Can You Get a Mortgage Over 50 or 60?

Yes, you can get a mortgage at 50, 60, or older. Many UK lenders have maximum ages at end of term of 70-85, with some having no upper limit. The key requirement is proving affordability throughout the term, including any retirement years. Pension income (state, workplace, private) is accepted by most lenders. Older borrowers often have advantages like larger deposits and equity.

Learn more about lifetime mortgages in our detailed guide.

Learn more about remortgage guide in our detailed guide.

Can I get a mortgage at 50?

Yes, getting a mortgage at 50 is very achievable. Many lenders have maximum ages at end of term of 70-85, giving you 20-35 years of potential mortgage term. You'll need to demonstrate income that will continue through the mortgage term, whether from employment, pension, or investments.

Can I get a mortgage at 60?

Yes, mortgages at 60 are available from many lenders. Some have maximum ages of 70-75 at term end (10-15 year terms), while others go to 80-85 or have no upper age limit. Lenders focus on how you'll afford payments in retirement - pension income is usually acceptable.

What is the maximum age for a mortgage UK?

There's no legal maximum age. Lender limits vary significantly - some cap at 70 at end of term, others at 75, 80, or 85. A few specialist lenders have no upper age limit. The key is proving affordability throughout the term, including any retirement years.

Can I get a 25-year mortgage at 55?

It depends on the lender. A 25-year term at 55 ends at age 80. Some lenders cap at 70-75, so wouldn't offer this. Others with 80-85 limits would consider it. Alternatively, you might take a shorter term with higher payments, or use a lender with no age limit.

Can I use pension income for a mortgage?

Yes, most lenders accept pension income for mortgage affordability. This includes state pension, workplace pensions, and private pensions. Some lenders will project your expected pension income if you're not yet retired but the mortgage term extends into retirement.

Is it harder to get a mortgage when older?

It can be more complex but not necessarily harder. The main challenges are: shorter available terms, proving retirement income, and fewer lenders at upper age ranges. However, older borrowers often have larger deposits, equity, and stable pensions - all positives for lenders.

Quick Answer

Can I Get a Mortgage in My 50s or 60s?

Last reviewed: December 2025

Reviewed by Jay Sabine – CeMAP Qualified – 29 years experience

Yes - many lenders offer mortgages to over 50s and 60s. Maximum ages at term end range from 70 to 85+. Pension income is accepted for affordability.

Age is not a barrier to getting a mortgage in the UK - there's no legal maximum age. What matters is whether you can afford the repayments throughout the mortgage term. Lenders have different maximum ages at end of term, typically ranging from 70 to 85, with some specialist lenders having no upper limit. If your mortgage term extends into retirement, lenders will assess your pension income (state pension, workplace pension, private pension) to ensure affordability. Older borrowers often have advantages: larger deposits from property equity, stable pension income, and less debt. A broker can help match you with lenders whose criteria fit your age and income situation.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Consider how you'll afford payments throughout retirement.

Key Points

1No legal maximum age for mortgages in UK
2Lender age limits at term end: 70-85 typically
3Some specialist lenders have no age limit
4Pension income accepted for affordability
5Retirement income projections may be used
6Larger deposits/equity often offset age concerns

Eligibility Criteria

Provable income through the mortgage term
Pension income (actual or projected) for retirement years
Property value and deposit/equity
Standard credit and affordability checks
Some lenders require specific minimum income

Typical Timeframe

Later life mortgage applications take the standard 4-8 weeks. The process is similar to any mortgage but with additional focus on retirement income verification. Getting a decision in principle takes 24-48 hours and helps identify suitable lenders for your age and circumstances.

Next Steps

1Calculate expected pension income in retirement
2Consider ideal mortgage term length
3Check your credit report
4Speak to a broker about later life options
5Consider lifetime mortgage if very short term needed

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Related Questions

Lifetime mortgages

Remortgage guide

How much can I borrow?

Interest only mortgages

For more detailed information about this topic, visit our comprehensive guide:

Mortgage Hub

Jay Sabine

CeMAP Qualified

29 Years Experience

Content reviewed: 13 January 2026

Mortgage Options by Age

Your Age	Typical Terms Available	Notes
50-55	Up to 25-30 years	Most lenders available, long terms possible
55-60	Up to 20-25 years	Wide lender choice, may need pension projections
60-65	Up to 15-20 years	Good lender choice, retirement income assessed
65-70	Up to 10-15 years	Reduced lender choice, pension income key
70-75	Up to 5-10 years	Specialist lenders, equity release alternative
75+	Limited options	Few lenders, consider lifetime mortgages

Maximum terms depend on individual lender criteria. A broker can search across all lenders.

Income Types Accepted

Employment Income

Salary (PAYE)
Self-employed profits
Contractor income
Part-time earnings

If term extends past retirement, pension income also assessed.

Pension Income

State pension
Workplace pension
Private/personal pension
SIPP drawdown

Some lenders accept pension projections for those not yet retired.

Other Income

Rental income
Investment income
Annuity payments
Maintenance payments

Investment income typically discounted. Rental income may need evidence.

Standard Mortgage vs Lifetime Mortgage

Standard Later Life Mortgage

Make monthly payments
Pay off mortgage by term end
Full ownership throughout
Leave property debt-free
Monthly payments required

Lifetime Mortgage (Equity Release)

No mandatory monthly payments
Stay in home for life
No upper age limit
Interest rolls up, reducing inheritance
Repaid when home sold (death/care)