What is a reverse mortgage purchase?
Reverse mortgage loans are often used by people who want to stay in their homes. Another type of reverse mortgage, called a reverse mortgage for purchase, allows borrowers to buy a new home during the transaction.
You can take out a reverse mortgage and purchase a new home all in one transaction through the reverse mortgage for purchase program, often through the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for purchase program.
For those looking to move into a new home and stay there as they age, the HECM for purchase can be an advantageous program. Additional reverse mortgages are available for purchase from various lenders, each with different specifications.
Understanding the basics
The HECM for Purchase is the most common reverse mortgage borrowers use to purchase new homes.
Applying for and qualifying for a HECM for Purchase follows the same process as applying for any HECM loan. Most requirements are the same: borrowers must be 62 or older and own their homes outright or have significant equity.
After getting a HECM for Purchase, borrowers must keep the home up to FHA standards, pay property tax, and keep up with homeowners insurance. The main difference between a reverse mortgage for purchase and a regular mortgage is how the home is bought.
With a reverse mortgage for purchase, the borrower can buy the home in one transaction without making monthly mortgage payments.
The reverse mortgage for purchase product requires the borrower to cover the down payment on the new home purchase, which is significantly more than for a typical single-family home.
They may do this in instances where:
- They wish to downsize from their current home, which requires extensive maintenance
- A single-story home is more attractive than the existing home or is more equipped for aging in place
- They want to relocate to a home that is closer to family
Allowable property types include single-family homes, 2- to 4-unit properties, HUD-approved condos, and planned unit developments. In all cases of new construction, a certificate of occupancy must be in place before the HECM for a purchase transaction.
Eligible property types
- Single-family homes
- PUD – planned unit development
- 2–4-unit dwelling
- HUD-approved condominiums
Most property types can be purchased in a reverse mortgage, with several exceptions. The home must not be under construction and must be habitable. Co-ops, boarding houses, B&Bs, and newly constructed homes where a Certificate of Occupancy has yet to be issued are ineligible.
Certain types of manufactured homes may not be used. Those built before 1976 and those built since then, but need to comply with Department of Housing and Urban Development standards, won’t fit the bill for a reverse purchase mortgage.
Down payment requirements
The reverse mortgage for purchase program requires the borrower to cover the down payment on the new home purchase, which is significantly more than for a typical single-family home.
In many cases, the equity from the sale of the old house can be used for the down payment on the new home. In other cases, the borrower may need to cover the down payment through savings or other means.
If the value of the old home is less than the down payment required for the new home, the borrower will need to provide the difference in cash. Some gifts and other sources may also be allowed under FHA requirements, such as family gifts from those who do not have a stake in the transaction.
The down payment requirement is based on the following:
- The age of the youngest borrower
- Current interest rates
- The price of the new home, or the HECM lending limit of $1,089,300
Typically, the down payment for a HECM for Purchase is 45-70% of the purchase price. The following table provides examples of down payment requirements for various home prices and borrower ages.
HECM Purchase Down Payment by Age
*Not an offer to lend. Down payment examples are approximate and include most necessary closing costs such as 2% upfront mortgage insurance & 3rd party closing costs. Interest rate used to arrive at down payment percentages 5.875% (Adjustable CMT 2.125% Margin) as of 11/30/2022.
Sales Price $300,000 $400,000 $500,000 $600,000 $700,000
Age Down Payment Down Payment Down Payment Down Payment Down Payment
62 $208,434.91 $275,703.91 $341,895.91 $406,621.91 $472,811.91
65 $200,634.91 $265,803.91 $329,895.91 $394,021.91 $458,111.91
70 $189,834.91 $251,403.91 $311,895.91 $371,421.91 $432,911.91
75 $181,134.91 $239,803.91 $297,395.91 $355,021.91 $412,611.91
80 $167,934.91 $222,203.91 $275,395.91 $328,621.91 $381,811.91
85 $149,634.91 $197,803.91 $244,895.91 $292,021.91 $339,111.91
90 $128,934.91 $170,203.91 $210,395.91 $250,621.91 $290,811.91
Request a free ARLO quote for exact down payment and costs associated with the state you are purchasing in as some states charge additional state specific taxes associated with purchase loans.
Today's Reverse Mortgage Purchase Rates
Example calculation using fixed rate:
2023 Lending Limit Fixed Rate Adjustable Rate
$1,089,300 7.180% (8.700% APR) 6.885% (2.125 Margin)
$4,000,000 10.125% (10.612% APR) 11.385% (6.625 Margin)
7.18% + .50% Monthly MIP = 7.68% in total interest charges. Fixed Rate APR calculated assumes $250,000 loan amount and includes .50% Mortgage Insurance and standard 3rd party closing costs.
