17 May 2015
In simple terms, a reverse mortgage is the "opposite" of a conventional home loan. A reverse mortgage enables a senior citizen to receive a regular stream of income from a lender (a bank or a financial institution) against the mortgage of his home. The borrower (i.e. the individual pledging the property), continues to reside in the property till the end of his life and receives a periodic payment on it.
How does a reverse mortgage work?
When the home is pledged, its monetary value is arrived at by the bank, on the basis of the demand for the property, current property prices, and the condition of the house. The bank then disburses a loan amount to the borrower in the form of periodic payments, after considering a margin for interest costs and price fluctuations. The periodic payments also known as reverse EMI are received by the borrower over fixed loan tenure. With each payment, whether monthly or quarterly, the equity or the individual's interest in the house decreases.
A reverse mortgage is an ideal option for senior citizens who require regular income, or if the property is of illiquid nature for some reason.
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