Is it hard to get a mortgage after 60?

Asked by: Ryley Yundt  |  Last update: September 28, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (72 votes)

As Federal Reserve economist Natee Amornsiripanitch noted in a recent brief, older mortgage applicants are “significantly” more likely to be rejected for a loan than similarly situated, but younger, borrowers. At the same time, loan rates increase steadily with age, peaking for new borrowers over the age of 60 and 70.

Is it harder to get a mortgage in your 60s?

As a matter of law, age is not a factor in mortgage approval. If you meet the requirements for credit (620 minimum) and enough income to support your payments, you should be able to get a mortgage.

Can a 60 year old get a 30 year mortgage?

"There is no reason why a senior cannot apply for a mortgage," Albohn says. "You do not have to prove that you will live 30 years to pay off the mortgage. [But] whether or not a senior should take out a mortgage is an individual decision."

Is it wise to buy a house at age 60?

It's never too late to buy a house, even in your 60s. Here are some factors to consider: Financial Stability: Assess your financial situation, including income, savings, and debt. Ensure you can afford the mortgage payments, property taxes, and maintenance costs.

Can you get a mortgage if you are in your 60s?

Yes, mortgages are available for customers over the age of 60. There are lots of different options but success will depend on which lenders are willing to lend to you based on your personal circumstances and their criteria.

How old is too old for a Mortgage? Can I get a mortgage into retirement?

32 related questions found

Do banks give mortgages to people over 60?

Your age won't be a factor — lenders are prohibited from age discrimination based on the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. But you will need to prove you meet your loan program's minimum mortgage requirements and document your income based on the type of retirement income(s) you receive.

How many 65 year olds still have a mortgage?

While many older homeowners own their properties free and clear of a mortgage payment, this is not a feasible reality for many seniors. In fact, more than 10.5 million Americans at or over the age of 65 still pay into a forward mortgage loan, according to a study conducted by LendingTree.

What is the oldest age you should buy a house?

Age isn't a limiting factor, but your income and mobility may be. If you've built up your savings over the years, you may not want a mortgage, preferring to buy a house outright. How Much Is My House Worth? See your free home value estimate in less than two minutes.

How much of net worth should be in house at age 65?

According to some experts, the optimal range for home-ownership is between 10% and 30% of your net worth. Rental properties and passive income: Rental properties are another common and attractive form of real estate.

Can I use my 401k to buy a house at age 65?

The short answer is yes because it's your money. There are no restrictions against using the funds in your account for anything you like but withdrawing funds from a 401(k) before age 59½ will incur a 10% early withdrawal penalty as well as taxes.

What is the oldest age to qualify for a mortgage?

Good news: There is no maximum age limit for applying for any mortgage—including a 30-year mortgage. In fact, lenders cannot discriminate based on age due to regulations such as the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. This means that older adults in their 70s, 80s or beyond can apply for—and obtain—a 30-year mortgage.

Can seniors on social security get a mortgage?

Yes, there are home loans specifically designed for people on Social Security. These include government-backed options like FHA loan, VA loans and specialized products from private lenders. Reverse mortgages are another option, particularly tailored for seniors.

What is the oldest age to get a loan?

While it is not impossible to get a loan over the age of 70, it may be more difficult and there may be less choice. This highlights the need to shop around and find deals from a range of providers – as different lenders will have their own lending criteria.

Can you be denied a mortgage because of age?

Lenders are not allowed to refuse to consider income from your part-time employment, pension, and certain other sources. A lender generally can't deny your loan application or charge you higher interest rates or fees because of your age.

Can I buy a house with social security income?

Borrowers receiving Social Security benefits can use that income to qualify for a mortgage, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Lenders will evaluate your gross Social Security benefit because they use your gross income to qualify you for a loan.

What is the average mortgage at retirement?

Nearly 40% of retirees, for instance, have a mortgage. And the average mortgage balance is over $100,000, which translates to average annual mortgage payments of $10,000 that will last at least 12 years or more.

Is it wise to buy a house at age 65?

Buying a home after 60 can make sense if you have sufficient monthly income and find an affordable home. In addition, if you're physically capable of maintaining the home or can pay for extra help, homeownership won't become burdensome.

How many people have $3000000 in savings?

Probably 1 in every 20 families have a net worth exceeding $3 Million, but most people's net worth is their homes, cars, boats, and only 10% is in savings, so you would typically have to have a net worth of $30 million, which is 1 in every 1000 families.

Can a 65 year old get a 30 year mortgage?

Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, lenders can't discriminate against applicants because of their age. As a result, seniors — like people in other age groups — can get mortgages if they meet a lender's approval criteria.

Is buying a 60 year old house a bad idea?

Older Homes Tend To Have Higher Maintenance Costs

From faulty plumbing to sloping floors, there's no shortage of projects to do in existing homes – and these projects don't come cheap. But smart home buyers can capitalize on the lower upfront costs of these homes to supplement future maintenance costs.

Is it foolish to buy a house right now?

If your credit score is strong, your employment is stable and you have enough savings to cover a down payment and closing costs, buying now might still be a smart move. But if your personal finances are not ideal at the moment, or if home values in your area are on the decline, it might be better to wait.

What is the average debt of a 65 year old?

But debt more than quadrupled in households headed by people aged 65 to 74 in that period (from $10,150 to $45,000 per household, on average), and for those 75 and up it has increased sevenfold (from just under $5,000 to $36,000).

At what age do most people pay off their house?

There is no specific age to pay off your mortgage, but a common rule of thumb is to be debt-free by your early to mid-60s.

Is it better to retire without a mortgage?

Researchers found that retirees with larger mortgages face greater financial peril. Households with more mortgage debt tend to postpone retirement and to spend less money once retired. They also tend to sell their homes sooner than retirees with smaller mortgages or no mortgage.