Effect of Capital Conversion in the Form of a Reverse Mortgage on Benefits for Senior Citizens in Major Cities of Poland

Abstract

The aging of population is a common problem in the modern economy and finance. Reverse mortgage is one of alternative ways of raising citizens’ standard of living after retiring by obtaining financial benefits accumulated in a residential property. The aim of the study is to evaluate a role of equity release service in providing additional household income for senior citizens illustrated by the case of a reverse mortgage. This type of service consists in transformation of non-liquid, tied-up in property capital into liquid financial resources. Thanks to capital conversion, senior citizens can supplement retirement benefits without a need to leave their property. The research hypothesis verified in the study stated that benefits paid as equity release in the form of a reverse mortgage provided greater support for women than for men. That hypothesis was rejected.

Keywords

• household
• aging
• equity release
• reverse mortgage