage-free.
“While not suitable for everyone, a reverse mortgage is the right loan product for the right person.
“We have found that people are using reverse mortgages as a practical financial planning tool, to appropriately balance
their needs and their resources. While the amounts drawn are often modest, the outcome can be massive – it can truly
change lives,” Hatfield said.
The median term of Heartland’s loans is relatively short at around eight years, with customers often using a reverse
mortgage as a transition – for example, if they want to have a few more years in their home, so the grandkids can enjoy
it, before moving into a retirement village or downsizing.
“Independent legal advice is mandatory, we encourage all customers to talk to family, and we even highlight alternative
options, in writing, so they can make an informed decision,” Hatfield said.
“Heartland’s approach is conservative and we lend only a relatively small proportion of a home’s overall value.”
In July last year, Heartland Seniors Finance, the Heartland Bank division offering reverse mortgage loans, was
accredited under Consumer NZ’s Consumer Trusted programme. Consumer NZ recognised “the commitment Heartland Seniors Finance had made to delivering an excellent customer
experience and to ensure customers were kept well informed.”
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