Equity release refers to a range of products that let you access the equity (cash) tied up in your home if you are over the age of 55. You can take the money you release as a lump sum or, in several smaller amounts or as a combination of both.
Lifetime Mortgages
You take out a mortgage secured on your property provided it is your main residence, while retaining ownership. You can choose to ring-fence some of the value of your property as an inheritance for your family. You can choose to make repayments or let the interest roll-up. The loan amount and any accrued interest is paid back when you die or when you move into long-term care.
Equity release can be a financial lifeline for older people who find themselves in need of cash, often living on small incomes despite living in properties worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Moving house can be an expensive and stressful process at any age. Many older people would prefer to stay put and benefit from the ‘equity’ or value tied up in their homes, and equity release schemes allow them to do that.
There are various types of plan available to home owners aged 55 and over. With Lifetime Mortgages where the interest is rolled up, a loan is taken out on the property to provide a lump sum, an income or a combination of the two. No interest is payable until the home is sold, this could be when you and your partner have both died or gone into long-term care.
With a Lifetime Mortgage with a drawdown facility, you can take your cash in stages. This can be useful as it gives flexibility and the reassurance that you can access further funds at some point in the future should you need them. Interest is also only charged on funds when they are drawn down.
More and more people are using equity release to help enjoy a comfortable retirement, pay down debts, boost their income or plan capital expenditure.
Professional advice is essential; equity release isn’t the right solution for everyone as these schemes are expensive and inflexible. Releasing cash from your home reduces the value of your estate and the amount of inheritance you leave, so you should involve your children and dependents from the outset. The Financial Conduct Authority do not regulate Bridging / Commercial loans and certain types of Buy to Let Mortgage and some investment mortgage contracts.
Your Home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other loan secured on it. Equity Release – This is a Lifetime Mortgage or home reversion plan, to understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. Under no circumstances should any of the information contained within this website be construed as “advice”. You should seek professional advice in respect of your own circumstances.