Proactive Downsizing

Are you looking for creative ways to finance your dream of becoming a rental property owner? Reverse mortgages, often associated with retirees looking to tap into their home equity, are gaining popularity as a financing option for a different kind of investment – rental properties. In this blog post, we'll explore how reverse mortgages can be a valuable tool for purchasing a rental property and provide insights into this innovative approach to real estate investment.

Martine Perron

10/13/20232 min read

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Reverse Mortgage for buying a Rental Property

A reverse mortgage for purchasing a rental property is essentially the same as a traditional reverse mortgage, but with a unique twist. It allows individuals to use a portion of their home's equity to buy a rental property, without monthly mortgage payments. Here's how it works:

  1. Eligibility: To qualify for a reverse mortgage for a rental property, you must have a significant amount of equity in it.

  2. Loan Amount: The amount you can borrow depends on your age, the value of your home, and current interest rates. T

  3. No Monthly Payments: The beauty of reverse mortgages is that you're not required to make monthly mortgage payments. Instead, the loan is repaid when the primary residence is sold or when the borrower passes away.

Benefits of Using a Reverse Mortgage for Rental Property Investment

  1. Increased Cash Flow: No mortgage payments required and new stream of revenue from the rental income property.

  2. Diversified Investment Portfolio: Rental properties offer the potential for a steady stream of income and asset appreciation, which can be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio.

  3. Retaining Ownership: You remain the owner of your primary residence while using the reverse mortgage to invest in another property.

  4. No Income or Credit Requirements: Reverse mortgages do not have strict income or credit requirements, making them accessible to retirees with limited income.

Considerations and Risks

While reverse mortgages can be an innovative approach to fund rental property investments, it's crucial to understand the potential risks and considerations:

  1. Interest Accrual: The interest on the reverse mortgage continues to accrue over time, potentially reducing the equity in your primary residence.

  2. Property Management: Owning and managing rental properties can be challenging and requires a level of expertise. Ensure you are prepared for the responsibilities.

  3. Estate Planning: The loan is typically repaid from the sale of your primary residence. This could impact your heirs' inheritance, so consider your estate planning carefully.


In conclusion, reverse mortgages can open up exciting opportunities for rental property investments, but they should be approached with careful consideration and a full understanding of the potential implications. If you're a homeowner exploring ways to fund your real estate investment dreams, a reverse mortgage might be an option worth exploring, offering a path to diversify your financial portfolio while maintaining ownership of your home.