In this current climate of uncertainty, there is no greater time to recruit the support and expertise of a local independent financial broker.
Whether you are looking for ways to supplement your income, clear an existing mortgage, fund your goals for later life or help your loved ones financially, your property wealth could be the key to achieving your ambitions.
Equity Release schemes are more flexible than they have been previously and can include options such as paying the interest to stop the debt from increasing.
They may not be for everyone, but they certainly provide another option for you to consider when boosting your finances.
What is equity release?
Equity release plans enable you to unlock the value of your property and turn it into cash. This allows you to stay in your home rent-free and benefit from the cash released until certain events occur, for example moving into long-term care or death. At this point, the lender will be repaid, usually through the sale of your home.
How does equity release work?
There are a number of equity release products which let you access – or 'release' – the equity (cash) tied up in your home. As a rule, you can either take the money you release in one lump sum, in smaller amounts over time (known as drawdown), or as a combination of both.
Over the course of 2021, around £4.8bn of property wealth was turned into cash via equity release. There are advantages and disadvantages and it won’t suit everyone. It should be considered alongside a range of options.
Is equity release a good idea?
Choosing to commit to equity release isn’t something to be taken on lightly.
Lyn, Caroline and Vicky, who are part of our financial team, are mortgage and equity release specialists. They can offer a range of options specific to your personal circumstances so you can make an informed decision.
Making a move to a smaller home would release extra cash. This doesn’t suit everyone, but some of our clients have found a more suitable property that suits their lifestyle, perhaps closer to shops, with a larger garden or nearer friends. Our estate agency colleagues can support you in your search and also determine how much extra cash this would offer.
Remortgaging is another option. Here you can lower what you pay towards your mortgage each month by extending your mortgage term. In some cases you might also be able to raise further cash against your property. We can explore the options available with you.
If you’re an older homeowner but not interested in equity release, don’t automatically presume that you wouldn’t be eligible for a mortgage. In recent years, several mortgage lenders have increased their upper age limits. As independent advisers we have access to a broad range of providers outside of the high street brands.
Equity release is only available to those aged 55 and over. If you're close to 55, you may feel you're in a position where you can wait until then. However, if you're a homeowner who's under 55 and in more pressing need, it's worth speaking to a mortgage broker about the possibility of remortgaging, or contacting a financial adviser if your situation is particularly complicated.
Seeking financial expertise?
Money-related choices are always a big decision. Where equity release is involved, it’s important to take all the right steps. Done incorrectly it can, in the worst cases result in debt for family members.
Our team have years of experience in mortgages and financial advice.
If you’re looking to make changes to improve your financial situation to simply make things a little easier at the moment then book an appointment and let us help you determine the best option for you.