Reverse Mortgage: The Definitive Guide 2026

June 30, 2026

In the world of finance, there is the reverse mortgage, a financial agreement capable of transforming the cost of a property into a monthly pension. But even though it can be appealing to an older person looking to supplement their pension, you should know the benefits and drawbacks of this type of investment which are profitable investments.

It's important to clarify that we are referring to a type of "mortgage loan" on a house, which is ideal for people of a certain age. This agreement allows them to receive a monthly stipend that could complement any fixed income, and without the obligation to make any payments. 

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What is a reverse mortgage?

This mortgage is a special type of mortgage or loan exclusive to property owners who meet certain requirements demanded by the mortgage lender. It is a financial agreement that obliges heirs to pay the principal received and the interest, allowing them to sell the property if the need arises.

Like a conventional mortgage, this allows the owner of a property to take out a mortgage, using it as collateral for the money they will receive. Similarly, this type of mortgage leaves the property unchanged, in the name of its original owner, who will continue to exercise their rights. 

Advantages of a Reverse Mortgage

All credit instruments, just like a reverse mortgage, have their pros and cons; here we will analyze some of these, viewed as advantages.

Retain Ownership

It can be said that the biggest advantage of this mortgage is for the applicant because they can continue to occupy the property while receiving a certain amount of money monthly.

You Get Cash

Another great advantage is that the mortgage lender not only allows you to keep the home but you also get cash for it.

The owner pays absolutely nothing

Unlike other mortgages, this one does not require the owner to make any monthly payments, as their successors will assume that commitment.

How does a reverse mortgage work?

The reverse mortgage or monthly income created for seniors, refers to a market recently explored in Spain. Apparently, there is neither supply nor success for this type of loan in recent years, barely exceeding 100 annual contracts, due to its atypical nature.

It's a good alternative way to supplement retirement pension income, a regulated financial instrument, ideal for retired individuals. This way, they enjoy a lifelong monthly payment and retain ownership and the right to use their home, without making any out-of-pocket payments.

Main requirements to apply for one

The reverse mortgage is only granted if certain requirements are met, the most common of which include:

  • Be 65 or older 
  • Live in that home
  • Have a significant portion of your mortgage paid off
  • Have sufficient funds to cover property-related costs, such as taxes, insurance, repairs, and other charges 
  • Apply for a counseling session mandated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development 
  • Fill out the application form and receive approval from a lender
  • Have no outstanding debts, such as unpaid taxes or another mortgage

What is the legal framework for reverse mortgages?

Specifically in Spain, there is a special regime for the reverse mortgage, according to Law 41/2007, which amended Law 2/1981 on the Regulation of the Mortgage Market. There are other regulatory mortgage and financial regulations, in addition to compliance and everything established in tax regulations, in its First Additional Provision. 

Order EHA/2899/2011 may also apply, which refers to the clarity and protection of banking service clients and offers certain tax advantages. It is worth clarifying that the payments received from the mortgage are exempt from income tax (IRPF) because they are considered mortgage disbursements. 

If it concerns the primary residence, one can benefit from an exemption from the Tax on Documented Legal Acts, meaning no payment will be required. Regarding registration fees, all documentation that needs to be registered is subject to a 90% reduction. 

If the funds received are allocated to a PPA (insured savings plan), they can be deducted from the taxable income for IRPF. This operation can be formalized by public deed before a Notary and registered in the Property Registry.

Which banks offer reverse mortgages?

To date, reverse mortgages are quite scarce, because bankers still believe that heirs will not cover the debt. Although these mortgages are known as the banks' "unadvertised product," and they don't promote them sufficiently, they do grant them after a credit analysis. 

Among the banks that offer these mortgages, we can mention:

Banco Santander

It is a relatively new product, which they created with Mapfre to provide flexible financing, such as a lifetime annuity or for a limited period.

Pocos, Pareja Casada, Jubilados

EBN Banco

EBN Banco's mortgage is quite similar to the previous one, but it stands out for having more flexible conditions, though it does not offer a lifetime income or annuity. 

Óptima Mayores

Óptima Mayores also markets this type of mortgage, and although it is not a financial institution, it sells and advises on these products in conjunction with other companies.

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How much money is received from a reverse mortgage?

It's difficult to talk about a fixed amount for a reverse mortgage, and on average in Spain, beneficiaries could receive around €300 per month. Ultimately, it is a variable amount that will largely depend on the individual and the type of property offered as collateral.

How is the money repaid?

It's important to clarify that the interested party is not obligated to repay the borrowed money, as the successors are responsible for settling it. Only upon the applicant's death do the heirs or successors have one year to choose from several options, namely:

  • They sell the property, pay the debt, and keep the remaining money
  • They take out another conventional mortgage to pay, and keep the property
  • They settle the loan with their own money and keep the property

What about the heirs?

The repayment of a reverse mortgage that has been inherited has no additional charges, commissions, or costs, other than settling the credit granted. In other words, the heirs or successors are obligated to pay the amount accrued while the mortgage was active.

It's common for them to use the same property that was used as collateral to settle the outstanding amount, and there might even be money left over.

Can I cancel a reverse mortgage?

Yes, it is possible to cancel a reverse mortgage early; you would only need to repay the financial institution what is owed: the different types of variable annuities disbursed and their interest. Remember that the owner is not granted a loan per se; they only receive a monthly lifetime annuity that the successors must repay if they wish to keep the property.

Risks of a reverse mortgage

Every reverse mortgage is subject to certain risks; let's look at the most important ones.

The contract for derived lifetime annuity insurance

If a single premium is chosen, the final cost might increase too much, but let's try to explain it with an example. Suppose a loan of 650,500 euros granted in 2013 to an 85-year-old adult, which should be activated upon reaching 93. 

In a case with these characteristics, the single premium would be around 200,000 euros, which is quite high. 

The contracted annuity is not updated

The capital will suffer from devaluation as a direct effect of an inflationary process affecting all economies worldwide. 

Personas Mayores, Cuidado De Ancianos

The home is worth less

The situation could also arise where, upon death, the home might be worth less than the loan, a burden that the heirs would have to bear.

Reverse mortgage examples

As examples of reverse mortgage these can be taken:

Lifetime reverse mortgage

In this mortgage, the person interested in living off annuities would receive a monthly annuity or pension that will always be lower than any temporary annuity. This is how lenders ensure they don't pay out an annuity exceeding the property's price.

Temporary reverse mortgage

This mortgage refers to the granting of a pension for a certain period, during which the full sale cost of the property would be received. Once the cost of the property or home is fully paid, they would not lose their right of use, but would no longer receive any annuity. I recommend using a profitability calculator to figure out how to calculate the capital gains tax on the sale of a home.

Single Disbursement Reverse Mortgage

With this mortgage, a single amount would be received depending on the net appraised value of the property.

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Conclusion

We have seen how some euros can be obtained without any outlay, using the reverse mortgage, although it is a business that has its risks. It's just a matter of seeking the best advice and making sure you are making an informed decision, leaving nothing to chance.

Remember that offering your primary residence as collateral can provide some benefits, but also some difficulties, and this is what needs to be carefully analyzed. Seek appropriate advice, opt for industry experts, and if they have good references, your decision will be easier to make. 

Sergio Navarro

Expert in blockchain, investments, and personal finance

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