10 Facts You Have to Know About Equity Release
Many UK residents may benefit from releasing equity from their home. If you are currently weighing up the possibility of releasing equity from your home, check out these 10 facts you simply have to know about equity release.
Equity Release is Regulated
The Financial Conduct Authority regulates every equity release lender. Additionally, the Equity Release Council represents hundreds of equity release professionals to ensure all applicants receive the best advice and service.
You Could Still Own Your Home
Just like re-mortgaging your home, you could still own your property with a lifetime mortgage. This is a popular plan in the market which allows you to still live in your property for life depending on the terms.
The Cash is Tax-Free
The equity released from your property is completely tax-free, meaning the whole lump sum goes straight into your pocket. This means you can spend the money as you please.
There is a Minimum Age
Equity release is traditionally aimed at pension-age homeowners. Many equity release lenders insist upon all applicants being aged 60+, but Age Partnership have access to plans for everyone aged 55 and above.
There is a Minimum Home Value
The vast majority of lenders will not consider properties which have a market value of less than £70,000.
The Upper Limit
The amount you can release from your home is based entirely upon your age, health and the value of the property. On a Lifetime mortgage, you could potentially borrow up to 55% of your property value, if your circumstances fit the lenders criteria which may take into account health and lifestyle factors.
Lenders May Take Your Health and Lifestyle into Account
When lenders are considering the amount of equity which can be released from a property, they may take the applicants’ health and lifestyle into account. Lifestyle choices such as drinking alcohol and smoking could allow you to release even more money from your property. Likewise, conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure could entitle applicants to an enhanced amount equity release.
Pay Off your Mortgage
One of the requirements of releasing equity is paying off any outstanding mortgage. If you are able to release more money than the outstanding balance and once the mortgage has been paid, you can spend the remaining cash achieving your goals.
Interest Rates Are Fixed
There are a variety of options available with a lifetime mortgage, with many plans offering interest rates that are fixed for life. You can choose to make monthly repayments to prevent the interest accumulating*, allow the interest to roll up and be repaid from the eventual sale of your property or even have a flexible repayment option, which allows you to make ad-hoc payments during the course of a year.
The Debt Won’t Be Passed On
If the worst should happen and you owe more than your property is worth, most plans offer a No Negative Equity Guarantee, meaning you cannot leave a debt to your estate.
Sources:
https://www.agepartnership.co.uk/equity-release/equity-release-faqs/how-equity-release-can-help-you/
https://www.agepartnership.co.uk/equity-release/equity-release-faqs/how-equity-release-can-help-you/
https://www.agepartnership.co.uk/equity-release/equity-release-faqs/how-much-equity-can-you-release/
https://www.equityreleasecouncil.com/faqs/
Important Information — Equity Release
Equity release may involve a home reversion plan or lifetime mortgage which is secured against your property and will reduce the value of your estate and impact funding long-term care. To understand the features and risks ask for a personalised illustration.
As multi-award-winning equity release specialists we provide informative advice covering your options as well as explaining how equity release will affect potential inheritance and how your entitlement to means-tested benefits could be affected now or in the future. We provide initial advice for free and without obligation. Only if your case completes would our advice fee of £1,895 be payable. Other lender and solicitor fees may apply.
Age Partnership Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA Register Number 425432. Age Partnership Ltd, 2200 Century Way, Thorpe Park, Leeds LS15 8ZB.
Releasing equity from your home is not suitable for all home owners and situations. If you are interested in releasing equity you should seek specialist advice to ensure that it is the best option for them. Award-winning Age Partnership could help you.
If you are interested in releasing equity, please contact the Age Partnership team on 08080 555 222 and they will discuss all the options, including what impact it could have on the size of your estate over time and if your entitlement to current and future means-tested benefits may be affected.
*Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage.
Correct at the time of publication.