Find out "HOW MUCH ££" you could release
Our pledge to you,
Quest Finance doesn’t charge any upfront fees or charges. we will meet with you and discuss lifetime mortgages and see if they are suitable or not.
Our competitive Advice fee is ONLY payable should you complete an application with ourselves, and in most cases it’s paid out of the monies raised by the equity release.
WE COMPARE DEALS - across Lenders
- Aviva
- Canada Life
- LV
- Pure Retirement
- More2Life
- Legal & General
- Scottish Widows
- Standard Life
- Livemore
- Royal London
People just like you, that wanted the assurance of dealing with someone,
that would listen. to what they wanted…
Free Equity Release Guide
packed full of useful information and key facts. - Click the image to open the full guide now !
Equity Release - how does it work?
How does Equity Release work ? – Are you looking for a way to get money from your house? A lot of people in the UK are using Equity Release mortgages and lifetime mortgages to do just that. These products are becoming more popular because they let you take advantage of your property’s value. But what exactly are they and who can use them? Let’s find out.
But Before I do let me just assure you that you can trust us with your equity release advice, we are IMPARTIAL and a member of the Equity Release council, which means we abide by all their codes of conduct in giving impartial advice
Am I eligible for equity release?
To be eligible for a lifetime mortgage on your home – here are the main considerations;
- Over 55 years old
- UK Homeowner
- Your Home is worth at least £70,000
- Any outstanding current mortgage must be repaid with the ER
There are other property checks that apply, some lenders do and don’t like such as such as proximity to commercial properties or Pylons and spray Foam insulation in lofts. And for Ex Local Authority properties the minimum property value is typically £100,000+
So to be certain you and your property meet a lenders criteria, it is always best to pick up the phone for a no-obligation chat.
How much can you release?
Use our Instant equity release calculator without personal details or email address etc – to give you a rough guide as to how much you could release. This is just a broad indication, you would be best advised to call us for a personalised quote based on your circumstances.
What is Equity Release used for ?
From paying off a current interest only mortgage, nearing the end of its term – to having ‘that little bit extra’ each month to enjoy your retirement. Through to gifting to family to help them financially / get onto the property ladder. The uses for a lifetime mortgage are numerous.
The funds from equity release can be used for various purposes, offering a versatile solution for many homeowners. Here are some of the main uses:
- Repaying your current Mortgage – want to reduce your monthly outgoings and reduce how much you pay out each month ?
- Home Improvements: Many homeowners use the funds to carry out renovations or improvements to their property. This can not only improve their quality of life but can also potentially increase the value of their home.
- Supplementing Retirement Income: Equity release can provide a regular income stream that supplements pensions or other retirement savings, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle during retirement.
- Paying Off Debts: Equity release can be used to clear outstanding debts, for example credit card bills or loans running at high rates, thereby reducing the financial burden and stress.
- Gifting to Family: Some homeowners choose to gift a portion of their property’s value to their children or grandchildren, perhaps to help them onto the property ladder.
- Funding Long-Term Care: As healthcare costs rise, equity release can provide the necessary funds to cover these expenses without the need to sell the family home.
How Does Equity Release Work ?
How does Equity Release work? – Well it’s really quite simple;
It is mainly based on your AGE and your PROPERTY VALUE, (and in small part your health, as if you have chronic health conditions lenders may lend more – as life expectancy is shorter so they don’t have to allow for the long-term potential roll-up).
How Equity Release works in practice – then lenders will lend based on a combination of your age and property value. The younger you are the lower the LTV ( loan to value ) eg if you are aged 55 they might only lend up to 20% of the property value, whereas if you are 80 you might get more like 50%.
- You apply, and based on your age, health and property value, the lender will confirm how much equity you can release ( we have a quick equity release calculator on this page as a rough guide)
- The lender sends a RICS property valuer to check and confirm the property value and that it meets their criteria ( some lenders don’t like nearby commercial premises etc )
- They confirm the amount they will lend to you
- The money is tax-free and there are NO mandatory monthly payments ( you can make optional payments or service the interest if you wish).
- Each month the interest is added to the mortgage balance, and so it slowly grows each year.
- At the end of the deal ( normally when you pass away or go into a retirement care home), the mortgage is repaid from the proceeds of your property sale.
What is the catch with equity release ?
Ok well first off there is no deliberate or dodgy ‘catch’ with equity release and lifetime mortgages, they are highly regulated and come with lots of consumer protections. The one thing you have to be mindful of is the potential roll-up of interest. As the longer the deal runs the more interest will accrue. The interest is what’s called compound interest, in other words, the interest amount gets larger as the mortgage balance gets larger.
however you also have to factor in the potential increase in property value that could occur so in the above example the mortgage interest in the first year was £3,000 – if however, the property prices went up by 1.5% in that year then the property value £200,000 x 1.5% = now is valued at £203,000.
( Note the FCA require us to inform you that property prices are not guaranteed to rise each year and could go down as well as up ) So you will have to make your own estimate on if you think property prices will rise and by how much each year.
