Home Loans for Pensioners

While it is harder, you can get a home loan while on a pension. It depends on how much you want to borrow, your spending, assets and if you have other income sources.

Key takeaways

  • Lenders view pensioners as higher-risk borrowers for home loans because they are typically older and on smaller incomes.
  • A lender may be willing to offer a home loan to a pensioner, and may consider your pension as a form of income when assessing your application.
  • A broker can help you look for loans and lenders that match your requirements. Their services are typically free to you because the lender you choose will pay them a commission

Getting a loan as a pensioner always comes down to the lender's eligibility criteria and your individual circumstances. This includes your savings and other sources of income, whether you have outstanding debts or not and the amount you are hoping to borrow.

How can I get a home loan on a pension?

If your only source of income is the pension, then this might limit your options. The pension amount is lower than the income level most lenders require you to earn in order to repay a loan.

However, there are several ways a pensioner can apply for mortgage finance. The best option for you depends on your financial situation.

1) Apply for a standard home loan

If you have forms of income from other sources or you are only borrowing a small amount, you may be able to apply for a home loan like any other borrower. If this is your situation you might be able to get a competitive interest rate, so be sure to compare your home loan options.

2) Apply with a specialist lender

There are lenders who specialise in providing finance solutions to borrowers in difficult or unique circumstances. There are even lenders who focus entirely on older borrowers. These types of lenders provide loans known as specialist or non-conforming loans.

Non-conforming lenders may be able to help where the big banks can't. But they often charge higher interest rates and fees.

Keep in mind that many lenders that specialise in "senior's finance" don't actually lend to pensioners who don't already own property. Instead they offer reverse mortgages and other forms of equity access to older Australians who already own property.

3) Talk to a mortgage broker

Perhaps the best option for pensioners looking for a home loan is to get in touch with a mortgage broker. This is because mortgage brokers specialise in helping borrowers in unique circumstances and they have access to a wide panel of lenders.

A broker can help you look for loans and lenders that match your requirements. Their services are typically free to you because the lender you choose will pay them a commission.

What documents do pensioners need for a home loan?

As a pensioner you will need to provide a few extra documents in addition to the standard documents in a mortgage application. Every lender has their own requirements but you'll generally need to provide the following:

  • Evidence of funds to complete the deposit.
  • Bank statements showing Centrelink benefits being paid into your bank account (i.e. some lenders require 6 months of recent bank statements).
  • Letter from Centrelink (or other relevant government department) confirming the status and nature of your disability pension.

What about borrowers on disability pensions and veterans' pensions?

Disability Support pensions

Generally, lenders consider a disability pension to be a valid form of income, meaning they treat a home loan application for someone on a disability pension just like any other application.

Most lenders will review your application on a case-by-case basis. Your eligibility for a home loan will depend on the amount of income you receive and how much of this can be used to service a loan.

Other factors including your age, assets and debts will be assessed by a lender on an individual basis.

Veterans' pensions

Many lenders may accept a Veterans' Pension as a source of income for a home loan. This applies if you are receiving:

  • War Widow's or Widow's Pension
  • Service Pension
  • Veterans' Affairs Age Pension

Additionally, lenders may accept the Department of Veterans' Affairs Incapacity Pension as a source of income. In order to demonstrate your pension as a source of income for a home loan application, you'll need either a current bank statement showing your pension payment, or a current Department of Veterans' Affairs statement.

On Centrelink? You could still get a home loan

Other mortgage types for older borrowers

If you're a pensioner who already owns their own home you have some other finance options. Both reverse mortgages and line of credit loans allow you to borrow money against the equity in your home.

  • Reverse mortgages. A reverse mortgage allows you to borrow funds using equity from your home as security for the loan. A reverse mortgage can either be paid as a lump sum, a regular stream of income, a line of credit or a combination of these. No income is needed to qualify and for this reason, the interest rate tends to be higher. You must repay the sum of borrowed money when you sell your home, pass away or move into aged care.
  • Line of credit loans. A line of credit is a funding line that uses the equity in your home. It’s an approved amount that you can use a bit at a time or all at once. You loan is approved against a security and you can draw on this loan amount at any time. You only pay the interest on the amount that you use. For example, if you get a line of credit of $200,000 and only use $50,000, you only pay interest on the $50,000. These types of loans can be harder to get, and not all lenders offer them.

