There is no maximum age for a mortgage in the US: the Equal Credit Opportunity Act bans age limits. UK lenders set their own, usually 70–85 at term end.
Data as of 2026-10-16. Source: Regulation B (12 CFR 1002.6)
Age only matters in two places: you must be old enough to sign a contract (18 in most states), and you must be 62 for a HUD reverse mortgage. Everything else is income, credit score, debt-to-income ratio and down payment.
The law: The Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B (12 CFR 1002.6) bar lenders from refusing you, or offering worse terms, because of your age, as long as you are old enough to sign a contract. Lenders also may not ignore or discount income because it comes from Social Security, a pension, an annuity or retirement accounts. What they can do is check that your income is likely to continue (CFPB, Reg B).
What counts as income
- Social Security: counts in full. Fannie Mae lets lenders "gross up" non-taxable Social Security by up to 25% (Fannie Mae Selling Guide B3-3.1).
- Pension or annuity: counts. If it has an end date, it usually needs to continue for at least 3 years after closing.
- IRA / 401(k) withdrawals: count if you are already taking regular payments that can last 3+ years, documented by statements.
- Asset depletion: some lenders turn large savings into "income" for the loan math, even with no pay check.
- Still working? Your wages count as normal. The lender may not ask when you plan to retire.
Retirement age for mortgage purposes
| Country | Maximum age | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| United States | None | ECOA / Regulation B ban age discrimination |
| United Kingdom | Set by each lender, commonly 70–85 at end of term | FCA rules: no legal maximum, but affordability into retirement must be checked |
US lenders also cannot require a shorter term because you are older. Typical lender checks: credit score 620+ (580 FHA), debt-to-income up to about 45%–50%, and income likely to last 3 years.
Mortgages by age
- Mortgage at 50
- Mortgage at 55
- Mortgage at 60
- Mortgage at 65
- Mortgage at 70
- Mortgage at 75
- Reverse mortgage (HECM) age 62 rule
- UK mortgage age limits
Related
- UK Mortgage Age Limits: Can You Get a Mortgage at 60? Retirement Age Rules Explained
- Can You Get a Mortgage at 50? Yes: Age Rules, Payments & Options (2026)
- Can You Get a Mortgage at 55? Yes: Age Rules, Payments & Options (2026)
- Can You Get a Mortgage at 60? Yes: US Age Rules, Payments & Options (2026)
- Can You Get a Mortgage at 65? Yes: Age Rules, Payments & Options (2026)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.