Reverse Mortgage Loan

Reverse mortgage loans are a unique type of home loan designed for senior citizens and require no monthly mortgage payments. The loan payments need not be made until the borrower passes away, sells or moves out of the house. There are no restrictions on the end use of the funds obtained via a reverse mortgage loan.

Updated On - 16 Sep 2025

It is called reverse mortgage because the lender is making payments to the borrower. The loan needn’t be paid back till the home is sold or vacated. The borrower must however pay the property taxes, insurance and other dues.

Reverse mortgage comes in handy when you have a financial crisis and no source of income to fund your financial needs, but you have a house and you can use that house to mortgage and avail loan.

Home is pledged and the monetary value of the house is decided based on the demand for the house, current property prices and the condition of the house. The loan amount is then disbursed to the borrower in the form of periodic payment. The borrower can choose the frequency of the periodic payment. This is an ideal option for senior citizens so that they get regular income.

Features of Reverse Mortgage Loan

Eligibility

Individuals owning residential house or flat and who is a resident of India and above the ages of 60 can avail this loan.

The residential house must be in his name or jointly with his spouse.

If the loan is in joint account then one of the spouses must be 60 years and above and the other must be at least 58 years.

The age of the mortgaged property should not be more than 20 years old.

In case the individual has availed a home loan against the concerned property, then it is mandatory to avail an NOC. The property must be free from any impediment or burden.

Margin

20% margin has to be maintained.

Maximum loan amount

The maximum loan amount is Rs.1 crore along with interest.

Loan tenure

Maximum tenure allowed is 20 years.

Processing charges

Amount equivalent to half month’s loan instalment is charged as a processing fee. The processing fee charged may vary from bank to bank.

Repayment

The legal heir of the borrower, after the borrower’s death will have the chance to settle the loan along with the interest without having to sell the property. The loan is due and is to be paid in 6 months after the death of the last surviving spouse.

The borrower can also pay the loan at any time during the loan tenure, if he wishes to and has enough funds to pay for it.

Prepayment charges

If the loan is transferred to another lender, usually a 2% fee is charged.

Insurance

The borrower has to cover all the home insurance premiums.

Interest Rate

Interest rate will differ from bank to bank.

Document Required for Reverse Mortgage Loan

Given below is the list of documents you will have to submit in order to avail a reverse mortgage loan from a bank in India:

  1. Identity proof such as voter id, PAN, Aadhaar, passport, etc.
  2. Address proof such as utility bills, Aadhaar, Passport, etc.
  3. Proof regarding the ownership of the property. You can submit documents like the property tax receipts, utility bills, title deed, etc.
  4. Last 6 month's bank account statement.
  5. If you have availed any loan from any lender, then the account statement for the last 12 months.
  6. Passport size photographs.
  7. Proof of income such as IT returns for past 2 financial years, salary slip for the last 3 months, TDS certificate, balance sheet and profit, loss account for last 3 years (only for self-employed), etc.
  8. Income documents such as copy of form 16, ITR returns for the last two years or salary slip for the last three months.
  9. Qualification certificate in case you are a CA, Doctor, Lawyer, Architect, etc.
  10. NOC in case you have availed a loan on the property.
  11. Occupancy certificate in case of ready to move in property.
  12. Relevant property papers such as development agreement of the builder, conveyance deed in case the property is new, approved plan copy, etc.
  13. It is mandatory for Property owners in Maharashtra to submit the registered agreements for share and sale certificates.

Know more about Mortgage Loan

How does Reverse Mortgage Work?

A reverse mortgage loan's quantity depends on a number of variables, such as supply and demand, market dynamics, and interest rates. All of these factors work together to influence the collateral property's value.

The Mortgage Process for a Property: Seniors who are 60 years of age or over can easily get a bank to mortgage their own property. They receive a consistent income from this easy process, guaranteeing their financial security in their later years.

Frequent Bank Payments: Borrowers receive a set loan amount from the bank at regular times after mortgaging their property. To help them meet their financial demands, this function provides a steady and reliable source of revenue.

Reduction in Property Equity: Borrowers' equity in the mortgaged property steadily declines as they make payments. This reduction is in line with how the loan revenues are being used, guaranteeing a sound financial strategy.

Benefits of Reverse Mortgage

The benefits of Reverse Mortgage are given below:

Being Financially Independent: Seniors can become financially independent and no longer rely on their offspring thanks to reverse mortgages. Depending on their specific circumstances, borrowers are free to use the money however they see fit.

Minimal Conditions for Eligibility: Applying for a reverse mortgage loan is simple for seniors who own residential real estate and are 60 years of age or older. The borrower's name, either alone or in conjunction with their spouse, must be on the property.

Extended Tenure: Long terms offered by reverse mortgages provide a consistent revenue stream, assisting senior individuals in easily handling regular expenses.

Revaluation of Properties: Every five years, banks reevaluate the value of the property. Borrowers can get a larger lump sum and raise the loan value if the property appreciates.

Tax Advantages: Money obtained through a reverse mortgage may be deductible from taxes under the Income Tax Act of 1961. However, if the property is sold to pay back the debt, capital gains tax is due.

Many people are hesitant to mortgage their property because they want to leave it as an inheritance for their children, even with these advantages.

Other Types of Mortgages

Simple Mortgage: This is when a borrower offers their property as security for a loan. If they fail to repay, the lender has the right to sell the property to recover the loan amount.

Mortgage by Conditional Sale: This involves selling a property with the condition that the sale becomes final if the loan is not repaid. It functions as a sale with a safety clause.

Usufructuary Mortgage: Here, the lender enjoys the benefits of the property, such as rent or occupancy, until the loan is fully repaid.

Mortgage by Title Deed: In this type, a formal document (title deed) is signed to use the property as security for the loan. The process is clear and legally documented.

English Mortgage: This involves temporarily transferring the property’s title to the lender. The title is restored to the borrower once the loan is fully repaid.

Anomalous Mortgage: This refers to a mortgage arrangement that doesn’t fit standard categories but serves a specific purpose, such as using unconventional assets as collateral.

Reverse Mortgage Loan Fees and Charges

The fees and charges for Reverser Mortgage Loan are given below:

  1. The processing fee which is required to be paid upfront.
  2. Charges like mortgage registration fees, stamp duty fees, etc.
  3. In case you decide to switch lenders, you will need to pay the prepayment fees.

Tips to avoid Reverse Mortgage Loan Scams

Some of the points you need to be aware to avoid Reverse Mortgage Loan scams are given below:

  1. Do not sign any documents you do not understand.
  2. Do not respond to any unsolicited advertisements related to reverse mortgage loan and only apply post confirming its authenticity.
  3. Do not give into claims of having house ownerships with no down payments.
  4. Do get in touch with a financial consultant in case of any queries.

Tax Benefits in Reverse Mortgage Loan

Individuals availing a reverse mortgage loan can enjoy tax benefits under Section 10(43) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 where the loan amount is exempted from being taxed. Loan amount received by the borrower whether in a lump-sum form or as monthly installment will be exempted from being taxed despite it being a capital gain for the senior citizen.

How to Apply for a Reverse Mortgage Loan

You can apply for a reverse mortgage loan online by visiting the website of the bank or NBFC which offers this type of loan.

You can click on the 'Apply Now' button and fill the application form followed by submission of the relevant documents.

A representative from the bank will get in touch with you and will further assist you with the application process.

If all the documents and application form submitted by you are correct during the verification process, the bank will approve your loan application.

FAQs on Reverse Mortgage Loan

  • Can I apply for a reverse mortgage loan offline?

    Yes, you can visit the nearest branch of the lender offering reverse mortgage loan along with all the relevant documents. A representative from the lending company will assist you with the application process.

  • Should I have a good credit score if I want to apply for a reverse mortgage loan?

    Since, this a secured loan product, your credit score doesn't matter as long as you have a property in your name which you can pledge to the bank.

  • What is the monthly payment I shall receive on availing a reverse mortgage loan?

    Generally, lenders prefer to cap maximum monthly payments at Rs.50,000. However, this amount can vary from lender to lender.

  • How long may a reverse mortgage loan be taken out for?

    In order to guarantee that borrowers get consistent payments for a long time, the maximum loan period is often 20 years.

  • What is the reverse mortgage interest rate?

    Reverse mortgages are a financially feasible alternative for seniors because interest rates vary but are typically competitive.

  • What kinds of real estate are not suitable for reverse mortgages?

    Reverse mortgages are typically not available for commercial properties, agricultural land, or properties with outstanding loans.

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