Equity Release Advice From A Distance

Clients let us know their thoughts and first⁠-⁠hand experience of our newly launched video advice service.


For many over⁠-⁠55s, making much needed improvements in the home can ensure a happy and relaxing retirement. When Mr and Mrs McKirdy researched Equity Release, they contacted Age Partnership and immediately knew they were speaking to a “professional, polite and friendly contact”. After a successful career in Sales, Mr McKirdy explained he felt at ease with the initial information provided and decided to proceed.

The couple had chosen to release funds from their property in Glasgow to carry out some general improvements to their living conditions – renewing carpets, furniture, some minor repairs, redecoration etc. They also wanted to build a small extension to the rear of the property. Mr McKirdy says “this was mainly due to my wishes to spend the next years, however long, in comfort and enjoying life with my wife”.

When they did contact Age Partnership to find out more detail on Equity Release, they were assigned a dedicated advisor who could guide them through the process over⁠-⁠the⁠-⁠phone or on a video call instead of a home visit during the Coronavirus outbreak. The couple were asked their thoughts on trying out the Video Advice Service and they instantly agreed as Mrs McKirdy had been using Skype and WhatsApp for various activities during the outbreak, so was already familiar with the process of a video chat.

Their advisor then explained that he would send clear instructions on Age Partnership's Video Advice Service. “On receipt of the email which contained the instructions, we were able to set⁠-⁠up the call and all was ready within minutes.” At the agreed time, the call was conducted and the interview proceeded. As a result, Mr and Mrs McKirdy would definitely recommend the Video Advice Service, “Not only would we recommend video calls for the present situation but we believe this could be expanded once normality resumes!”

Correct at the time of publication.