Know these equity release facts will prevent you from being fooled by fiction!
More and more homeowners over 55 are using equity release to unlock the cash tied into their estate every year. However, entering into an equity release plan without the right knowledge could be detrimental to your finances.
AND, If you’re not aware of all the facts, you could miss out on golden equity release opportunities.
We’re here to help you discover:
- Intricate details of the equity release market.
- How to get the most from your equity release plan.
- If releasing equity is the best way to fund retirement.
- If equity release is safe for retirees and their families.
Through extensive market research and combing over 220 plans, we’ve put together the 5 equity release facts that you need to know.
Are you wondering what these are? Continue reading to find out now!
What You MUST Know
Before you do so, first check out this quick video that summarises what you need to know about equity release:
5 Things You Might Not Know About Equity Release
So by now, you should understand what’s equity release, and are looking for all the facts.
Here are the 5 most critical facts to consider before releasing equity from your home:
1. You Can Make Multiple Withdrawals With Equity Release
While you can release your cash in one big lump sum, you don’t have to!
You can release equity in 3 ways:
- A single lump sum, generally to fund a big project, an investment, or pay for your dream holiday.
- A few smaller lump sums, should you wish to have a few large cash injections over a period of time.
- Monthly payments that will function like a salary. You can take out one initial amount, followed by these smaller monthly payments.
You can read more about: The Common Myths Told About Equity Release
2. You Can Pay Back the Interest on Your Loan
One of the biggest pros of releasing equity from your home is that there is zero obligation to pay back any of the loan, or interest, during your lifetime.
Equity release interest is compound which means that the debt gradually increases with time.
Know more about: How Interest Rates Work With Equity Release
While there’s indeed no obligation, should you wish to, some products allow you to pay back the interest, or the debt, in monthly instalments or a lump sum. By doing so, you decrease the amount owed when you pass away or when you need to move into permanent care.
Why’s this good?
By reducing the amount owed on your equity release, your family will pay less from the sale of your home and, in turn, could receive a larger inheritance.
Find out more regarding: Getting the Right Advice for Your Needs
3. Most Equity Release Products Have a ‘No Negative Equity Gaurantee’
A ‘no negative equity guarantee’ has been set by the Equity Release Council to ensure that your family is not left with equity release debt when you pass away or move into permanent care.
In a nutshell, the guarantee ensures that any additional funds owed from your equity release will be written off if they exceed the resale value of your home, even if property prices plummet.
Basically, if your house is sold and the loan, plus interest, exceeds the sale price, nothing further will be owed. If, however, there are leftover funds after the loan, plus interest, is covered, this income will go to your heirs.
Check out: How Equity Release Can Help You Leave a Legacy Whilst You Are Still Alive
The Equity Release Council is the body that regulates the equity release market. It’s vital when looking to release equity from your home to avoid any companies that are not members of the council.
4. You Have the Right to Stay In Your Home
According to the rules set out by the Equity Release Council, you have the right to stay in your home throughout the course of your equity release plan.
Isn’t that fantastic?
In other words, whether you go with a lifetime mortgage or a home reversion scheme, you will be allowed to live in your house until you die or move into permanent care.
5. You Don’t Have to Own Your Home Outright to Be Eligible for Equity Release
Great news!
You can still take out an equity release plan even if you have a remaining mortgage. This might just reduce the amount that you can access.
In addition, most lenders will expect you to use the funds you receive to pay off your mortgage, giving you the remaining equity to spend as you wish.
Check out: Common Requirements When Taking Out an Equity Release Loan
Got Questions About the Equity Release Facts? Check These Out First!
Can You Lose Your House with Equity Release?
Can Equity Release be Paid Back?
Do I Pay Tax on Equity Release?
In Conclusion
After learning these facts, are you still wondering: “is equity release a good idea?” The short answer is yes!
Equity release can be an excellent financial plan to provide UK residents over 55 a stress-free retirement if done right.
If you or your family are considering equity release, you must think carefully, weigh up all the pros and cons, and discover the pitfalls before making your final decision!
