Are you considering joining the over 10,000 Brits who’ve released equity in 2021? If you don’t know the latest equity release interest news, you could end up locked in a plan with unnecessarily high rates!
The question is, why are low rates so important?
As experts in the equity release sector, we’ve reviewed over 220 equity release schemes and will help you discover:
- The lowest equity release interest rates currently on the market, and how these compare to rates of years prior.
- Whether or not you’re paying more than you need to with your current equity release plan.
- Why low interest rates are so important for you and your family.
- What factors will impact the rates you get for your new plan.
The great news is that equity release interest rates hit an unprecedented all-time low in 2021. If not careful, you could be sold a plan at higher rates, meaning that a greater portion of your home will go to your lender when you die.
Imagine how much money you could be saving right now. Let’s find out!
What Are the 2021 Equity Release Interest rates?
In 2019, £3.4bn in cash was unlocked through equity release, but all those people are likely paying too much compound interest on their plans. In fact, this is the case for anyone who released equity before 2020.
These days, more than 50% of competitors in the equity release field are offering rates below 4%, while some others, as low as 3%. This means that releasing equity from your home is becoming a much more lucrative retirement option for people over 55. 2021 is seeing an even further increase, with rates as low as 2.3%! This is a significant reduction to rates 5 years ago that was sitting over the 6% mark.
Why are these low equity release interest rates so important?
With a lifetime mortgage, for example, the most popular type of equity release, there will be less compound interest, thus increasing the value of your estate once you have passed away or moved into permanent care.
When looking at equity release products in 2021, you should look for interests below 4%, as these are considered excellent.
Check out these current interest rates as proof that equity release interest rates are lower than ever:
Current Interest Rates Table
| Lender | Monthly Equivalent Rate (MER) | Annual Equivalent Rate (AER) |
| Pure Retirement | 2.76% | 2.80% |
| More 2 Life | 2.76% | 2.80% |
| Pure Retirement | 2.78% | 2.82% |
What Interest Rates Am I Likely to Achieve?
If you are looking to see the interest rates you are likely to achieve, we have helped you by created 3 case studies of different examples. You can also use our Equity Release Calculator Over 55 to see how much cash you can unlock.
Case Study 1: Couple Aged 71 and 77
- Property Value: £550 000
- Property Type: House
The Recommended Plan
- Lender Aviva
- Release Approximately £203 500
- Interest Rates: Roughly 3.50% MER (3.56% AER)
- Lender Fees: £0 upfront & £5 on completion
Case Study 2: Single Retiree Aged 62
- Property Value: £650 000
- Client Information: The client lives in a house and has severe health concerns
The Recommended Plan
- Lender: more2life
- Release Approximately: £331 500
- Interest Rates: Roughly 3.12% MER (3.16% AER)
- Lender Fees: £0 upfront & £0 on completion
Case Study 3: Couple aged 76 and 82
Property Value: £250 000.00
Client Information: The client lives in a flat and is of average health.
The Recommended Plan
- Lender: Just.
- Release: £123 750 + £6 188 cashback
- Interest Rates: 5.60% MER (5.75% AER)
- Lender Fees: £0 upfront & £0 completion
What You MUST Know About Equity Release
Before you continue reading, check this out! We’ve summed up the most important information about equity release in this quick video:
Best Equity Release Rates
Are you wondering what the best rates are RIGHT NOW, in 2021? Let’s look at some of the top Equity Release Council members and what their lowest rates are:
Pure Retirement 2.32%
Legal & General 2.3%
More 2 Life 2.9%
Aviva 3.3%
In addition to low rates, you must always look at the key features that these providers offer. For example, pure retirement offers a 10% per annum partial repayment option, Legal & General gives you a free valuation, More 2 Life has an amazing downsizing repayment charge exemption, and Aviva doesn’t have early repayment charges for the first 3 years of your plan.
In addition to low rates, these features can help to lower your initial setup expenses significantly.
5 Important Aspects That Affect Interest Rates
Interest rates will differ from one individual to another. As a result, you must speak to a financial adviser who will help you get the best 2021 rates available.
Check out these 5 aspects that will affect your interest rates!
Requested Loan to Value
The amounts you require to borrow has a massive impact on the interest rate percentage of your property. Generally speaking, the closer to the maximum available to you that you choose to release, the higher the interest rate will be.
Product Features
It’s essential to check out the different product underwriting and features of the various plans. Equity release plans with extra features, such as a reserve facility or inheritance protection, allows you to pay a premium for this and comes with an increased interest rate.
Lending criteria might also impact the market that is available to you. In other words, you will need to find a lender who approves your property, and this one may have higher interest rates.
It is important to note that specific lenders charge additional fees like completion fees, which will affect your interest rate. Ask your financial adviser to find the plan for you that combines the best interest rates and lowest fees to suit your requirements and help you pay as little as possible.
Your Age
While your age doesn’t directly affect the interest rate available for you, it is essential to note that it does impact the maximum amount you are permitted to borrow. The general rule is that the interest rate will increase when you borrow closer to the total amount available. If less is available, you might need to take it all, hence increasing your interest rate.
Your Marital Status
It is interesting to learn that specific lenders will not release equity to you as an individual if you are part of a couple. You might have to take out a joint equity release. In such cases, equity release providers will consider the age of the youngest applicant when working out the amount you can borrow and the rates available to you.
Check out your options, as in some cases, you can get a lower interest rate or more cash released by applying in one name.
Your Credit History
In addition, it’s vital to note that your credit history is considered when releasing equity from your home. This can impact the plans available to you and subsequent interest rates.
The great news is that if a County Court Judgment (CCJ) has previously been issued against you, or you have been declared insolvent in the past, you can still qualify for an equity release scheme. In addition, some lenders offer you the opportunity to use the Equity Release to repay your debts.
On the downside, should you have a bad credit rating, some of the plans with the best interest rates in the market might not be available for you.
AER vs MER – What’s the Difference?
Interest rates are quoted in 2 ways:
MER: Monthly Equivalent Rate
These rates are added over a year but divided monthly. The MER generally works out to be lower than the AER.
AER: Annual Equivalent Rate
AER, on the other hand, refers to interest rates that are added over one year.
Here’s why!
With lifetime mortgages, you are generally not obligated to make monthly payments. Instead, your loan balance will just be increased monthly, paid off when you pass away or move into permanent care.
Fixed vs Variable Interest Rates
Most equity release plans in 2021 come with a fixed interest rate. Simply put, it means that you will know exactly how much interest you will pay for the plan’s lifetime.
Variable rates for lifetime mortgages, on the other hand, are very similar to residential mortgages. They are typically linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for lifetime mortgage plans.
It is wise to select an equity release plan with fixed rates as they are usually lower and offer complete certainty.
Great news!
Lifetime mortgage interest rates are at an all-time low in 2021.
How Interest Rates Have Changed Over Time
There are many competitive deals on the equity release market, with interest rates being all-time low. This can be a stressful process for retirees. It is wise to consult a financial adviser who can help you find the best plan for you. They have insight into a network of lenders and work to monitor the fluctuating interest rates and changes in plan policies, giving you expert advice that you can trust.
In the past few years, plans with higher interest rates have generally stayed comparable, but lower ones have dropped significantly in 2021. In general, rates have decreased overall.
There is talk that 2021 might be the time to release equity as the rates being so low means that they could start to increase soon.
Do you already have an equity release plan? Perhaps speak to your financial adviser to see if you can switch to a plan with a lower interest rate!
Does Bad Credit Affect Your Equity Release Interest Rates?
Having bad credit will, generally, not stop you from qualifying for equity release. On the downside, this does mean that you likely won’t have access to lenders with the lowest interest rates.
Your credit history is assessed by the lender you go with. In the case of some providers, you may have to pay a higher interest rate if you were declared insolvent in the past.
Equity release is sometimes used to pay off debts, including your current mortgage. You can do so and then release the rest of the funds for use. Some lenders will accommodate this. These options tend to have less stringent lending criteria.
Your financial adviser will help you find lenders who accept homeowners with bad credit, and help you find ones with the best rates.
Got Questions About Interest Rates? Check These Out First
How Much Interest Do You Pay Back On Equity Release?
What's The Typical Interest Rate On Equity Release?
How’s Interest Computed on Equity Release?
What's The Current Interest Rate For Equity Release?
In Conclusion
2021 is the BEST time to choose an equity release! With the interest rate being at its all-time low, you’ll see property growth and have the opportunity to release equity, meaning that you can retire comfortably.
When releasing equity, it’s tempting to focus on the immediate boost you will get from the money you unlock, but you need to look at how it will affect your future choices and financial situation in later life. You can get a better idea of a realistic quote with our equity release calculator.
Before you embark on the journey to taking out equity from your home, you must seek professional independent advice. A financial adviser will talk you through the specifics – including how much equity release will cost you – so you can find whether it’s the right option for you.
