Is Equity Release Safe?

I think you´ll agree with me when I say… 

The safety of any product is paramount. No one wants a financial product that does not serve his/her interests.

That said, equity release has its parameters that make it an excellent option in the right circumstances.

By checking out this straightforward guide, you can find out how sure equity release is and decide whether you should take out a plan or not.

Make Your Retirement Comfortable with Equity Release

Ever since a disastrous period in the late 1980s and early 1990s when most equity release schemes were unregulated, it has suffered from suspicion and distrust among homeowners.

Most people were terrified of taking out these plans. However, with various bodies in play today and with updated financial plans, things are now different.

Reasons Why Equity Release Is More Secure Today

Although equity release is one of the most popular financial product in the market right now, there are still various concerns around it, which makes some people asking: how safe is equity release?

Well, here are some of the few reasons why equity release is considered to be better than in the past and can be the best decision you can make this year.

#01. The Financial Conduct Authority Regulates It

FCA is the official financial products watchdog, oversees and regulator in the UK.

What does it do?

The trade agency authorises the lenders, brokers and financial advisers who deal in offering equity release services.

It also ensures that these lenders are following the stipulated codes of conduct.

Moreover, with FCA in play, it means you have adequate and appropriate protections in place.

#02. The Equity Release Council

The ERC is the equity governing body,and thus it insists that its members heed to a strict code of conduct designed to guard consumers.

Some of these safeguards include:

• Every consumer should receive financial and legal advice
• All equity release products must have a ‘no negative equity guarantee’ – your loved ones will not have to payback the excess of the value was when you took out the plan
• You have the right to reside in your home for life
• If you want to take out the equity from your home, you have to have at least one or two face-to-face meetings with an independent solicitor

Therefore if you choose to take out an equity release plan, ensure that your plan provider is a registered member of the Equity Release Council.

#03. Your Family Will not be Buried in Debt

If you want to take out a lifetime mortgage with an approved equity release provider, you are most likely to benefit from the no negative equity guarantee.

The ‘no negative scheme’ was set to protect you. It allows you not ever to owe more than the value of your property – and you won’t you saddle your kin with any debt. Thus, if that was something you were troubled about, you need not worry.

Even when your residence decreases in value significantly and putting it up for sale wasn’t enough to pay back your loan entirely, your lender will write it off when you breathe your last or move into long term care.

#04. You Have the Right to Remain in Your Residence

If you have no clue about the perks that come with equity release, you probably think that you sell the rights to live your home after unlocking the equity.

However, with a lifetime mortgage, you get to reside in your home. You won’t have to sell any part of your property to unlock the capital you require– you’ll be borrowing against the equity since a lifetime mortgage is a debt against it.

Therefore, you can continue residing and owning your home.

Moreover, as per ERC’s rules, when you decide to unlock the equity from your property, if it is a joint partnership, you are assured to remain the sole proprietor until you both die, or you both go into permanent care.

#05. You Can Move House

Most people believe that taking out an equity release plan means being tied up to your current estate forever. Well, that’s not the case. If you want to move houses, you can do so.

The ERC offers you the right to take your equity release plan with you, as long as you’re relocating to a ‘suitable alternative estate’ – a place that meets the lending rule of your plan provider. It’s worth keeping in mind that if you were to move to a less expensive home, you might have to payback some of the amounts you owe, depending on your lender.

#06. You Must Consult an Advisor

As per the ERC’s regulations, you must receive advice from a suitably qualified professional before heading on to take out a plan.

Your adviser must also have taken special qualifications to become an equity release consultant, and if you’re unsure that he/she is qualified, the Equity Release Council has a member’s directory on its website where you can confirm this.

#07. You May Hand an Inheritance

Since you repay equity release plans (plus the interest) when your plan provider sells your home, it means your whole estate will not be an inheritance.

However, if there’s anything left over after everything’s been paid off, that can go to your heirs (as per your will).

If you, however, want to guarantee an inheritance for your family, your provider can offer you a particular option where you can choose to ring-fence some of the value of your estate. You only have to ensure that you let your adviser know, so they can find an equity release plan that suits your needs.

The Flexibility of Equity Release

Unlike the traditional mortgages, equity release plans provide you with peace of mind. Most of the schemes don’t require you to make any repayments and, as such, you cannot get into arrears, default or have your property repossessed for non-payment.

As the equity release market continues growing and with more products coming up every day, most providers give you plans with greater choices. They are:

• Schemes with fixed rate for life, meaning you’ll always know how much you will have to payback in the future
• Fixed early repayment charges, you‘ll be aware of the exact penalty, if you wish to repay your plan early
• Schemes permitting you to make ad-hoc voluntary payments which in the long run aid you in managing your future balance
• Downsizing protection elements make sure you can repay your equity release scheme, no fine, if you move home after five years from the inception of the plan

Equity release can be a great option in the right situation. However, before making any final decisions, it’s imperative that you make sure you understand what’s involved and whether equity release is right for you.

With that in mind, you should always ensure that you seek advice from an independent adviser, who will talk you through the details, thus helping you make an informed resolution.

If you have any questions on the safety, eligibility and workings of this, be sure to click here not only to see how much equity you can release but also to chat with an expert.

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