Lifetime Home is New Zealand’s first debt-free home equity release income solution for retirees aged 70 and above. No mortgage, no debt, no interest, just regular retirement income to help supplement day-to-day living in retirement.

Kiwis have not had access to a debt-free equity release product. Until now.

Around two thirds of New Zealanders aged over 65 are fortunate enough to own their home outright, which provides a great sense of security as they age. Like many Kiwis their home is their biggest asset - but it’s not a liquid one.

Yet many retired Kiwi homeowners have little to no other savings, meaning NZ Superannuation (NZ Super) is their only income. NZ Super is a wonderful benefit, but we know it’s not enough for most retirees to live on, let alone fund a comfortable, dignified retirement.

Meanwhile, the downsizing approach – where retirees plan to sell up and move to a smaller, cheaper home elsewhere - doesn’t always yield as much as they might’ve hoped, while also potentially leaving them in unfamiliar surroundings at an already unsettling time of life for many.

Home equity release products can provide a life-changing opportunity for our asset-rich Kiwi retirees to really make the most of their post-work years by deriving an income based on the value of their house, while retaining the security of a familiar home for life.

What is Home Equity Release?

‘Home equity release’ refers to any financial arrangement that allows homeowners - typically in the superannuitant age bracket - to access some of the wealth tied up in their home without having to sell up. It’s not a new concept. Globally, around US$15 billion dollars of equity is released annually, and this is expected to climb to US$50 billion dollars by 2031.

This can be a practical solution to the challenge facing many retirees of having a high-value asset with but limited liquidity. Equity release products allow them to access funds for living expenses, healthcare, or other financial needs while continuing to live in their home.

The reverse mortgage (known globally as Lifetime Mortgage)

Kiwis will likely be familiar with one type of equity release: the reverse mortgage. This involves the homeowner taking out a loan against the value of their property. Typically, the loan plus accumulated interest is repaid when the home is eventually sold.

Until now, a reverse mortgage was the only option for Kiwi retirees to access the wealth tied up in their home without selling up.

Debt-free equity release (known globally as Home Reversion)

The debt-free home equity release alternative does not require a mortgage, debt, or payment of interest. Instead, the homeowner sells a slice of their home to a service provider, who pays for it as either a lump sum or through regular income payments.

Like with a reverse mortgage, the homeowner retains the right to live in their property rent-free until the home is sold, at which point the proceeds are shared according to the proportions of ownership.

Enter Lifetime Home - New Zealand’s first debt-free equity release retirement income solution.

The lowdown on Lifetime Home

Homeowner: A single person or a couple where the youngest is at least 70 years old.

Ownership: Lifetime Home buys a portion of the home, typically 35%, at a mutually agreed price based on an independent valuation, with ownership accruing over a ten-year period (3.5% per annum). The homeowner retains 65% of their home.

Regular Income: In return for a portion of the home’s equity, Lifetime pays the homeowner a regular income stream at a discount to the market value (typically equivalent to 25% of the home’s starting value, less fees) over ten years (at a rate of 2.5% per annum less fees and charges). This income is paid the same day as NZ Super and can be fortnightly or every four weeks.

Certainty: The homeowner is always the majority owner of their home and knows from the outset how much of it they’ll still own after 10 years, providing stability and peace of mind in retirement.  

Security: The homeowner retains the right to live in their home for life, meaning they can enjoy their retirement years in familiar surroundings. 

No Debt: Unlike traditional loans or mortgages, debt-free equity release does not add to the homeowner’s debt burden. Instead, it allows them to access the wealth tied up in their home while continuing to live in it. The income they receive is based on the equity sold, not borrowed funds.

Sale Proceeds: When the homeowner (or their estate) eventually sells their home, Lifetime will receive its interest of the sale price.

Shared Outcomes: When the home is sold, Lifetime and the homeowner share the outcome together equivalent to their respective stake in the home, whether the property’s value has increased or decreased.

Professional Advice: Equity release products meet specific needs and requirements and must be considered carefully. Anyone considering the product should seek legal and financial advice.


For more on Lifetime Home visit our website: www.lifetimeincome.co.nz or call us for a chat: 0800 254 338.