Yes, you can get a mortgage at 55: US law bans age discrimination by lenders and there is no maximum age. See 55 payments, income rules and options.
Data as of 2026-10-15. Source: CFPB / Regulation B
At 55 many buyers pick a 15- or 20-year term to be mortgage-free near full Social Security retirement age (67 for anyone born in 1960 or later).
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).
Payment on a $300,000 loan at 55
Using Freddie Mac's average rates for the week of 2026-10-15 (7.4% 30-year, 6.71% 15-year; the 20-year uses the 30-year rate as an estimate). Principal and interest only.
| Term | Paid off at | Monthly P&I | Total interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 years | age 70 | $2,648 | $176,654 |
| 20 years | age 75 | $2,398 | $275,633 |
| 30 years | age 85 | $2,077 | $447,770 |
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.
Your options at 55
- Conventional loan (Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac): 3%–5% down, up to $832,750 in most counties in 2026 (FHFA limit).
- FHA loan: 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score; no age limit (HUD).
- VA loan: 0% down for eligible veterans at any age.
- Reverse mortgage (HECM): Not yet: you must be 62 (in 7 years). See HECM age rule.
In the UK? Rules are different: see UK mortgage age limits.
Mortgages by age
- Mortgage at 50
- Mortgage at 60
- Mortgage at 65
- Mortgage at 70
- Mortgage at 75
- Maximum age for a mortgage
- Reverse mortgage (HECM) age 62 rule
- UK mortgage age limits
Facts only, not financial advice. Rates change weekly: today's mortgage rates.
Related
- Maximum Age for a Mortgage: Is There a Retirement Age Limit? (US & UK, 2026)
- 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 60? Yes: US Age Rules, Payments & Options (2026)
- Can You Get a Mortgage at 65? Yes: Age Rules, Payments & Options (2026)
- Can You Get a Mortgage at 70? Yes: Age Rules, Payments & Options (2026)
- Can You Get a Mortgage at 75? Yes: Age Rules, Payments & Options (2026)
- 30-year mortgage rate history (weekly, Freddie Mac)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.