Your home could be worth more to your retirement

Estimate how much of your home equity you may be able to access with a reverse mortgage. Our free Australian calculator provides an initial borrowing estimate based on your age, property value and existing mortgage.

You can also explore how different loan amounts, interest rates, repayments and property growth assumptions may affect your remaining home equity over time.

What does the calculator show?

Potential borrowing capacity
Projected loan balance
Estimated future property value
Estimated remaining home equity
The possible effect of voluntary interest repayments

Your result is a starting point: Reverse mortgage lending limits vary between lenders and can depend on your age, your property, its location, its value and any existing debt secured against it. The calculator provides a general estimate and does not represent loan approval, a lender offer or personalised financial advice.

What is a reverse mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows eligible older homeowners to access part of the equity in their home without selling it.

The loan is secured against your property. Unlike a standard home loan, regular repayments are generally not required while you continue living in the home and meet the conditions of the loan.

Interest and fees are added to the balance over time. The loan is usually repaid when the property is sold, the borrower permanently moves out or the deceased estate sells the property.

You generally continue to own your home, but the amount of equity remaining in it may reduce as the loan balance grows.

Features & Benefits

No regular repayments required
Retain 100% ownership of your home
Guaranteed lifetime occupancy of your home
Tax free income that doesn't impact pension entitlements
Strong consumer protections for peace of mind

How much could you borrow with a reverse mortgage?

The amount you may be able to access will usually depend on:

Your age, or the age of the youngest borrower
The current value of your home
Your property type and location
Any existing home loan or secured debt
The lending limits of the available provider
How you want to receive the funds

As a general guide, older borrowers may be able to access a larger percentage of their property’s value. However, every lender applies its own eligibility requirements and maximum loan-to-value ratios.

The calculator can give you an initial estimate, but your actual borrowing capacity can only be confirmed after your circumstances and property have been assessed.

What could a reverse mortgage be used for?

Subject to lender requirements, released home equity may be used for purposes such as:

Paying out an existing mortgage
Consolidating eligible debts
Supplementing retirement cash flow
Renovating or modifying your home
Funding medical, dental or aged-care expenses
Purchasing a more suitable vehicle
Helping with significant household expenses
Establishing a reserve for unexpected costs
Supporting travel or lifestyle plans
Assisting family members

How the money is used may affect government benefits, tax outcomes and your longer-term finances. Consider obtaining independent financial, legal and taxation advice before proceeding.

How does reverse mortgage interest work?

Interest is charged on the amount you have borrowed, along with any applicable fees added to the loan.

When regular repayments are not made, interest is added to the outstanding balance. Future interest is then calculated on the increased balance. This is known as compound interest.

As a result, the amount owing can increase significantly over a long period.

Your future position will depend on factors including:

The amount and timing of each drawdown
The interest rate
Lender fees and charges
How long you retain the loan
Any voluntary repayments you make
Changes in the value of your property

Testing several borrowing amounts and drawdown structures can help you understand how these variables may affect your remaining equity.

Next Steps

Why speak with Golden Years Finance?

Reverse mortgages are specialist lending products. Eligibility rules, lending limits, interest rates, fees and property requirements can differ significantly between providers.

Golden Years Finance can help you:

Check your likely eligibility
Understand your calculator result
Compare available reverse mortgage lenders
Review interest rates, fees and lending limits
Model how the balance may change over time
Explore lump-sum, regular-payment and reserve structures
Work through the process clearly and at your pace

Talk to a home equity expert now

Speak with someone straight away and get clear guidance to help you move forward sooner.

Call 02 8226 8687

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Privacy & Terms

This website provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Your full financial situation and requirements need to be considered prior to any offer and acceptance of a loan product.

Elite Finance Professionals Pty Ltd (ABN: 52158244029) trading as Golden Years Finance with Credit Representative Number 431916 is authorised under Australian Credit License 387025.