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Here are the Top 10 Equity Release Mortgage Brokers near you offering Free Advice.

 

 

 

 

Equity Release Guru01924 792182info@equityreleaseguru.co.ukhttps://equityreleaseguru.co.uk/
Responsible Equity Release Wakefield01924 210682 info@responsiblelife.co.ukhttps://www.responsibleequityrelease.co.uk/
MCAL Equity Release 0800 612 9213info@mcalequityrelease.co.ukhttps://prnt.sc/umjs89
Giraffe Equity Release01872 859414hello@life-time-mortgage.co.ukhttps://www.life-time-mortgage.co.uk/
Paxton Equity Release01892 617070martin@paxtonuk.comhttps://www.paxtonequityrelease.co.uk/
Equity Release Mortgage Advice Ltd01462 341241info@er-ma.orghttps://equityreleasemortgageadvice.org/
JBM Equity Release Mortgages01792 81 48 88admin@jbmmortgages.co.ukhttp://www.jbmmortgagebrokers.co.uk/
Responsible Equity Release0800 012 4180info@responsiblelife.co.ukhttps://prnt.sc/u22dfw
Equity Release Scotland0141 887 8786info@equityreleasescotland.comhttps://www.equityreleasescotland.com/
Alan Rait Equity Release Advice07747 056788 https://isequityreleasesafe.co.uk/
Equanimity Independent Financial Advisers020 7713 9356info@eq-ifa.co.ukhttp://www.eq-ifa.co.uk/index.html
Equity Release Sussex01903 890660 john.whyte@equityreleasesussex.co.ukhttps://www.equityreleasesussex.co.uk/
Equity Release Advice01202 896 037bob.ducker@mortgagemarketplace.nethttps://www.theequityreleaseadvice.co.uk/

 

 

 

 

Equity release is a financial product available to UK homeowners aged 55 or over that allows them to access the value of their property while still living in it. There are two main types of equity release schemes in the UK: lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans.



How Equity Release Works

With equity release, you can unlock tax-free cash from your home without having to move out. The amount you can release depends on factors such as your age, property value, and health. You can receive the money as a lump sum, in smaller amounts over time (drawdown), or a combination of both.



Key Features

  1. No monthly repayments required (although some plans allow this option).
  2. The loan and interest are typically repaid when you die or move into long-term care.
  3. You retain ownership of your home with a lifetime mortgage.
  4. Interest rates are generally higher than standard mortgages, starting from around 5.5%.



Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Access to tax-free cash without moving home.
  • Option to make no monthly payments.
  • Can help fund retirement or other financial needs.

Cons:

  • Reduces the value of your estate.
  • Interest compounds over time, potentially leading to a large debt.
  • May affect eligibility for means-tested benefits.




Safety Considerations

Equity release is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Many providers are members of the Equity Release Council (ERC), which offers additional safeguards. These include:

  • A “no negative equity guarantee,” ensuring you never owe more than your home’s value.
  • The right to remain in your home for life.
  • The ability to move to a suitable alternative property.

It’s crucial to seek professional financial advice before considering equity release, as it’s a significant financial decision with long-term implications.




What are the main types of equity release available in the UK?

 

There are two main types of equity release schemes available in the UK:

  1. Lifetime Mortgages
  2. Home Reversion Plans

Lifetime Mortgages

Lifetime mortgages are the most popular form of equity release. With this type:

  • You borrow against the value of your home while retaining full ownership.
  • You can receive a lump sum or draw down smaller amounts over time.
  • No monthly repayments are required, though some plans allow this option.
  • Interest is added to the loan, which is repaid when you die or move into long-term care.

Lifetime mortgages can be further categorized into:

  • Lump-sum lifetime mortgages
  • Drawdown lifetime mortgages
  • Interest-only lifetime mortgages

Home Reversion Plans

Home reversion plans are less common:

  • You sell all or part of your home in exchange for a tax-free lump sum or regular income.
  • You retain the right to live in your home rent-free.
  • When you die or move into long-term care, the house is sold, and the reversion company takes its share of the proceeds.

Both types of equity release schemes are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and many providers are members of the Equity Release Council, which offers additional safeguards.






What are the eligibility requirements for equity release?





To qualify for equity release in the UK, you must meet several key eligibility requirements:

  1. Age Requirement: The minimum age for equity release is typically 55 years old. This applies to lifetime mortgages, which are the most common type of equity release product.
  2. Property Ownership: You must be a homeowner and the property must be located in the UK. It should also be your main residence.
  3. Property Value: Your property must have a minimum value of £70,000. Some lenders may have higher minimum value requirements.
  4. Mortgage Status: Ideally, you should have little or no mortgage left on your property. Any existing mortgage or secured loan must be repaid either with the funds released or through other means.
  5. Property Condition: The property should be in a reasonable and habitable condition. Lenders will conduct a valuation to ensure it meets their criteria.

Additional factors such as the location of the property, its type, and any existing credit issues might also influence eligibility, but they vary among lenders. It’s advisable to seek independent financial advice to navigate these criteria effectively and find the best option for your circumstances.






What are the risks associated with equity release for homeowners with dependents?




Equity release can present several risks for homeowners with dependents. Here are the main concerns:

Reduced Inheritance
  • Diminished Estate Value: Equity release reduces the value of your estate, meaning your dependents may receive a smaller inheritance than expected. This is because the loan amount and accumulated interest are repaid from the sale of your home when you pass away or move into long-term care.
  • Home Reversion Plans: If you opt for a home reversion plan, you sell a portion or all of your home at less than market value. This further reduces the potential inheritance for your dependents.

Financial Impact on Dependents

  • Waivers for Dependents: If you have dependents living with you, they might need to sign a waiver acknowledging they have no right to stay in the property if you die or move into permanent care. This could complicate their living situation.
  • Potential Need for Dependents to Move: After your death, the property may need to be vacated quickly, which can add stress to your dependents as they manage the transition.

Impact on Benefits and Financial Flexibility

  • Effect on Benefits: The funds from equity release can affect eligibility for means-tested benefits. This could impact both you and any dependents who rely on these benefits.
  • Future Financial Needs: Gifting money from equity release to dependents might leave you with insufficient funds for future needs like healthcare or unforeseen expenses, potentially placing a financial burden back on your dependents later.

It is crucial for homeowners considering equity release to discuss these potential impacts with their dependents and seek independent financial advice to fully understand the long-term implications.

 

 

 

Equity Release Mortgage Brokers Near Me

 

 

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