
RIO mortgages are interest only mortgages. Introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority in March 2018, Retirement Interest Only (RIO) mortgages were created for mature borrowers who want the security of a mortgage with no end date, who can keep up with the interest payments each month. Unlike other mortgages, you won’t repay the loan until you move into long-term care or pass away.
With a Hodge RIO mortgage, you can borrow up to 75% of the value of your home and only need to pay back the interest each month. This allows you to unlock value in your home to do things like pay off debts, support family members, fund your lifestyle, make home improvements, or even go on a dream holiday.
Who is eligible for a RIO Mortgage?
If you’re looking to mortgage your home and can afford to make interest payments each month, a RIO mortgage might be what you’re looking for. RIO mortgages are designed for older borrowers who can afford to make monthly interest payments, and who’d like the peace of mind that their mortgage is in place for life. Our RIO mortgage range is flexible and it might suit you, even if you’ve ruled out similar options in the past.

Is a RIO mortgage right for me?
Our RIO mortgage is designed for borrowers aged over 50, looking to mortgage their home in later life, or looking for an alternative to equity release. Borrowing money tends to become trickier as you approach retirement and beyond. But with a RIO, we look at a wide range of affordability criteria which allows us to be more accommodating than traditional mortgage providers.

Benefits of a retirement interest only mortgage
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RIO isn’t just for retired people
The interest-only mortgage was designed for people over the age of 50 in mind but are ideal for those who aren’t looking for an end date.
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Fee-free applications are par-for-the-course with Hodge
It’s free to apply for retirement interest-only mortgages.
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Up to a maximum LTV of 75%
The loan-to-value is 75%, which means your loan is for 75% of the home's value.
Income criteria
As part of your RIO mortgage application, we’ll ask for proof of income and outgoings. If you’re still working, we’ll need proof of your employed/self-employed income. If the loan extends beyond the date you expect to retire, you have a reasonable level of income in retirement in order to be eligible. We’ll consider the following types of retirement income:
- Pension income or future entitlements
- Investment income
- Rental income
- Commercial rental income
- Ltd company residential rental income
- Holiday rental income
- Spousal/maintenance income
- Sub-contractor income
- Some benefits (see your financial adviser or mortgage broker for more information on what we will and won’t accept)
FAQs
Find out more about our Retirement Interest Only mortgage
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage