0800 015 1686
Independent Mortgage Advisers

'Later Life Lending' (Equity Release) Mortgages


The cost of living has been rising since early 2021 with inflation reaching its highest recorded level in decades.

Consumer prices, inflation and energy prices continue to rise with the regulator Ofgem announcing an increase of 54% on the price cap for energy, with effect from April 2022.  The energy price cap is expected to increase again in October 2022.

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 rising 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 rising 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

If you are interested in Equity Release, please contact us on ​0800 901 903 or complete the small form below.

Blueberry Mortgages Equity Release logo


Our Introduction


Our Equity Release Lenders

We work with the UK’s leading lenders, some of which don’t offer their services directly to customers, only to brokers.

About the Equity Release Council

Equity Release Council logo

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.

The Council builds on this unified voice of its members, while remaining independent from the specific views of individual member firms or particular segments of the equity release market.

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.
Read our Customer Testimonials 
ReviewsReviewsReviewsReviewsReviews
If you prefer to contact us online please use our enquiry form

Meet the team that can help you today

The Team
The Team
The Team
The Team

View the team

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY DEBT SECURED UPON IT.


Navigation

Our Terms

Our charges are based on the complexity of your individual circumstances. We will provide you with a free initial consultation and we will always explain what you will be charged before you decide to proceed with an application.

As we offer a personalised service our fees can vary but they are only charged to you once we have undertaken the agreed work. We are a credit broker, not a lender.

Typically we charge an application fee of £295, however, this fee is only charged once your mortgage has been agreed in principle with the recommended lender.

Once your mortgage offer is issued we charge a broker fee of £495. If your circumstances are more complex, we may charge a higher fee. Our maximum fee is 2% of the loan value. We may earn a commission from the lender; this amount varies between lenders.

These fees apply to regulated mortgages. Certain mortgages, primarily most buy to let and commercial mortgages, are not regulated. Fees for non-regulated mortgages can vary depending on your requirements and circumstances.

Contact details

​0800 901 903

info@blueberrymortgages.co.uk

Head Office:
Blueberry Mortgages
5A Widcombe Street
Poundbury
Dorchester
DT1 3BS

Connect   Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn
Blueberry Mortgages is a trading style of Blueberry Wealth Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, our FCA registration number is 626661. Blueberry Wealth Limited is registered at Companies House, our company number is 08722345, our registered office address is 5A Widcombe Street, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 3BS. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some investment mortgage contracts. Calls may be recorded for training and compliance purposes © Blueberry Mortgages. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy.