Why Choose Our Reverse Mortgage?

Talk to real people

Our lending specialists are on your team. Whether you need to ask a question or solve a problem, we are here for you.

Talk to real people

Stay in your home

You can stay in your home for as long as you wish, provided you meet the terms of your loan.

Stay in your home

Flexible loan purpose

Receive your funds as a lump sum and manage it accordingly to your needs.

Flexible loan purpose

No regular repayments

There’s no requirement to make repayments while you live in your home, but you are free to do so at any time.

No regular repayments

No negative equity

You’ll never owe more than the value of your home when it’s sold, ensuring financial security for you and your loved ones.

No negative equity

Discounted rate

Enjoy a discounted interest rate for first 12 months of your Reverse Mortgage with loan amount starting from $20K.

Discounted rate

Redraw facility

When you make additional payments to your loan, you can access the extra funds when needed without penalties.

Redraw facility

Existing customers

Our Reverse Mortgage Loan is available to existing SCCU customers only. Contact us to discuss.

Existing customers

Reverse Mortgage Discount Rate

Take advantage of our competitive rates to borrow money against your home equity.

Discount rate 1

5.60
%
p.a

Comparison rate *

6.98
%
p.a

Annual Fees

$
0

Establishment Fee

$
699

1Discount interest rate for the first 12 months reverting to the standard variable rate after 12 months. *The comparison rate for the Reverse Mortgage is based on a loan amount of $150,000 repayable over 25 years. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. All rates available for new business only and are subject to change without notice. Credit eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply and may change without notice. Products issued by Southern Cross Credit Union Ltd ABN 82 087 650 682. AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 241 000.

Applying for a
Reverse Mortgage Loan

All our Reverse Mortgage applicants must obtain independent legal and financial advice.
To get prepared, here is some information on the process and some common application requirements. When you’re ready, simply call us and our team will help you complete the process.

  • 1+ Eligibility Criteria

    + Eligibility Criteria

    To hold this product customers will need to satisfy eligibility criteria, including that the customer must:

    • Be an individual aged 70 years and above.
    • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia.
    • Have an Australian residential address.
    • Be an existing SCCU customer.
    • Meet SCCU credit assessment criteria.
  • 2+ Other requirements

    + Other requirements

    As part of this process, you must also:

      • Have obtained independent financial and legal advice.
      • Provide sufficient residential security in accordance with SCCU’s credit assessment criteria.
      • Have building insurance with SCCU noted as an interested party to a minimum amount equal to the building value.
      • Once you’ve obtained independent financial and legal advice, please contact us so we can help you get started. Our team will take you through the application, assessment and approval process.
  • 3+ Important Quick Facts

    + Important Quick Facts

    The Reverse Mortgage Loan is:

    • Available to current SCCU customers only.
    • Available for Owner Occupied properties, not investment.
  • + Important Details

    Products issued by Southern Cross Credit Union Ltd ABN 82 087 650 682. AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 241 000. Any advice given is of a general nature only and is not based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation and needs. To decide if a product is right for you, please refer to the Summary of Accounts, Access Facilities and Transaction Limits. Eligibility criteria, fees and charges, terms and conditions apply. To help you better asses if these products are right for you please reach out to our team or read through our Target Market Determinations (TMD), designed to help you make an informed decision that is consistent with your objectives, financial situations and needs.

    Important: Available for new business only. Offers not available for switching of existing SCCU home loans. Not available through Broker introduced business.
    Advertised Interest rates subject to change without notice.

    Reverse Mortgage
    1 Discount interest rate for the first 12 months reverting to the standard variable rate after 12 months.
    * The comparison rate for the Reverse Mortgage is based on a loan amount of $150,000 repayable over 25 years. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.

Loan Amount

  • Minimum: $20,000
  • Maximum: $250,000

Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR)

  • Up to 30%

Loan Terms

  • Min. Loan Term: 1 year
  • Max. Loan Term: up to 25 years

Rate Options

  • Secured Discounted variable rate
  • Secured Standard Variable rate

Repayment Options

  • Interest Only

Additional Features

  • Additional Repayments
  • Redraw facility
What a Reverse Mortgage can achieve

What a Reverse Mortgage can achieve

Our reverse mortgage product allows you the freedom to release a portion of the equity in your home without needing to sell.

