Equity Release Mortgages

'Later Life Lending' (Equity Release) Mortgages

The cost of living continues to impact households and has done so since early 2021 with inflation reaching its highest recorded level in decades. Consumer prices, inflation and energy prices remain a worry for many people, however, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Equity Release is a viable solution for clients who would like to raise extra cash in retirement.

If you want to make home improvements, pay for the costs of care, help a loved one who is struggling financially, or pay off other debt, Equity Release should be considered. But in the context of the current economic climate, it could be utilised to shore up your income to combat the cost of living both now and throughout the remainder of your retirement. Many clients over the age of 55 find themselves ‘asset rich and cash poor’ with their pensions real value deteriorating against the cost of living.

How we can help you

No Negative Equity Guarantee

No monthly payments, or optional payments

No need to move home

Choose from a lump sum, or supplement your income.

Available from the age of 55 years and upwards

Protect some equity for inheritance

We only recommend lenders that are members of the
Equity Release Council (formally SHIP)

Home Reversion and Lifetime Mortgage Schemes available

About the Equity Release Council

We are members of the Equity Release Council which is a consumer centric trade body focused on key themes of: representative lobbying, leading and setting high standards for consumers and awareness “thought leadership” of how housing wealth can help many financial challenges.
The Equity Release Council represents the equity release sector and exists to promote high standards of conduct and practice in the provision of and advice on equity release which have consumer safeguards at its heart.

These standards and safeguards have allowed the sector to grow, giving financial advisers and their customers confidence in the products, dispelling myths about equity release, and educating the public about the potential to access the wealth in their home for a variety of uses.

The reputation and standing of the brand and the trust developed has seen its membership grow, bringing the sector together and helping it strengthen its voice: providers of equity release plans, solicitors, intermediaries, financial advisers, consultants, surveyors and other industry professionals – all committed to the Principles of membership.

Common questions answered

Who can utilise Equity Release?

There are certain conditions you must meet before being able to consider Equity Release.

For a Lifetime Mortgage (Equity Release) you (or both of you, if you are borrowing jointly) need to be at least 55 years old.
For a Home Reversion Plan you (or both of you, if you are taking out a plan jointly) need to be at least 65 years old.
You must own property in the UK, which must be your main residence.
Your property must be in reasonable condition and over a certain value, and there may also be restrictions on the type of property accepted.
If you have a mortgage or secured loan on your property you may still qualify for Equity Release, but it will depend on the value of your home and the amount outstanding on the existing mortgage or loan.
You will have to pay off any outstanding mortgages or loans secured against your home at the same time as taking Equity Release.
Equity Release may not be suitable if you have dependants living with you.
Any dependants should take separate legal advice.
If they wish to remain living with you in the property, they may need to sign a waiver confirming that they understand they do not have the right to reside there if you die or move into permanent residential care.

What are the advantages of equity release?

Understanding the features and risks of equity release is complicated. Below we have outlined some of the advantages below of both types of equity release, but you should seek further advice.

Our Equity Release Advisers are qualified to give advice. They will review your personal circumstances and see if there are any possible alternatives that you should consider before applying for an Equity Release.

If equity release is the right option, your Adviser will provide a recommendation on the type that best suits your requirements.

Advantages

You can get a tax-free lump sum and/or smaller, regular payments to supplement your income, and can continue to live in your home until you die or move into permanent residential care.
You may continue to benefit from any rise in the value of your property.
You can still move to a suitable alternative property in the future, as an Equity Release is transferable.
Transfer of the Equity Release will be subject to your new home meeting the property suitability criteria applicable at the time.
With a, Equity Release, you continue to live in and keep ownership of your home.

What are the disadvantages of equity release?

Below we have outlined some of the disadvantages below of both types of equity release, but you should seek further advice.

Disadvantages

Equity Release reduces the value of your estate and the amount that will go to the people named as beneficiaries in your will.
Your Estate is everything you own, including money, property, possessions, and investments.
With a Home Reversion Plan, the reversion company owns all or a part-share of your home.
Getting a lump sum or taking extra cash to supplement your income may reduce your entitlement to means-tested benefits, now or in the future.
If you get care at home funded fully or partially by the local council, they may start charging you or ask you to pay more.

Providing viable solutions for retired clients

Trusted equity release solutions, offering retired clients financial freedom and peace of mind with tailored plans.

'Later Life Lending' (Equity Release) Mortgages

How we can help you

Introduction to Equity Release

Call Blueberry Mortgages today on 0800 520 0108

Our Equity Release Lenders

Start your mortgage application today!