Equity Release is a way to unlock tax-free cash from your home once you reach 55.
Many people choose to release equity from their home as part of their plans for retirement. The money released can help fund the lifestyle they want once they start working less, or stop working altogether.
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Equity Release may involve a Lifetime Mortgage which is secured against your property or a Home Reversion Plan. To understand the features and risks, ask for your personalised illustration. Equity Release requires paying off any existing mortgage. Any money released, plus accrued interest would be repaid upon death, or moving into long-term care.
There are different types of Equity Release plan out there. Here’s a quick breakdown of how each of them works:
This is the most popular option, where you get a tax-free lump sum loan from your home. You continue to own your home, but interest is added on to the loan. You can choose to pay this off with voluntary repayments, if you choose. Outstanding interest will need to be repaid after your death or if you go into long term care. There are also options to make voluntary repayments, if you choose.
Just like the Lifetime Mortgage, you’ll continue to own your home after you release money from it. Again, interest will be added to it and will need to be repaid. You can choose to make voluntary repayments to clear the interest. However, here you have a little more flexibility. You can release money over time as and when you need it, instead of in one big lump sum. You will only pay interest on the amount you release, so this could be more cost-efficient.
This type of plan is just like a normal Lifetime Mortgage, where you get a tax-free lump sum and continue to own your home. However, with an Interest Only Lifetime Mortgage you can choose to make repayments to the plan. This will help reduce the effect of the interest on the value of your property.
This type of plan is different from a Lifetime Mortgage as you give up the ownership of some or all of your property for a tax-free lump sum. You also have to be age 65 or over to take out this kind of plan. You still get to stay in your property, and you don’t have to pay any rent to the lender.
We have a full guide that goes into more detail about how each type of Equity Release plan works. It should help you make an informed decision about what’s right for you.
Equity Release isn’t for everyone. It’s important to think about the pros and cons, so you can make a decision that’s right for you.
Here’s a breakdown of the type of things to think about:
To see how much money you could unlock form your property, try our Equity Release calculator. It’s quick, easy and can give you a result in seconds.
If you’d like to know more about Equity Release or start the process, here are some steps you can take:
We can talk to you about everything you need to know and answer any questions you may have.
If you're looking for more information we've made a handy brochure that covers everything you need to know about Equity Release.
If you decide to release money from your home, the money you get would be a loan. It gets paid back after you die along with any interest, meaning the amount you have to pass on as inheritance could go down. Any means-tested benefits may also be affected.
You will speak to an adviser before releasing any money and they’ll make sure you understand the whole process.
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