It seems the old vision of retirement—settling down with a pair of comfy slippers and a quiet life—is being tossed out the window. Today’s retirees are looking to get more out of their golden years, and their homes are playing a central role in that plan, says the Family Building Society.
The Need for Knowledge in Later Life Lending
At a recent Mortgage Solutions Masterclass, two experts from the Family Building Society, Darren Deacon and Nathan Waller, covered the world of “later life lending”. They argued that education is crucial to making the most of the growing opportunities in this sector. With an aging population, pension freedoms, and house prices that are shooting up faster than incomes, there’s a clear need for more people to borrow money in their later years.
Understanding the Market Dynamics
The session, held on October 31, shed light on the complexities of the market. Deacon, the head of intermediary sales, pointed out a significant trend: “Residential lending where the term extends into retirement accounts for 60 per cent of all lending.” This means that the majority of borrowers are going to need financial support well past the traditional retirement age.
Beyond the Financials: The Human Factor
But it’s not just about the numbers. Deacon highlighted the personal reasons that drive people to borrow later in life. Whether it’s pursuing lifelong dreams, adapting to pension changes, or helping out the younger family members, retirees are looking to their homes to provide for these aspirations.
Challenges on the Horizon
Waller didn’t sugarcoat the issues facing the market, either. Lenders are grappling with a slowdown in purchasing, brokers are dealing with constant rate hikes and product changes, and customers are facing tougher loan criteria. “It’s a tricky time across the whole industry,” Waller commented, emphasizing that education is the best tool for overcoming these hurdles.
A Call to Advisers
The call for a more educated approach doesn’t just stop with the consumers; advisers are being encouraged to take the reins. Waller’s advice? Ditch the cookie-cutter approach and get personal. Advisers should be digging into the details—looking at pensions, investments, and other assets like buy-to-let properties and business ownerships. It’s all about crafting strategies that suit a client’s unique long-term needs.
A Future-Proof Approach to Retirement
It’s clear that education is the watchword for the later life lending market. As the population ages and the financial landscape evolves, both consumers and professionals in the industry need to stay informed. By doing so, they can unlock the potential of their homes and secure a more comfortable, and financially stable, retirement. The key takeaway? The more you know, the better you can plan for a future that’s as bright as it is long.