What is Equity Release?

Equity release is a way of releasing the wealth tied up in your property without the need to move. With equity release products, you can either borrow against the value of your home or sell all or part of it for a regular monthly income, a lump sum, or the facility to get at equity as and when you like or a combination of these options.

What are the different schemes?

Although there are many different plans available, they can all be split into four main categories of equity release schemes.

Lifetime Mortgage

You release a lump sum from the value of your property, whilst maintaining 100% ownership of your home. This amount, plus any interest accrued, is repaid from the sale of your property when you pass away or move into long-term care.

Drawdown Lifetime Mortgage

This works similarly to Lifetime Mortgage but with a regular cash reserve/draw down option allowing you to withdraw amounts at a frequency you choose up to a specified amount of years, or until the cash reserve has been used up.

Interest-Only Lifetime Mortgage

You get a lump sum and pay a monthly interest on the loan, which can be fixed or variable, rather than allowing the interest to roll up. The amount you originally borrowed is normally repaid when your home is eventually sold.

Home Reversion Plan

Here, you sell some or all of your property in exchange for a lump sum of money, whilst maintaining the right to remain living in your home, rent free, for as long as you live.

How can I use my tax free cash?

You are free to use the money on almost anything you choose. There are many reasons for releasing equity from your home and here are just a few of them:

• To supplement your pension income to cover living expenses.
• To settle a repayment mortgage or clear the balance on an interest-only mortgage.
• To improve your standard of living.
• To see your family enjoy their inheritance while you're still here.
• To carry out some home improvements.
• To take that holiday of a lifetime.
• To help your children onto the property ladder.
• To pay off other outstanding debt and lower your monthly outgoings.

Is Equity Release right for me?

Equity release is a way of releasing the wealth tied up in your property without the need to move. With equity release products, you can either borrow against the value of your home or sell all or part of it for a regular monthly income, a lump sum, or the facility to get at equity as and when you like or a combination of these options.