Equity release, or a lifetime mortgage as it is also known, allows homeowners (customer over the age of 55) to release cash from their property tax free. The amount that can be borrowed is determined by the age of the applicant and the value of their home.
Interest rates on an equity release loan tend to be fixed, or if they are variable, must be capped / have an upper limit which is then fixed for the lifetime of the loan.
One of the major advantages of a lifetime mortgage or equity release is that the borrower retains 100% ownership of their home, and has a right to remain within their property for life or up until a time in which they are required to move into long term care. In addition, the borrower is not required to make any repayments, however they could make voluntary repayments towards the balance of the loan whilst they are alive/live within their property.
Finally, all lifetime mortgage products provide a no negative equity guarantee which simply means that when the property is sold, even if the amount raised fails to cover any outstanding fees, neither the borrower nor their estate will be liable to cover the short fall.
The decision as to whether it is right for you will very much depend on personal circumstances such as age, income and how much cash is required. It is also important to note that equity release can be taken in stages (smaller amounts) and the borrower can also ringfence a certain percentage value of their home to gift to family/loved ones via inheritance.
Cash released via equity release or a lifetime mortgage could be used for any purpose and advice is offered for free, on a no obligation basis from our partners.
Just remember that taking out any form of equity release will reduce the amount of inheritance you can leave behind. It may also affect your tax position and eligibility for welfare benefits
CHECK THAT THIS MORTGAGE WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS IF YOU WANT TO MOVE OR SELL YOUR HOME OR YOU WANT YOUR FAMILY TO INHERIT IT. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT, SEEK INDEPENDENT ADVICE.
To find out if you qualify, and calculate how much you could release from your home, click the "Apply Now" button below.