Looking to compare loan options?

In the tables below you can compare various finance options, from normal home loans to reverse mortgages and lines of credit. Please be aware that not all of the options presented in the table will be available for pensioners. If you're a pensioner and are looking for expert guidance, contact a mortgage broker for personal advice.

Compare reverse mortgages

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Name Finder Score Interest Rate p.a. Comparison Rate p.a. Fees Monthly Payment
Heartland Reverse Mortgages logo
Principal & InterestInterest only50% min. depositOwner-occupier
Heartland Reverse Mortgages logo
Principal & InterestInterest only50% min. depositOwner-occupier
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Product NameHeartland Standard Reverse Mortgage
Interest Rate Typevariable rate
Repayment Type Principal & Interest Interest Only
Interest Rate p.a.9.75%
Comp. Rate p.a.9.78%
Minimum Loan Amount$5,000
Maximum Loan Amount N/A
Maximum Loan Term
Maximum LVR 50%
Loan Redraw FacilityYes
Offset AccountNo
Split Loan FacilityNo
Fixed Interest OptionNo
Loan PortableYes
Extra Repayments Yes
Finder score
Interest Rate
9.75%
Comparison Rate
9.78%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$1,290
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G&C Mutual Bank logo
Interest only60% min. deposit
G&C Mutual Bank logo
Interest only60% min. deposit
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Product NameG&C Mutual Bank Retirees Access Home Loan
Interest Rate Typevariable rate
Repayment Type Interest Only
Interest Rate p.a.9.22%
Comp. Rate p.a.9.30%
Minimum Loan Amount$200,000
Maximum Loan Amount N/A
Maximum Loan Term30 years
Maximum LVR 40%
Loan Redraw FacilityYes
Offset AccountNo
Split Loan FacilityNo
Fixed Interest OptionNo
Loan PortableYes
Extra Repayments Yes
Finder score
Interest Rate
9.22%
Comparison Rate
9.30%
Fees
Application: $500
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$1,232
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Household Capital logo
Principal & Interest50% min. depositOwner-occupier
Household Capital logo
Principal & Interest50% min. depositOwner-occupier
Product NameHousehold Capital Reverse Mortgage Variable Home Loan
Interest Rate Typevariable rate
Repayment Type Principal & Interest
Interest Rate p.a.9.20%
Comp. Rate p.a.9.23%
Minimum Loan Amount$50,000
Maximum Loan Amount $1,000,000
Maximum Loan Term
Maximum LVR
Loan Redraw FacilityNo
Offset AccountNo
Split Loan FacilityNo
Fixed Interest OptionNo
Loan PortableYes
Extra Repayments Yes
Finder score
Interest Rate
9.20%
Comparison Rate
9.23%
Fees
Application: $950
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$1,230
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Heartland Reverse Mortgages logo
Principal & InterestInterest only66.25% min. depositInvestment
Heartland Reverse Mortgages logo
Principal & InterestInterest only66.25% min. depositInvestment
Product NameHeartland Secondary Property Reverse Mortgage
Interest Rate Typevariable rate
Repayment Type Principal & Interest Interest Only
Interest Rate p.a.9.75%
Comp. Rate p.a.9.78%
Minimum Loan Amount$5,000
Maximum Loan Amount N/A
Maximum Loan Term
Maximum LVR 33.75%
Loan Redraw FacilityYes
Offset AccountNo
Split Loan FacilityNo
Fixed Interest OptionNo
Loan PortableYes
Extra Repayments Yes
Finder score
Interest Rate
9.75%
Comparison Rate
9.78%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$1,290
Contact Broker
Express Reverse Mortgage logo
Principal & InterestOwner-occupier
Express Reverse Mortgage logo
Principal & InterestOwner-occupier
Product NameExpress Reverse Mortgage
Interest Rate Typevariable rate
Repayment Type Principal & Interest
Interest Rate p.a.8.65%
Comp. Rate p.a.8.67%
Minimum Loan Amount$20,000
Maximum Loan Amount $50,000
Maximum Loan Term
Maximum LVR N/A
Loan Redraw FacilityNo
Offset AccountNo
Split Loan Facility
Fixed Interest OptionNo
Loan PortableNo
Extra Repayments Yes
Finder score
Interest Rate
8.65%
Comparison Rate
8.67%
Fees
Application: $395
Ongoing: $0 per month
Monthly Payment
$1,171
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Compare line of credit loans