  • You’ll remain the homeowner and benefit from all the usual property increases.
  • There is no requirement to make regular payments, but you are free to do so at any time.
  • The amount you can borrow depends on several things our lenders can help you with, including the value of your property, your age and location.
  • You can continue to enjoy the comfort of living in your own home, with access to the money as you need.

A reverse mortgage can provide financial flexibility, but it may not be the right solution for everyone. We recommend speaking with one of our Premium Bankers and seeking independent financial advice to ensure it aligns with your long-term goals and circumstances. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Do the maths before getting your loan

Do the maths before getting your loan

Did you know Money Smart provide a Reverse Mortgage Calculator to help you determine if this product is right for you?

Here you can assess important details such as what a reverse mortgage could cost you over the duration of its lifespan and see how your home equity may change over time. Having these insights can help you establish your eligibility and pre-empt any impacts, such as potential government incentives.

You can print the results and take them to your Financial Advisor for further insights.

Calculate if a Reverse Mortgage is right for you.

Extra things for you to consider

Extra things for you to consider

Is a Reverse Mortgage aligned with your financial strategy?
Here are a few key things to consider:

  • Interest is calculated on the daily balance outstanding and added monthly to your loan account. This will see your loan balance increase over time.
  • A Reverse Mortgage may impact your eligibility for government benefits.
  • Using the funds from your property now could reduce what you could access later.
  • Variable interest rates do change, and what you’re charged in interest will change along with them.
  • The loan balance will be payable within 12 months of moving from your home, selling or the last homeowner passing on.
  • There are fees and charges involved in choosing to take out this product.

Seek independent financial advice to ensure it aligns with your long-term goals and circumstances.

Enjoy our easy-to-understand banking approach and friendly customer service, so you can focus on what really matter.

insurance for reverse mortgages

Reverse Mortgage FAQs

  • Can reverse mortgages have offset accounts? Does it cost anything to have an offset account?

    Yes, all our Mortgage accounts have access to our offset feature. All you need to do is open an Easy Access account (or 8) and, presto you can offset your Reverse Mortgage.

    Offset accounts are a feature of our Easy Access transaction accounts. This account does accrue a monthly fee if you don’t meet the fee-waiver requirements.

    Learn more about our Easy Access account here.

  • Can I make additional repayments on my reverse mortgage, what are my options?

    Reverse Mortgages are generally for people who do not want to, or cannot afford to, make regular loan repayments. However, you do have the option to make extra repayments without penalty.

     

  • What happens to my reverse mortgage when I sell my home?

    If there is an amount still owing on the Reverse Mortgage once the home is sold, the final amount is to be repaid with the home, or death of last surviving borrower.

  • Are there any costs to get a Reverse Mortgage?

    Yes, there are costs involved when getting a Reverse Mortgage including application fees, valuation fees, legal fees and government related charges. These costs can be reviewed via our Schedule of Fees & Charges at the top of this page, or on our Product Disclosures page.

  • What is Independent Legal and Financial Advice (ILFA) and why do I need it?

    Before you enter a Reverse Mortgage, all borrowers are required to obtain Independent Legal and Financial Advice to ensure you fully understand the terms of your loan contract and your obligations before committing. It is also a mandatory requirement for all Australian lenders of reverse mortgage loans to receive ILFA before proceeding.

    A qualified legal professional can provide Independent Legal and Financial Advice, such as a lawyer or solicitor. They will review your loan contract with you, ensuring you understand the terms and conditions, interest rates and fees, repayment obligations, and your rights and protections before signing.

    They work independently from SCCU and act solely in your best interest to provide unbiased guidance, so you feel more confident with your loan decision.

  • Can I get a Reverse Mortgage to pay out/consolidate other loans?

    Yes, Reverse Mortgages are available for any of the following purposes.

