Did you know that a reverse mortgage can be used to purchase a new home?

It sure can, in a process called a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Purchase. (HECM Purchase)


The reverse mortgage for home purchase is an option for seniors who want to relocate, either to be closer to family, to downsize, or move to a home that better meets their needs—without having to make monthly mortgage payments. 

In order to qualify for a reverse mortgage purchase, however, the down payment on the new property must be covered either by the sale of the previous home or through savings or other means.

Down payment is based on:

  • Age of youngest borrower
  • Current interest rates
  • Sales price or maximum lending limit of $822,375

HECM Purchase Down Payment by Age

Sales Price $300,000$400,000$500,000$600,000$700,000
Age Down PaymentDown PaymentDown PaymentDown PaymentDown Payment
*Not an offer to lend. Down payment examples are approximate and include most necessary closing costs such as 2% upfront mortgage insurance & 3rd party closing costs. Interest rate used to arrive at down payment percentages 2.36% (Adjustable CMT 2.125% Margin) as of 03/05/2021.

Request a free ARLO quote for exact down payment and costs associated with the state you are purchasing in as some states charge additional state specific taxes associated with purchase loans.

Allowable down payment sources

  • Cash on hand (Savings, 401k, etc.)
  • Proceeds from sale of home
  • Gift from family

Proceeds from the sale of the previous home and savings are the most common ways for borrowers to meet the down payment requirement.

There are other acceptable sources of funding under the Federal Housing Administration, which is the insurer for the loan.

For sources that will work to finance the equity portion of the loan, borrowers can use an earnest money deposit or a withdrawal from a savings account, checking account, or retirement fund.

Some forms of gift money are also OK, including gifts from family members, employers, a charity, government organization with an interest in home ownership initiatives, or a close friend who has a documented interest in the borrower.

Gifts from someone involved in the transaction, in any way, are not acceptable.

Other, less common sources of funding, can also be used. Such as collateralized loans, savings bonds, employer assistance programs, and other means.

Non-allowable down payment sources

Those that are NOT acceptable include sweat equity, trade equity, rent credit and cash (or equivalent) from someone benefiting from the reverse mortgage transaction, or a third party that is reimbursed by someone benefiting from it.

Cash advances from credit cards are also not accepted.

Today's Reverse Mortgage Purchase Rates

2021 Lending LimitFixed Rate Adjustable Rate
$822,3753.06% (4.06% APR)2.36%
$4,000,0005.99% (6.24% APR)5.50%
Example calculation using fixed rate:
3.06% + .50% Monthly MIP = 3.56% in total interest charges. Fixed Rate APR calculated assumes $250,000 loan amount and includes .50% Mortgage Insurance and standard 3rd party closing costs.

Eligible property types

Most property types can be used in a reverse mortgage for purchase, with several exceptions.

The home must not be under construction and must be habitable.

Co-ops, boarding houses, B&B’s, and newly constructed homes where a Certificate of Occupancy has not been issued, are ineligible.

Certain types of manufactured homes may not be used.

Those built before 1976, and those built since then, but fail to comply with Department of Housing and Urban Development standards, won’t fit the bill for a purchase reverse mortgage.

Amount available towards the sales price 

The amount that can be borrowed is dependent on age and home value.

It’s best to check with a lender on the amount that will be required as a down payment and whether sources of funding will be needed in addition to the proceeds of the previous home sale.


Tip: Calculate your down payment, current rates and more with ARLO Purchase Calculator

Reverse mortgage purchase amortization

In this example, we will use a borrower aged 70 years old, using a reverse mortgage for home purchase with a sales price of $400,000.

The required down payment is $182,000 or approximately 45% of the purchase price.

The down payment includes all upfront mortgage insurance premium and third-party closing costs.

After five years making no mortgage payments there is still $210,000 in home equity, after 10 years there is still $257,000.

Should the borrower decide at a later time that he/she needs to move into an assisted care facility, they may sell the home, where the reverse mortgage balance is then repaid and the remaining said equity is theirs.

Of course, this assumes the home will appreciate at a modest 4%.

Remaining equity largely depends on the home’s future appreciation and whether you choose to make any type of repayment to the loan balance.

Also See: Here’s an Ideal Reverse Mortgage Purchase Example

Purchase FAQs

Can you get a reverse mortgage on a purchase?

Yes.  The reverse mortgage has been available for purchase transactions since 2008. FHA implemented this to eliminate the need for borrowers interested in buying a new home from having to do two transactions.

How does a reverse mortgage purchase work?

A reverse mortgage for purchase works very similar to a standard reverse mortgage. The loan amount calculations are the same as a regular reverse in that it uses the age of the youngest borrower/spouse and the interest rate to determine the loan to value that can be borrowed of the purchase price or home value (whichever is less). The borrower then brings in funds at closing to cover the difference.

How much down payment is required on a reverse mortgage purchase?

The amount of down payment required will depend on the loan to value that the borrower is eligible for. The loan to value is determined by the age of the youngest borrower/spouse and the interest rate. Loan to values for a 62-year-old start at around 50% and can go as high as 75% for a 92+ year old.

How is a reverse mortgage purchase different from a traditional mortgage?

A reverse mortgage purchase differs from a traditional loan purchase in a couple areas. A reverse mortgage loan will require a larger down payment in most instances than traditional loans, and can go as high as 95% loan to value. Additionally, a reverse mortgage purchase follows FHA guidelines that has more regulations related to fees allowed to be paid by the seller and concessions from the seller.

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