Equity release

Equity release - unlocking money from your home

The issues surrounding pensions in the UK affects us all, but it is already a very real and daily challenge for millions of retired Britons.

However, many retired people who manage on a small pension and limited savings are also living in properties which, even with the recent house prices falls are still worth a great deal of money. The average house price in England and Wales is now standing at £284,950  (November 2023 statistics from http://landregistry.data.gov.uk/).

Equity release plans - also called lifetime mortgages, home reversion or home income plans - are a way of releasing cash, whether to buy that new car, to pay for a holiday or home improvements, or simply to make daily life more comfortable. These schemes essentially allow you to borrow money against the value of your home, with the debt being repaid from the sale proceeds after your death or you move into long term care.

How equity release plans work

While there are a range of different schemes offering lump sums and/or regular income, they all work on the same principle: they lend you a part of your home's value in return for a share of the proceeds when you die.

In most cases you will need to be at least 60 years old, have no outstanding mortgage (or you will need to use the equity release money to pay down the existing loan), and own a property in reasonable condition.

Equity release plans can be complicated products and are a major step for many people. Your house is almost certainly the most expensive asset you own; it is also your home. Good advice is essential.

Age Concern and the Financial Conduct Authority, the UK's chief financial watchdog, both recommend getting independent financial advice before proceeding.

At Active Financial Partners we will look at your overall finances to see if equity release is really the best option for you, help find the right type of scheme - bearing in mind that in some cases you could risk losing state benefits and may have to pay extra tax.

YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT.

This is a lifetime mortgage. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration.
Active Financial Partners do not have permission to give advice on Home Reversion plans.