Why should you consider Equity Release?

What is Equity Release?
Put simply, Equity Release is where you can release equity (money) tied up in your home for any purpose you like. If you or someone you know are over 55 this could be a brilliant way to improve the quality of life in your retirement years and help prevent any financial concerns when you’re no longer working full-time.

Different Schemes
There are schemes to suit everyone. You can choose to make monthly repayments to the lender or not. Either way the outstanding balance is not due for repayment until you either pass away or move into long-term care.

Reasons for Equity Release
Below are some of the most popular reasons why people take out equity release:

  • Home and garden improvements
    Research conducted by Legal & General Home Finance shows that over 50% of equity release was used for home improvements. 
    Getting older can mean you may need to make adaptations in your home to enable you to keep living there. These improvements can be more affordable and less hassle than moving house. Improvements can include, carrying out a loft conversion to increase the value of the house, installing a new kitchen, and putting in a downstairs toilet to improve accessibility.

  • Paying off debts
    Many people release equity from their home so that they can pay off any debts such as a previous mortgage, car loan, or credit card.

  • To help family members financially
    It is common for people to choose to release money tied up in their home to help their children. Some use it to pay for their children's further education whilst others like to use the money to help their children onto the property ladder. Many prefer to help their children out whilst they are still alive rather than leaving them money in their Will so they can see the difference they have made to their lives.

  • Holidays and other luxuries
    Some people decide to use the funds released for 'large ticket' items such as holidays or car purchases. In many cases, equity release can mean you can live to the fullest whilst still living in your own home. 

Talk to a Mortgage Adviser
It is important to speak to a Mortgage Adviser who is a member of the Equity Release Council as they can help you to make the right decision for your individual needs. 

Recent posts

The UK’s chancellor, Rachel Reeves will deliver the Labour government’s autumn budget at the end of the month, we take a look at what could be announced in relation to housing.

Recent research from Halifax has revealed the most sought-after locations for first time buyers in Britain.  

The data which was taken from the Halifax House Price Index looked at areas outside of London where those looking to purchase their first property were buying. Despite high property prices and increased rates, these first time buyer hotspots have remained popular.   

Taking care of your mental health means looking after your emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. There are several ways we can practice self-care that will help to improve our physical and mental health. This can help to reduce our risk of illness, manage stress, and boost our energy levels!

Buying your first home is very exciting but it can also be very daunting which is why we have set out a “to do list” to help you get started. 

With UK inflation remaining at 2.2% which is slightly above the Bank of England’s 2% target, the decision was made on Thursday 19th September to keep the base rate at 5%.

Virgin Money and Hive Energy introduce new "green" mortgage product called Retrofit Boost Mortgage with the aim to help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their home by offering cashback between £3,000 and £15,000

According to recent findings by LV= where 4,000 UK adults were surveyed, mortgage holders said that were likely to consider equity release to free up some money to take care of expenditures in later life.

Following the recent decision by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee to cut the base rate from 5.25% to 5% (the first reduction seen in over four years), we have seen lots of lenders reducing their rates to remain competitive.