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Name Finder Score Interest Rate p.a. Comparison Rate p.a. Fees Monthly Payment
Commonwealth Bank logo
Principal & InterestInterest only20% min. deposit
Commonwealth Bank logo
Principal & InterestInterest only20% min. deposit
Product NameCommonwealth Bank Viridian Line of Credit
Interest Rate Typevariable rate
Repayment Type Principal & Interest Interest Only
Interest Rate p.a.10.28%
Comp. Rate p.a.
Maximum Loan Term
Maximum LVR 80%
Loan Redraw FacilityYes
Offset AccountNo
Split Loan FacilityNo
Fixed Interest OptionNo
Loan PortableNo
Extra Repayments Yes
Finder score
Interest Rate
10.28%
Comparison Rate
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $395 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$1,349
Contact Broker
Well Money logo
Principal & Interest40% min. depositOwner-occupierOffset account
Well Money logo
Principal & Interest40% min. depositOwner-occupierOffset account
Product NameWell Money Equity Plus
Interest Rate TypeVariable rate
Repayment Type Principal & Interest
Interest Rate p.a.6.16%
Comp. Rate p.a.6.19%
Minimum Loan Amount$200,000
Maximum Loan Amount $2,000,000
Maximum Loan Term30 years
Maximum LVR 60%
Loan Redraw FacilityYes
Offset AccountYes
Split Loan FacilityYes
Fixed Interest OptionNo
Loan Portable
Extra Repayments Yes
Finder score
Interest Rate
6.16%
Comparison Rate
6.19%
Fees
Application: $250
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$916
Greater Bank logo
Principal & InterestInterest only10% min. depositOwner-occupier
Greater Bank logo
Principal & InterestInterest only10% min. depositOwner-occupier
Product NameGreater Bank Ultimate Line of Credit Home Loan
Interest Rate Typevariable rate
Repayment Type Principal & Interest Interest Only
Interest Rate p.a.8.10%
Comp. Rate p.a.
Maximum Loan Term30 years
Maximum LVR 90%
Loan Redraw FacilityYes
Offset AccountNo
Split Loan FacilityYes
Fixed Interest OptionNo
Loan PortableNo
Extra Repayments Yes
Finder score
Interest Rate
8.10%
Comparison Rate
Fees
Application: $500
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$1,112
AMP Bank logo
Interest only20% min. depositInvestmentOffset account$100K to
AMP Bank logo
Interest only20% min. depositInvestmentOffset account$100K to
Product NameAMP Bank Professional Package Line of Credit
Interest Rate Typevariable rate
Repayment Type Interest Only
Interest Rate p.a.7.19%
Comp. Rate p.a.7.43%
Minimum Loan Amount$100,000
Maximum Loan Amount $499,999
Maximum Loan Term30 years
Maximum LVR 80%
Loan Redraw FacilityYes
Offset AccountYes
Split Loan FacilityYes
Fixed Interest OptionNo
Loan PortableYes
Extra Repayments Yes
Finder score
Interest Rate
7.19%
Comparison Rate
7.43%
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $349 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$1,018
Contact Broker
Hume Bank logo
Interest only20% min. depositOwner-occupier
Hume Bank logo
Interest only20% min. depositOwner-occupier
Product NameHume Bank Line of Credit Loan
Interest Rate Typevariable rate
Repayment Type Interest Only
Interest Rate p.a.9.25%
Comp. Rate p.a.
Maximum Loan Term25 years
Maximum LVR 80%
Loan Redraw FacilityNo
Offset AccountNo
Split Loan FacilityYes
Fixed Interest OptionYes
Loan PortableYes
Extra Repayments Yes
Finder score
Interest Rate
9.25%
Comparison Rate
Fees
Application: $600
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$1,235
Contact Broker
bcu logo
Principal & InterestInterest only21% min. depositOwner-occupier
bcu logo
Principal & InterestInterest only21% min. depositOwner-occupier
Product NameBCU All-In-One Line of Credit
Interest Rate Typevariable rate
Repayment Type Principal & Interest Interest Only
Interest Rate p.a.7.74%
Comp. Rate p.a.
Maximum Loan Term
Maximum LVR 79%
Loan Redraw FacilityNo
Offset AccountNo
Split Loan FacilityYes
Fixed Interest OptionNo
Loan PortableYes
Extra Repayments Yes
Finder score
Interest Rate
7.74%
Comparison Rate
Fees
Application: $0
Ongoing: $0 p.a.
Monthly Payment
$1,075
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Showing 6 of 6 results

