We are delighted to be able to announce that Mortgage Required has joined the Equity Release Council

The Equity Release Council (ERC) is a ‘not-for-profit’ organisation and a respected industry body for the equity release sector. It aims to fully represent and facilitate the safe growth of the equity release market by helping to create the conditions which enable the market to develop effectively. Built on the legacy of a predecessor body called SHIP (Safe Home Income Plans), the Council was launched in 2012 and represents over 180 member firms in the UK.

Our Managing Director, Tim Atkinson, stated that “Joining the Equity Release Council was an easy decision for us as they stand for ethical lending and putting the client's needs first. The ERC is a voluntary organisation who have fought hard to clean up the image of the Equity Release market and Mortgage Required will only sell products governed by the ERC”.

The conditions of the Equity Release Council require that mortgage terms include that:

  • there be no Negative Equity Guarantee. In other words, you never owe more than the value of the property
  • Interest rates are fixed or capped for the life of the loan
  • Security of tenure for life - you can stay in your property until you either die or move into a long term care home

These requirements address many of the pitfalls that have been historically linked to the equity release market.

Tim added that “..At Mortgage Required we offer all of our clients a free face to face meeting to look at all the options available. Whilst Equity Release can offer the opportunity to raise the most money later in life, it is possible a traditional mortgage or other forms of lending may be a more suitable alternative..”.

If you would like to learn more about equity release and how it might best serve your needs call us for an initial chat.

Related articles:

Download our Free First Time Buyers Guide

Recent posts

Deals of week web larger

Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.

Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.

Renters Rights Act   Web Larger

The Renter’s Rights Bill became law at the end of October, which means it has been signed off by the King, and it is now the Renters’ Rights Act. Despite this becoming law, these changes are likely to start changing within the next six months, with the aim of being fully implemented throughout 2026 and into 2027.

 

Green mortgages web larger

Mortgage lenders are starting to recognise their “Green” responsibilities when it comes to the different products they offer. 

Costliest Streets   Web Larger

Recent data from Rightmove shows the most expensive streets in Great Britain, with the majority being situated in the capital.

BoE Building   Web Larger

The Bank of England Governor, Andrew Bailey, has advised that, due to the “very big energy shock” the economy is facing, they won’t be in a rush to increase UK interest rates.

Home Insurance Invalidate    Web Larger

Many homeowners don’t realise that a simple act or oversight could invalidate their home insurance policy. Home insurance is essential in protecting your most valuable assets; however, it is important to understand what affects your cover to ensure you are fully protected.

Views   Web Larger

In certain areas, impressive views are one feature that buyers are willing to pay price premiums of more than 30 per cent.   

Lenders React To Iran War   Web Larger

The UK mortgage market is seeing lenders withdraw deals and hike mortgage rates amid the escalation of conflict in Iran. This isn’t great news for borrowers, with the average rate for a two-year fixed deal sitting above 5%.