Getting a mortgage at an older age is possible, with lenders offering options for borrowers in their 50s, 60s and beyond.
The mortgage term available will often depend on your age when you apply and your age when the mortgage is due to finish.
Your income, affordability and plans for repayment will also help determine which mortgage options are available to you.
As lending criteria vary, your choice of lender can make a real difference as you get older.
What is the Maximum Age For Getting a Mortgage?
Mortgage age criteria vary between lenders, which means the mortgage term available to you can differ considerably.
Some lenders are comfortable lending into your 70s, 80s or beyond where their criteria are met.
For example, if you are 60 and a lender is happy for your mortgage to run until age 80, you could potentially have a mortgage term of up to 20 years.
Other lenders may offer different term options depending on your circumstances.
The mortgage term available can also reflect your plans for retirement, particularly if you expect to continue making repayments after you stop working. This can make comparing lenders particularly valuable when looking for a mortgage at an older age.
Can I Use My Pension Income to Get a Mortgage?
Yes, pension income can be used to support a mortgage application, provided it meets the lender’s affordability criteria. This can include income from your State Pension, workplace pensions and private pensions.
If your mortgage will continue into retirement, lenders may also consider the pension income you expect to receive alongside your current earnings.
Being able to demonstrate a reliable retirement income can give you access to more suitable mortgage options and terms.
As lenders assess pension income differently, comparing their criteria can be particularly valuable when arranging a mortgage that continues into retirement.
Can I Get a Mortgage If I’m Already Retired?
Yes, you can get a mortgage after you have retired, with a number of lenders considering applications based on pension and other eligible retirement income.
Having an established retirement income can help a lender understand what you can comfortably afford throughout the mortgage term. Your age, the amount you want to borrow and the term you require will also help determine the mortgage options available.
As a mortgage broker in Durham, we can compare lenders with different criteria for retired applicants, helping you find options suited to your income, age and preferred mortgage term.
Will I Need a Shorter Mortgage Term Because of My Age?
Not always. The mortgage term available will depend on the lender’s age criteria and your ability to comfortably afford the repayments throughout the term.
For example, if one lender requires your mortgage to finish by age 75 and another is comfortable lending to age 85, the second lender could potentially offer you a longer mortgage term.
A longer term can make monthly repayments more manageable, although you could pay more interest overall. A shorter term may reduce the total interest you pay, while increasing the amount you need to repay each month.
Finding a suitable term is therefore about balancing affordable monthly repayments with the overall cost of the mortgage.
Finding a Mortgage at an Older Age in Durham
Getting older does not mean your mortgage options disappear. The right route will depend on your income, age, preferred mortgage term and what you want to achieve, with some lenders offering greater flexibility for older borrowers than others.
As a mortgage broker, we can compare mortgage products from lenders with different approaches to age and retirement income. Our mortgage advisors in Durham can look at how your circumstances fit their criteria and find suitable options that you may be eligible for.
Whether you are approaching retirement or have already retired, having the right lender can give you greater choice over how your mortgage is structured and the term available to you.
Date Last Edited: August 12, 2026
