Tough times for the over 50’s in the property market.

how to present your property for sale

In a recent Homewise Blog they highlight that up to one in ten over-55s homeowners across the UK are still paying interest-only mortgages and facing the prospect of clearing their debt when the deal runs out, this according to new research carried out by the retirement property experts Homewise.

Its independent research among over-55s paying mortgages found 10% of the 1.4 million over-55s homeowners who are still paying mortgages  have interest-only loans and while the majority are confident of clearing the debt substantial numbers fear they will not be able to.

The study by Homewise shows 17% of interest-only borrowers aged 55-plus admit they will be unable to clear the debt. The average amount owed by over-55s with interest-only mortgages is around £91,000 with one in seven owing more than £150,000. Read more…

At the same time that we see some of the over 50’s struggling with their mortgages, research showed  nearly a third of people aged 50 and over now live in a rented home.

These people in their early 50s have been particularly affected in the last five years, with the research showing a 15% increase in the number of those aged between 50 and 54 opting to rent, according to Saga. A combination of rising divorce rate and higher house prices is to blame says Saga, after splitting the proceeds of their family home they are unable to afford to buy individually and find themselves in rented accommodation.

 

 

 

 

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

Essential Car Tips for Estate Agents Spending Long Days on the Road

As an estate agent in the UK, you are likely to spend extended periods of time on the road, travelling between properties and meeting clients in various locations. Considering the magnitude of your driving responsibilities, following a few vital car tips can considerably make your job easier and safer, whilst also saving you money in…
Read More
Kerb appeal
Breaking NewsEstate Agent Talk

Response to Latest Halifax House Price Index

Halifax house price data shows property prices have risen by 0.7% month on month, here are some thoughts from the industry.   Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark: “As we embed ourselves into 2025, confidence is being echoed within the housing market, as house prices and mortgage lending remain buoyant. “With the Bank of England announcing…
Read More
Breaking News

Halifax House Price Index – January 2025

House prices in January 2025 were 3.0% higher than the same month a year earlier. The housing market kicks off 2025 with price rise to hit new record high • House prices increased by +0.7% in January following dip of -0.2% in December • Average property price of £299,138 is a new record high •…
Read More
Breaking News

Landlords Respond to Government’s Energy Efficiency Plans

Responding to the publication of the Government’s consultation on the energy efficiency of privately rented housing, Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “We all want to see rented homes as energy efficient as possible, but that will require a realistic plan to achieve this. “The chronic shortage of tradespeople to…
Read More
bank of england interest rate
Breaking News

Comment on the Bank of England’s Decision to Lower Interest Rates

Following the Bank of England’s announcement that it is reducing interest rates by 25 basis points from 4.75% to 4.5% here are some thoughts from the industry. Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark: “Despite widespread uncertainty and the Bank of England expecting inflation rates to increase to 2.8% by the third quarter of 2025 before easing again,…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 06/02/25

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Bank of England cuts base rate by 0.25% Gareth Samples, CEO of The Property Franchise Group,  comments: “Today’s decision to cut the rate will be welcomed news for both mortgaged homeowners, as well as mortgage-dependent buyers who are looking to get their foot on the…
Read More