Introduction to Equity Release

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If you're a home owner over the age of 55, equity release offers you a way to use the value of your home to raise money. You won’t have to make monthly repayments but the debt will eventually have to be repaid – with interest. 

It is advised that you seek Independent Legal advice before entering into a legally binding equity release contract.

Why do people consider Equity Release?

  1. To provide an additional income in retirement 
  2. To provide lifetime gifts to relatives
  3. For home improvements
  4. For holiday home purchase
  5. To fund long-term care

You may have other ideas - there is no restriction on how you use the funds.

However, since equity release can be an expensive way to raise money when taking into consideration payment of arrangement fees or interest, you should also consider the following:

  • Sell your home and live in rented accommodation

This option involves selling your house and investing the proceeds in income-producing investments. The income from these investments is then used to rent a property and for your living expenses. You would only really be able to generate sufficient income to live on if your property was sold for a large sum of money.

  • Benefits entitlement

Have you checked to see that you are getting all of the benefits you are entitled to? It may be that you are entitled to benefits that make equity release unnecessary. Also, equity release could affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits so it's worth speaking to your local authorities to consider these areas first. They may be able to offer you grants or assistance with essential home improvements and alterations that you would otherwise pay for yourself.

  • Your Savings & Investments

If you have savings or investments you may wish to consider this alternative.

  • Rent out a room

If your house is sufficiently large you might consider renting out a room to bring in regular extra income.

  • A smaller home

If your family have grown up and they are off on their own financial journey now, your current home may be too big for your needs and you could consider something smaller and more economical to run. In this case, you could consider purchasing a smaller property, leaving you with a lump sum on completion.

Equity release has to fit with your needs, circumstances and preferences, where the benefits need to outweigh the drawbacks and be more suitable than alternative methods of raising funds.

 
 

Warning Text

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EQUITY RELEASE (INCLUDING LIFETIME MORTGAGES AND HOME REVERSION PLANS) WILL REDUCE THE VALUE OF YOUR ESTATE AND CAN AFFECT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR MEANS TESTED BENEFITS

 

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Andrea - mid 50s

business owner

I came to see Josh not only helping me plan for my retirement but also in helping me look after a Trust fund for my Nieces. Josh is always quick to respond to queries and deals with all requests in a timely and efficient manner. I feel very comfortable in the fact that if I ask for something to be done or need some advice he ALWAYS delivers.
I have not always had this service from other financial advisors. I would happily recommend Josh to anyone needing financial support.

 

Trevor

Power of Attorney

Following our mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis and admission into a residential care home, my sister and I were looking for financial advice on the options available to fund her care. Our main concern before speaking with Josh was finding an adviser who would provide us with sound financial advice.
Josh provided us with various funding options relating to our mother's residential care provision. These options gave my sister and I the information we needed to determine the best way forward in respect of funding our mother's care needs. Josh provided clear, concise, and timely financial advice, and responses to all our questions were swift, friendly, and easy to understand. He also went out of his way to secure an immediate needs care annuity within the timescales required to meet my mother's urgent funding needs.
My sister and I received excellent support from Warwick Road Financial Services and believe that, without Josh's assistance, we would have struggled to achieve a successful outcome.
My sister and I have a cautious approach when it comes to making major financial decisions. We believe the approach used, and the advice offered by Warwick Road Financial Services, would be of benefit to people who, like us, have a cautious approach when it comes to financial matters.

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IT professional – requiring and receiving ongoing Pre-retirement advice

I approached Jethro several years ago because my wife and I really hadn’t paid any attention to our pension planning. Jethro helped us by identifying various plans from previous employers, and a personal plan that I’d left to stagnate from my contracting days.
The result was that Jethro managed to consolidate all these into single managed portfolios for each of us. One thing we really liked was his clear explanation, regular communication, and friendly but professional approach. He explained things to us in language we could both understand. We found the experience very easy to navigate thanks to Jethro’s detailed and clear explanation and guidance.
We would recommend Jethro to people who need a full-service pension professional to guide them clearly and safely through their options and manage the entire process for them.

Miss Parker

I instructed Claire Adams from Warwick Road Financial services to assist me with consolidating my various pensions into one with Quilter.
Claire took care of everything on my behalf and kept me updated at all times.  Clare was extremely professional, efficient and explained everything in great detail. 
As I was so impressed I also took out life cover, which again Claire found the best deal and it was set up almost instantly.
I would highly recommend Claire to future clients, friends and family as I know they will receive a first-class Service.

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58, Director

We originally approached Lawrence because we were looking for help with our insurance/mortgage and general finances, whilst in our early 20’s.
Before we had met you, we were concerned about obtaining financial advice from somebody who we didn’t know or wasn’t recommended, due to a family members previous bad experience.
Lawrence helped us by putting us at ease, explaining everything in layman’s terms, so that we understood the advice and were always given opportunities to wait, delay or decline any plans that were offered.
As a result, almost 30 years later we still see Lawrence at least once per year to discuss our current situation and our plans. We are in an excellent position financially regarding our mortgage, savings and pensions, largely thanks to Lawrence.
One thing I really like is the trustworthy and friendly attitude he has always shown towards us.
I found the experience very comforting, knowing that our finances were being taken care of by a professional and that our long-term plans were reachable.
The sort of person that would benefit most from using them would be a young couple, starting out in their careers, as we were when we first met Lawrence.

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