The size of the retirement lending market in the UK looks set to soar over the next 10 years as lending into retirement becomes the ‘new normal’ in the UK, on the back of greater demand from older borrowers, according to research conducted by more 2 life, in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr).

The equity release lender forecasts that the size of the retirement lending market will rise from £65bn in 2017 to more than £142bn in 2027 – an increase of over 120%. 

The retirement lending market includes all types of secured and unsecured debt including mortgages, credit cards, overdrafts, loans, car finance, hire purchase, student loans, payday loans, and store cards.

The research drew on detailed financial data contained in the Wealth and Assets Survey produced by the Office for National Statistics, as well as the ‘NMG survey’ produced by the Bank of England. Forecasts took account of population projections, Cebr house price projections and forecasts of the incomes and spending power of retired households.

Dave Harris, managing director at more 2 life, said: “Lending into retirement is becoming the new normal in the UK market, and demand among older borrowers is going to increase significantly over the next decade. 

“The market is already responding to increased demand, with record levels of later life mainstream mortgage lending, more innovation in the equity release sector, which passed the £2bn mark for the first time last year, and a greater understanding of what older borrowers need in terms of products and advice.

“The demographics driving this demand are clear – we’re living longer, we’re buying houses later, more and more older people are working past the age of 65 and pensions freedoms have enabled people to access, and in some cases, already spend, their retirement funds.

“All of these factors means that borrowing in retirement is going to become a much more prevalent feature of the UK financial services market.”