40% of over-65s on interest-only mortgages

Of these borrowers, almost four in ten are 65-74 year olds and over half (56%) are over 75 years old.

The research also revealed that growth in average unsecured debt levels for over 75s was higher than for any other age group. For the 75-84 age group, average unsecured debt rose from £162 in 2006-2008 to £487 in 2012-2014, an increase of 201%.

For the over-85 age group, debt levels rose from £36 to £115 over the same time periods, resulting in a 218% increase.

Dave Harris, Managing Director at more 2 life, commented: “This new research shows that the number of interest-only mortgages among older homeowners will continue to be an issue as these begin to mature in the next decade. Demand for alternative later life lending on this scale has the potential to double the equity release market this year alone. For many of these individuals without an alternative capital repayment strategy, retirement lending and in particular lifetime mortgages will be the solution to their finances.

“For advisers, these borrowers represent an area of the market that needs advice on what to do as their mortgages near maturity. Advisers will be crucial in identifying if equity release can help their clients and this is an opportunity for them to expand their offering to clients. If advisers don’t feel comfortable in taking on the case, then they can refer them to an equity release specialist to ensure they get the help they need and will be beneficial for all parties involved. The interest-only issue is not going to go away and as our research shows advisers and lenders need to work together in the interests of our sector and our customers.”