Retro Thrive

Let your customers Thrive!

We’ve launched a new long-term interest-only (IO) product called Retro Thrive offering eligible customers the ability to free up cash flow from their investment properties to help improve their lifestyle.

ABOUT

What is Retro Thrive?

Retro Thrive is an innovative product designed to cater to mature-aged borrowers 50 and over looking for more flexible repayment options. Thrive enables customers to choose an interest-only (IO) repayment schedule over a 40-year term without repeatedly applying for extensions, ultimately providing more options to hold these assets longer term into retirement.

Thrive allows borrowers only to pay the interest charged on the loan amount, and the principal remains unchanged until it’s discharged upon selling the property or at the end of the loan term.*

Paying interest only payments for the term of the loan may assist borrowers to keep their investment properties cash-flow positive** for longer and avoid being forced into paying principal and interest repayments at a time when freeing up cash flow is a priority.

Retro Thrive allows borrowers to borrow up to 65% of the value of their property or $2m (whichever is lower), and they only need to pay back the interest each month. This may assist borrowers to free up some of their cash flow to spend on the things they’ve worked hard for over the years such as holidays, or home renovations.

*Please note this information is general. The terms and conditions of particular loans differ. Information is correct as at 1 September 2023 and is subject to change. AFG Home Loans lending criteria, terms, conditions, fees, and charges apply. Full details of terms & conditions available on application.

**Please note, we do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This content is for general informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. We encourage you to consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisers before engaging in any transaction.

Features

The details

Available for Australians 50+

Up to 40-year loan term (IO for the entire term)

Maximum LVR of 65% 

Max loan size of $2m

Applicants must have a clean credit history 

Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply?

Australian residents:

Who have a clean credit history and fit our Retro Thrive customer profile
Who are at least 50 years of age
Who have an LVR under 65%

To make sure your customers fit the criteria for Retro Thrive you can read the TMD.

FAQs

What your customers need to know about Retro Thrive

See the following FAQs to find out if Retro Thrive is right for you customers.

What is a Retro Thrive Interest Only (IO) mortgage?

Retro Thrive is an interest-only (IO) mortgage tailored to mature-aged borrowers 50 and over. Retro Thrive allows borrowers to only pay the interest charged on the loan amount, and the principal remains unchanged until it’s discharged upon selling the property or at the end of the loan term. Typically, the loan is settled by selling the property and using the proceeds to repay the mortgage. Retro Thrive allows for borrowers to borrow up to a maximum of 65% of the value of your property or $2m (whichever is lower).

How does a Retro Thrive mortgage work?

A Retro Thrive interest only mortgage functions similarly to a standard interest-only mortgage, where you only make monthly interest payments. This can make it more accessible than a full repayment mortgage, as affordability calculations are based solely on the interest payments, not principal and interest combined. For instance, with a $300,000 loan and an interest rate of 7% over 25 years, the interest-only option would cost approximately $1,750 monthly, while a principal and interest repayment mortgage would amount to $2,120 monthly. This flexibility is advantageous if you have a lower income, especially during retirement.

Unlike regular interest-only mortgages, a Retro Thrive mortgage doesn't require a separate repayment plan. The agreement already assumes that the property will be sold to discharge the debt upon selling the property or at the end of the loan term.

Why wouldn’t I just get a regular interest only loan?

Loan terms are typically restricted for borrowers that are 50 and over and Interest Only loans are limited to a 5 year term, with an option for a further 5 years, and servicing is calculated on repayment of principal during the loan term. Retro Thrive is set as Interest Only for the full loan term, up to 40 years.

What happens if my circumstances change?

The interest payments on the loan may affect your future income levels required for retirement funding. It is recommended you seek independent financial and legal advice regarding your retirement plans, ensuring that you can still manage the mortgage comfortably, even if your circumstances change. We also recommend you discuss this mortgage with your family.