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136 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    RachealNovember 24, 2021

    I’m on a disability pension, could you please help with getting a home loan. I’m want $ 330,000 for the 3 bedroom home I’m looking at , I do have a small deposit.
    Kind regards
    Racheal McDonald

      AvatarFinder
      SarahNovember 25, 2021Finder

      Hi Racheal,

      It can be possible to get a home loan when your main income is a disability pension. However, it’s quite difficult to qualify for finance if the pension is your only source of income.

      Your best bet is to contact a mortgage broker to get some personalised advice and a clear idea of what your options are. You can google mortgage brokers in your area or visit our Finder page about mortgage brokers.

      Hope this helps!
      Sarah

    Default Gravatar
    TraceySeptember 6, 2021

    I want to make an appointment to see a mortgage broker please

      AvatarFinder
      SarahSeptember 9, 2021Finder

      Hi Tracey,

      You can set an appointment by calling the broker or visiting their website. You can visit our mortgage broker page (https://www.finder.com.au/mortgage-brokers) to find a list of brokers.

      Cheers,
      Sarah

    Default Gravatar
    JohnSeptember 5, 2021

    Do you know of any Morgage Brokers that are or have Disability Pensioner Morgage Loans expertise or previous experience with a positive outcome?

      AvatarFinder
      SarahSeptember 8, 2021Finder

      Hi John,

      Most mortgage brokers can provide you with tailored advise that suits your situation. We don’t have a list that confirms a broker’s specialisation on borrowers receiving disability pension, but you can check out our mortgage broker finder page to find a broker who can help: https://www.finder.com.au/mortgage-brokers

      Note that generally, getting a loan when the disability pension is your only form of income can be difficult. There are some lenders who accept Centrelink payments as proof of your income to get a home loan, but if you receive a disability pension, you will often need to show proof of a second source of income, as the pension on its own is not enough to service a home loan.

      Your best bet is to contact a mortgage broker to find out which lenders may be able to help you. Their services are free, and they can do the legwork for you to help you find a lender.

      Cheers,
      Sarah

    Default Gravatar
    TerryJuly 24, 2019

    I’m looking for a lender. Duplex ,one side rented for 315.00/wk other owner occupied price $200.000 dep $ 20,000, borrower on centrelink

      Default Gravatar
      NikkiJuly 25, 2019

      Hi Terry,

      Thanks for getting in touch! Pensioners can still apply for regular home loans that aren’t specific home loans for pensioners but you should keep in mind you may not be successful if you don’t meet eligibility or income requirements.

      Below are the types of home loans you can apply for:

      Reverse mortgages
      Variable rate loans
      Fixed rate loans
      Line of credit loans

      You can find a list of lenders when you click the type of loan on the left sidebar of this page above. As a friendly reminder, carefully review the eligibility criteria of the loan before applying to increase your chances of approval. Read up on the terms and conditions and product disclosure statement and contact the bank should you need any clarifications about the policy.

      Hope this helps!

      Best,
      Nikki

    Default Gravatar
    JodieJuly 4, 2019

    As a single woman on a disability pension am I eligible and how much could I be eligible for to buy a house?

      AvatarFinder
      JeniJuly 4, 2019Finder

      Hi Jodie,

      Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

      Since you are receiving a disability pension, the amount you can be eligible for a loan to buy a house depends on your income. Your chosen lender will review whether the amount of income support you receive is sufficient for you to comfortably repay the loan. I suggest that you speak to a mortgage broker on this matter for further clarification and assistance.

      I hope this helps.

      Thank you and have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Jeni

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