Allowable down payment sources
- Cash on hand (Savings, 401k, etc.)
- Proceeds from the sale of the home
- Gift from family
Proceeds from the sale of the previous home and savings are the most common ways for borrowers to meet the down payment requirement. There are other acceptable funding sources under the Federal Housing Administration, which is the insurer for the loan.
For sources that will work to finance the equity portion of the loan, borrowers can use an earnest money deposit or a withdrawal from a savings account, checking account, or retirement fund. Some forms of gift money are also OK, including gifts from family members, employers, a charity, a government organization interested in home ownership initiatives, or a close friend with a documented interest in the borrower.
Gifts from someone involved in the transaction, in any way, are not acceptable. Other, less common funding sources, such as collateralized loans, savings bonds, employer assistance programs, and other means, can also be used.
Non-allowable down payment sources
Sweat equity, trade equity, rent credit, and cash from someone benefiting from the reverse mortgage transaction are unacceptable. Cash advances from credit cards are also not accepted.
Example of a reverse purchase mortgage
In this example, we will use a borrower aged 70 years old, using a reverse mortgage for a home purchase with a sales price of $400,000. The required down payment is $182,000, or approximately 45% of the purchase price.
The down payment includes all upfront mortgage insurance premiums and third-party closing costs. After five years of making no mortgage payments, there is still $210,000 in home equity; after 10 years, there is still $257,000.
Should the borrower decide later to move into an assisted care facility, they may sell the home, where the reverse mortgage balance is then repaid, and the remaining said equity is theirs. Of course, this assumes the home will appreciate at a modest 4%.
The remaining equity largely depends on the home’s future appreciation and whether you choose to make any repayment to the loan balance.
Also See: Here’s an Ideal Reverse Mortgage Purchase Example
Weighing the Pros and Cons
The HECM purchase program can be an excellent option for those who want to move during retirement, as it allows them to do so without making monthly mortgage payments. However, like all loans, there are some pros and cons.
Other considerations and where to learn more
Another factor that borrowers may want to consider in getting a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase is the real estate agent’s experience with reverse mortgages.
While the mortgage originator can help answer questions along the way, borrowers may want to work with a real estate agent familiar with reverse mortgage transactions.
Purchase FAQs
Can you get a reverse mortgage on a purchase?
How does a reverse mortgage purchase work?
How much is the down payment required on a reverse mortgage purchase?
How is a reverse mortgage purchase different from a traditional mortgage?
ARLO recommends these helpful resources:
- Purchase Reverse Mortgage Purchase FAQs (Updated 2023)
- Read about our own HECM Purchase client success story in Kiplinger’s Retirement Report
March 28th, 2023
March 28th, 2023
February 22nd, 2023
March 4th, 2023
February 21st, 2023
February 22nd, 2023
January 30th, 2023
February 11th, 2023
October 13th, 2022
October 13th, 2022
July 25th, 2022
July 25th, 2022
July 4th, 2022
July 12th, 2022
June 28th, 2022
June 28th, 2022
June 21st, 2022
June 21st, 2022
January 11th, 2022
January 11th, 2022
August 10th, 2021
August 10th, 2021
March 10th, 2021
March 16th, 2021
February 9th, 2021
February 9th, 2021
January 22nd, 2021
January 22nd, 2021
April 25th, 2021
May 4th, 2021
December 15th, 2020
December 15th, 2020
November 24th, 2020
November 24th, 2020
November 2nd, 2020
November 2nd, 2020
September 4th, 2020
September 4th, 2020
June 15th, 2020
June 15th, 2020
May 26th, 2020
May 26th, 2020
May 19th, 2020
May 19th, 2020
May 18th, 2020
May 18th, 2020
May 15th, 2020
May 17th, 2020
January 5th, 2020
January 9th, 2020
November 13th, 2019
November 13th, 2019
August 25th, 2019
August 25th, 2019
August 19th, 2019
August 19th, 2019
May 29th, 2019
May 29th, 2019
May 6th, 2019
May 6th, 2019
April 28th, 2019
April 28th, 2019
April 24th, 2019
April 24th, 2019
March 4th, 2019
March 4th, 2019
August 11th, 2013
August 14th, 2013
July 22nd, 2013
August 14th, 2013
May 20th, 2013
June 4th, 2013
February 7th, 2013
February 7th, 2013
January 21st, 2013
January 22nd, 2013
January 19th, 2013
January 29th, 2013
January 14th, 2013
January 15th, 2013
November 26th, 2012
December 4th, 2012