Lifetime Mortgages ( age 55+)
How Does it Work?
Key features of Lifetime Mortgages
- No Monthly payments
- You still OWN your home
- Tax free lump sum
- Optional interest or 'overpayments'
- Drawdown schemes available
- Still able to move home
We work with many of the main equity release / lifetime mortgage lenders including;
'Hybrid' Lifetime
The over 55’s later life lending market continues to evolve, and one of the newer products is a Hybrid between a Lifetime Mortgage and an Interest only mortgage.
Under this hybrid product a customer is required to make monthly payments to the mortgage lender in respect of all or part of the interest, or part of the capital, charged on the lifetime mortgage. A customer may choose to stop making payments and from that time until the lifetime mortgage is repaid the loan converts to a full interest roll-up mortgage.
Hybrid = Lifetime + Interest Payment
In essence you might take out a ‘lifetime mortgage’ but have agreed to pay 25% or 50% or even 100% of the monthly interest for a number of years. This helps stop the debt accruing.
There are numerous advantages to these products such as.
- Stops interest / debt growing
- Allows you to repay mortgage
- Potentially lower the interest rate
- Potentially increase max available
Alternatives to Equity Release?
Downsizing or Moving to a Cheaper Property
One of the most direct alternatives is to sell your current home and move to a smaller, less expensive property. This approach enables you to release equity tied up in your home while eliminating or reducing mortgage payments
Remortgaging or Retirement Interest-Only Mortgages
Remortgaging or opting for a retirement interest-only mortgage are other options. With remortgaging, you borrow against the value of your home with the understanding that the loan will be repaid while you’re still alive. A retirement interest-only mortgage is similar to a lifetime mortgage but with the key difference that you make regular interest payments, so the amount you owe does not increase
Renting Out a Room
Renting out a room in your home is another way to generate extra income without needing to sell or borrow against your property. This option can be particularly attractive if you live in an area with high rental demand .
Selling Assets
If you have other valuable assets, such as a second car, jewelry, or collectibles, selling these can provide a lump sum of money without impacting your home ownership .
State Benefits and Grants
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for state benefits or grants that can help support your financial needs. It’s worth exploring what assistance may be available .
Continue Working or Starting a Small Business
Continuing to work during retirement, whether part-time or on a consultancy basis, can provide an income stream. Similarly, starting a small business based on a hobby or skill can also be a way to generate extra income .
It’s crucial to consider all options and seek professional advice before making a decision. Each alternative has its pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on your personal financial situation and long-term plans.
Talk to a specialist
Let us help you, talk to an expert mortgage advisor about your holiday let mortgage needs and benefit from their expertise in finding you a great deal.
One Tailored recomendation
Let us help you, with tough additional criteria for these types of mortgages . Let us help you find a lender that WILL LEND on your chosen property, at the best rate for your circumstances
Advice & Guidance
Every step of the way, from initial enquiry, through to meeting lenders criteria, the application and through to completion. we will be at your side
Conclusion
Equity release mortgages and lifetime mortgages offer a valuable financial solution for homeowners aged 55 and over in the UK. Whether it’s to supplement retirement income, fund home improvements, or support family members, the flexibility these schemes offer is undeniably attractive. However, as with any financial decision, it’s crucial to seek professional advice to ensure it’s the right choice for you and your circumstances.
Remember, your home is more than just a property; it’s a valuable asset that can support your financial health in later life. By understanding and leveraging equity release products, you can make your home work for you.
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FCA WARNING, FEE’S AND JURISDICTIONAL INFORMATION
MORTGAGES – THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY DEBT SECURED ON IT
CONSOLIDATING UNSECURED DEBTS – Think carefully before securing any other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or secured loan. IF YOU CONSOLIDATE EXISTING BORROWING YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT YOU MAY BE EXTENDING THE TERMS OF THE DEBT AND INCREASING THE TOTAL AMOUNT YOU REPAY.
BUY TO LET MORTGAGES The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some forms of Buy to Lets. Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
EQUITY RELEASE – This is a Lifetime Mortgage. These are only applicable to those 55 and over, and it could affect eligibility to state means-tested benefits and the inheritance you may leave. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. Equity release includes Lifetime Mortgages and Home Reversion Schemes. We can advise and arrange Lifetime Mortgages and will refer to an approved specialist for Home Reversion schemes.
Quest Finance Ltd also Trading as Quest Finance – is an Appointed Representative of HL Partnership Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount will depend on your circumstances but will be agreed with you before proceeding but estimate this to be £695 for standard mortgages and £995 for Equity Release / later life mortgages. Quest Finance Ltd is registered in England and Wales, with company registration number: 12267927. Registered Office: 21 Laneham Close, Doncaster DN4 7HX
The guidance and/or information contained within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK. By submitting an enquiry form you agree that the information provided is true and accurate and that a mortgage advisor may contact you for further information as required.
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