Hodge

Hodge launched the first equity release plan in 1965 and is the longest established equity release provider in the UK. Its products are provided by Julian Hodge Bank Limited.

Hodge has been one of the most innovative lenders in the later life marketplace, and it has used this experience to develop its new RIO and 50+ mortgage range to replace its long history of offering traditional lifetime mortgage products.

The Hodge RIO mortgage is an interest only mortgage, potentially lending up to 75% of the homeowners property value, subject to income and affordability levels. Hodge will consider pre and post retirement income in assessing affordability and a credit check will also be performed.

The minimum age for a Hodge RIO mortgage is 50 and the oldest age at application is 88. The loan runs until the last homeowner dies or moves into long term care, when the property is usually sold and Hodge repaid from the proceeds.

In contrast, the Hodge 50+ retirement mortgage products run for a defined number of years and there must be a repayment strategy at the end of this term. The 50+ products will lend upto 85% of the property value from ages 50 to 95 across England, Wales and Scotland.