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Reverse Mortgage Insights

Reverse Mortgage for Purchase: What H4P Is and How It Works

May 2026 By Jay Zayer, CRMP

CA DRE #01456165, #01450361 · NMLS #307713 · AZ #1022722 · Updated May 2026

Reverse Mortgage for Purchase (H4P) basics for buyers 62+: simultaneous close, required borrower contribution, primary residence rule, and next steps in California and Arizona.

A Reverse Mortgage for Purchase (often called H4P) lets eligible borrowers use a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage to buy a new primary residence in one transaction. You bring required funds from savings or sale proceeds; the HECM covers the remainder. There is no required monthly principal-and-interest payment as long as you meet loan obligations.

For the program name used on disclosures and counseling, see the companion overview on HECM for Purchase. Official framework is published by HUD under the HECM program.

Who it fits

H4P is commonly used by retirees who want to relocate, right-size, or pair home equity with a purchase — including creative cases like a 4-plex purchased with a reverse mortgage for purchase.

Plan by state

This material is not from HUD or FHA. All reverse mortgage loans are subject to credit and property approval.