Neil Collins in the FT today.
Just a minute Things are grim at Just Group, provider of annuities for those expecting short lives, but better known for its lifetime mortgages. These allow ageing homeowners to cash in on their property gains with loans where the interest is not paid, but rolls up with the debt. This latter business is relatively new, and pricing the risk that the house will be worth less than the accumulated debt at the homeowner’s death is exercising the Prudential Regulation Authority. It will want more capital from the lenders, and Just has already sacrificed its half-time dividend in anticipation, warning of a capital raise to follow. The shares have halved in four months, and at 74p are discounting a thumping rights issue to appease the PRA. Only then can the market price the risk that the mortgaged property will fetch less in 20 years’ time than its value today. It does not seem remotely likely. At this price, Just shares are discounting housing Armageddon.
