The Fastest‑Growing Segment in Mortgage Originations. Here’s How You Can Lead It.

As Canada’s demographic landscape continues to shift, one segment of the mortgage industry is experiencing explosive growth and yet remains dramatically underserved. If you're looking for a high‑impact way to grow your business, differentiate your services, and future‑proof your pipeline, now is the moment to consider becoming a Reverse Mortgage Specialist.

Why Reverse Mortgages Are the Opportunity of the Decade:

Demand Has Surged, and It’s Just Getting Started

The reverse mortgage market in Canada has grown into a $7.5 billion market as of 2024, with demand “completely exploding” and still showing no signs of slowing down.

OSFI has also estimated that Canadians carried over $7 billion in reverse mortgage debt by mid‑2024, underscoring rapid national adoption.

Canada’s Population Is Aging

Aging demographics are the #1 driver of demand. The 55+ population is growing faster than all other cohorts, and the 70+ demographic is expected to grow 45% over the next decade.

Paired with rising living costs, seniors are increasingly looking to unlock home equity without selling, making reverse mortgages a natural solution.

Seniors Want to Stay in Their Homes

A major report found that 96% of Canadians aged 65+ want to avoid moving into long‑term care, opting instead to age in place. Reverse mortgages help make that possible.

Almost No Competition

Despite booming demand, less than 0.5% of 6 million senior households currently have a reverse mortgage, leaving massive untapped potential for brokers.

More Lenders Are Entering the Space

Home Trust launched a new reverse mortgage product exclusively for brokers in 2025, signalling growing competition and opportunity. EQ Bank has been serving this niche for years.

This means more product choice, more flexibility, and more ways for you to help clients.

Why Mortgage Brokers Should Pay Attention

Reverse mortgages are not just a "niche" product anymore. They are becoming a mission‑critical revenue stream for brokers, especially in slower markets.

Brokers who adopted reverse mortgage originations during the market slowdown over the past two years found that reverse mortgages replaced lost revenue and opened long‑term referral-source relationships.

According to Mordor Intelligence, reverse mortgages are projected to grow at a 5.63% CAGR through 2030, the fastest of all mortgage categories.

This means consistent, compounding growth for specialists who enter the space early.

How to Get Started

Here’s a simple roadmap you can implement immediately:

Get Certified / Trained

Many lenders (HomeEquity Bank, Equitable Bank, and now Home Trust) offer broker certification programs on reverse mortgage products.  These programs teach suitability, underwriting nuances, and compliance considerations.

Build Your Senior Client Strategy

Focus on:

• Homeowners 55+
• Retirees needing income supplementation
• Clients with pensions, CPP/OAS gaps, or investment shortfalls
• Families planning intergenerational wealth strategies

Partner With Financial Planners & Estate Lawyers

Reverse mortgages are part of a larger retirement planning toolkit. Brokers who build cross‑professional partnerships quickly become trusted experts.

Update Your Marketing

Position yourself as a Retirement Lending Specialist:

• Add a dedicated page to your website
• Run targeted Facebook ads for ages 55+
• Host webinars on “How to Stay in Your Home Longer”

Stay On Top of Product Innovation

The market is evolving fast, offering more flexible terms, new payout options, and mortgage broker "exclusive" products. 

Being early means you can offer the latest solutions before your competitors catch up.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s reverse mortgage market is at a turning point.

With massive demographic shifts, growing lender participation, and minimal competition among brokers, the next five years will define who becomes a recognized expert in this rapidly emerging field.

If you want to stabilize your business, diversify your revenue, and help seniors live with financial dignity, becoming a Reverse Mortgage Specialist is one of the smartest moves you can make in 2026 and beyond.