MAXIHYPO Reverse Mortgage — Independent Comparison
MAXIHYPO offers a non-bank reverse mortgage. HomeGrif offers a value buyback with no debt. Both products target seniors with property — but they work on entirely different principles. In this article, we compare both products objectively, including what MAXIHYPO does not publicly disclose.
MAXIHYPO — What It Offers
MAXIHYPO (maxihypo.cz) is a non-bank mortgage broker licensed by the Czech National Bank (CNB):
- Product type: Property-secured loan (non-bank mortgage)
- Interest rate: Not disclosed (~8.5% according to dTest)
- LTV: Up to 50% of property value
- Age limit: Targets seniors, exact limit not stated
- Repayment: From the property sale after death (or earlier)
- Legal protection: Lien (zastavni pravo)
- Regulation: CNB licence (independent intermediary)
- Public calculator: No
What MAXIHYPO Does Not Disclose
Unlike FINEMO (which states 9.9%) or HomeGrif (which has a public calculator), MAXIHYPO does not publish key parameters:
- Exact interest rate — the client learns it only after contacting the company
- Example calculation — no reference figures on the website
- Total cost of the loan — APR (RPSN) is not stated
- Early repayment terms — unknown
This lack of transparency is particularly problematic for seniors, who need clear and understandable information before making a decision.
A Generic Broker, Not a Specialist
MAXIHYPO is not a specialist in senior products. It offers:
- Non-bank mortgages (from 6.95%)
- Consumer loans
- Loans for self-employed (OSVC)
- Reverse mortgage (one of many products)
This means a reverse mortgage is not their core focus — it is one product out of dozens. Clients have no assurance of receiving specialised advice.
HomeGrif — What It Offers
HomeGrif operates on the principle of buyback with right of residence:
- Product type: Property value buyback with lifetime residency
- Interest: None — no debt is created
- Payout: Up to 75% of value (annuity, lump sum, or combination)
- Age limit: From 50
- Legal protection: Registered encumbrance (vecne bremeno) in the Czech Land Registry
- Heir protection: Earlypass (5 years)
- Public calculator: Yes — interactive, instant calculation
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | MAXIHYPO | HomeGrif |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | Loan (debt) | Value buyback (sale) |
| Interest rate | ~8.5% (not disclosed) | None |
| Creates debt | Yes — grows with interest | No |
| Maximum payout | 50% of value | 75% of value |
| Monthly annuity | No (lump sum payout) | Yes — lifetime |
| Legal protection | Lien (zastavni pravo) | Registered encumbrance in Land Registry |
| Heir protection | Remainder after debt repayment | Earlypass (5 years) |
| Transparency | No calculator, no examples | Public calculator |
| Company type | Generic broker | Equity release specialist |
| Regulation | CNB licence | Czech Civil Code |
Why Transparency Matters
When a senior is making a financial decision that will affect the rest of their life, they need:
- Clear numbers — how much they will receive, how much they will owe
- The ability to compare — a calculator where they can try their own figures
- An example calculation — a concrete scenario with their age and property value
MAXIHYPO offers none of these. The client must first fill in a contact form, wait for a phone call, and only then learn the terms. HomeGrif is the only provider on the Czech market with an interactive calculator offering instant indicative results.
The Risk of Hidden Debt
Even if MAXIHYPO charges "only" 8.5% per year, the debt compounds:
| Year | Debt on CZK 1 million at 8.5% |
|---|---|
| 0 | CZK 1,000,000 |
| 5 | CZK 1,504,000 |
| 10 | CZK 2,261,000 |
| 15 | CZK 3,400,000 |
| 20 | CZK 5,112,000 |
In 15 years, the debt triples from CZK 1 million. In 20 years, it increases fivefold. This is a debt spiral — slower than FINEMO's 9.9%, but still significant.
With HomeGrif, the debt is always CZK 0. After 5, 10, or 20 years.
When to Choose MAXIHYPO
MAXIHYPO may be suitable if:
- You want to retain ownership of the property
- You prefer a regulated loan product (CNB licence)
- You are comfortable with debt and interest in retirement
When to Choose HomeGrif
HomeGrif is more suitable if:
- You do not want any debt or interest
- You want regular monthly income (lifetime annuity)
- You value transparency (public calculator, clear terms)
- You want a higher payout (75% vs. 50% of value)
- You want a registered encumbrance (stronger protection than a lien)
- You want heir protection (Earlypass)
Indicative Calculation
How much could you receive monthly with HomeGrif? Try the calculator — without obligation and anonymous.
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