    • Renovations.
    • In home care costs.
    • Day to day expenses.
    • Debt consolidation.

    You can access our Target Market Determinations to see if this product is right for you.

  • Could having a reverse mortgage affect my pension?

    A Reverse Mortgage can affect your pension, which is why we require all customers seeking to apply for this loan to seek independent legal advice first. This is so you can fully understand what the possible implications could be on your personal affairs and make an informed decision based on your personal circumstances.

  • How does a reverse mortgage loan impact inheritance plans?

    Depending on your circumstances and your repayments, a Reverse Mortgage could affect the value of your estate, if there’s a final debt to be repaid along with the sale of your home. Along with independent legal advice, you may wish to seek guidance from a Financial Planner to assess what is right for you.

  • Are there alternative financing options to a reverse mortgage?

    Yes, customers can access a range of financing options, depending on the circumstances. Please call us on 1300 360 744 to discuss our other options to see what could suit you.

  • What's the difference between a reverse mortgage and a line of credit loan?

    A Reverse Mortgage is designed for homeowners aged 70 and over, offering a way to access the equity in their home as a loan – without the need for regular repayments. On the other hand, a Line of Credit lets homeowners of any age borrow against their home equity with the flexibility of making regular repayments.

  • Do I still retain ownership of my home if I take out a reverse mortgage loan?

    Yes, you still retain ownership of your home if you take out a reverse mortgage loan. A reverse mortgage allows you to access the equity in your home while continuing to live in it, without the need for regular loan repayments. Interest however will accrue. The ownership remains in your name, and you have the right to stay in your home for as long as you meet the loan terms, such as maintaining the property and keeping up with council rates and insurance.

    The loan is typically repaid when you sell your home, move into long-term care, or in the event of your passing. Importantly, reverse mortgages come with a no negative equity guarantee, meaning you or your estate will never owe more than the value of your home when it’s sold.

  • Does my home have to be valued to access a Reverse Mortgage? Who organises it?

    Yes, your home will need to be valued as part of the reverse mortgage process. This will be organised by us and typically incurs a fee, as outlined in our Schedule of Fees & Charges listed above.

    A valuation helps determine the current market value of your home, which is used to calculate how much you can borrow. This ensures the loan is tailored to your specific situation while protecting both you and the lender. A valuation will be arranged by us, your lender, for an independent property valuation to be conducted.

    If you’re considering a Reverse Mortgage, talk to one of our Premium Bankers to understand all the requirements.

  • Do I pay interest of funds that have not been drawn down from the Reverse mortgage loan?

    Interest only accrues on the funds that have been drawn down on the loan.

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Shane provided amazing customer service from start to finish. He was extremely knowledgeable, respectful, and attended to every detail of the process with thoroughness and professionalism. This kind of customer service is almost unheard of these days, so it was an absolute delight to work with Shane. The interest rate on my company car was fantastic and the terms of the loan were both fair and reasonable. I 100% recommend Shane and Southern Cross Credit Union for obtaining financing for a vehicle and wouldn't use anyone else for my business going forward. Thanks to Shane and his team!
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Previously we were not advocates of the banking industry, we were strong non-believers after some disappointing & negative experiences. Many locals referred us to Southern Cross Credit Union (SCCU) and after much encouragement we moved our banking business to the SCCU Tweed City Branch. We are now strong believers as we have been in the extremely efficient, effective and supportive hands of SCCU loans manager Stephen Distant. What an asset! Stephen has totally reframed our banking experience, we are genuinely impressed with his ability to do this by managing our loans. Even after many years as a SCCU client, Stephen's dedication with helping us has not died down, his loyalty remains nothing short of inspiring and his willingness to provide outstanding customer service is something we are in awe of. Moving our accounts to SCCU was a great decision, thanks to Stephen Distant.
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Working with Steve has been an absolute pleasure! He is very professional yet is able to bring a personal touch to the banking and loan process. We always feel like we are kept up to date with requirements and processes and Steve is always willing to explain everything in a user-friendly yet professional manner. He has been amazing to work with for our financial needs and would highly recommend his services to friends, family, and colleagues.
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