FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Follow our blog for regular updates about the equity release industry, news and useful information.
What does the new ERC report say?
A new independent report which was commissioned by the Equity [...]
Equity Release to free up cash for homeowners over 55
For many people in the current financial climate, the cost [...]
Inheritance Tax and Equity Release
How much is Inheritance Tax, when do we pay it [...]
Managing your personal finances as a couple
Open conversations about finances can be very difficult in relationships. [...]
All you need to know about Lasting Powers of Attorney
The Equity Release Council previously hosted a series of webinars [...]
What happens to Inheritance tax when you release equity from your home?
Talking about money and inheritance is definitely not considered something [...]
Top tips on how to better manage your personal finances in 2023
If you are nearing retirement age, it is good to [...]
The Equity Release Market in 2023
As we enter 2023 in the midst of a recession [...]
Access Equity Release – “Equity Release Adviser of the Year 2022″
We are so pleased to announce that Access Equity Release [...]
Equity release customers withdraw more than seven years of pension income from homes
If you're just starting your retirement , equity release can be a great way of topping up your income. Find out more.
How does equity release affect benefits?
There is a lot to consider before you decide to take out an equity release plan and one of the factors is how it may affect any benefits you receive.
Interest rate rises and equity release
If you’ve been researching equity release products we’re sure you will have noticed there is a wide range in interest rates right now. Even more reason to seek expert advice...
Equity release consultation: What questions should you ask your adviser?
When you begin the process of looking for the right equity release product for you and your financial situation, always check that the provider is a member of the Equity Release Council (ERC).
Can I do equity release if I am an expat?
Living the expat life can bring you the best of both worlds, but sometimes you need quick cash for life unexpected situations. Equity release is an excellent way to find quick cash, but there are certain conditions that must be met.
How can equity release help with the increased cost of living?
As many people start to tighten their belts to ride out these tough economic times, they may be looking at other ways of funding their lifestyle or paying the bills. More and more property owners are releasing equity from their homes to do this.
Key questions to ask before taking out equity release
Releasing equity from your home is a big decision and one you should discuss with a qualified adviser and the people closest to you. We look at key questions to ask.
What standards do equity release products have to adhere to?
When you begin the process of looking for the right equity release product for you and your financial situation, always check that the provider is a member of the Equity Release Council (ERC).
Access Equity Release’s top tips for energy proofing your home
At Access Equity Release, we speak to homeowners on a daily basis and we wanted to give some tips on what you can do to reduce the impact of the rise in the cost of energy.
Is it time to switch equity release plans?
The equity release industry is changing all of the time, so switching your equity release plan to a more competitive deal could save you thousands of pounds.
Can I use equity release for a funeral plan?
Having a prepaid funeral plan is becoming more popular as the cost of funerals rises. Organising it and paying for your funeral in advance means you’re paying today’s price.
New penalty free partial repayments on lifetime mortgages introduced
Equity release customers who take out lifetime mortgages will be able to shrink the size of their loans further after the Equity Release Council (ERC) introduced a penalty-free partial repayments guarantee.
Why do people release equity?
Your home is usually your biggest asset so equity release can be a good way to free up money for projects ranging from gifting money to family.
Can I lose my house if I take out equity release?
Can I lose my home if I release equity? This is a common question. We explain the No Negative Equity Guarantee and the difference between a Lifetime Mortgage and Home Reversion Plans.
Why are so many people releasing equity from their homes?
With an increase in the number of people releasing equity from their homes, we examine the ERC figures and the reasons why people are taking equity release advice.
Should you Release Equity in 2022? What you need to know
As more people are predicted to consider using equity release in 2022, we explain the things you need to consider with a qualified equity release adviser. Is equity release right for you? What are your options?
Can I do equity release on a leasehold property?
Can you release equity from a leasehold property? It is possible to release equity from a leasehold property but there will be specific questions that lenders will have about the length and terms of the lease. An equity release adviser can go through the criteria with you.
How does equity release get repaid?
Equity release is a loan that is repaid after the last homeowner dies or moves into long-term care. However there are various ways in which the repayment can be made. An equity release adviser can go through the options with you.
Does Equity Release affect Care Costs?
How does equity release affect care costs? This blog is a useful guide to help you understand the implications of equity release on care costs and what you need to do to ensure that show that you released equity for legitimate reasons.
Can I release equity if I already have a mortgage?
You may want to consider equity release to repay your mortgage once you reach the age of 55 or over using a lifetime mortgage. It may be possible release enough money to spend on other things too such as home improvements, travel or perhaps a reliable new car.
How can I use the money I release from my home?
People release equity from their homes for many different reasons. From paying off debts to helping loved ones financially, equity release is an option to think about for homeowners aged 55 and over.
Can I release equity if I am in debt?
Repaying debts is one reason why some people choose to release equity from their home after the age of 55. You can release equity if you have debts. This blog from Access Equity Release explains more.
Releasing Equity for Home Improvements in 2021 – what you need to know
One of the most popular reasons to release equity from property is to make home improvements and renovations. Here’s what you should consider if you would like to renovate your home using cash from equity release.
Equity release in 2021: Key facts and figures
Looking to release tax-free capital to use later in life? We’ve summarised The ERC’s key findings from their Autumn 2021 report to help make unprecedented amounts of tax-free capital.
What is a Retirement Interest Only mortgage?
A Retirement Only mortgage can be a good alternative option for homeowners aged over 55. It is very similar to a standard interest-only mortgage but is often easier for pensioners to apply for.
Can you do equity release twice?
It's possible to do equity release twice but it depends on the terms of your existing lifetime mortgage and balance. A lender will look at your age, health and the value of the property to make a decision on whether extra funds can be released.
What happens to my Equity Release plan when I die?
In most circumstances, repayment of the loan happens through the sale of your home when you die or enter permanent long-term care. We explain more in this blog post.
Can I release equity if I’m aged under 55?
So unfortunately whilst you can not apply for equity release if you under 55, we look at some of the other ways to release the equity in your home.
Interested in equity release but worried about its regulation? Let us put your mind at ease.
This blog looks into how the industry as a whole is regulated, including an explanation of The Financial Conduct Authority and The Equity Release Council.
Can I ever be too old for equity release?
Some traditional mortgage companies may be reluctant to lend to over 60s if there are concerns about income or credit-worthiness. However, there are many firms, like Access Equity Release, which cater specifically for this age demographic.
Is equity release a good idea in 2021?
The Equity Release Council (ERC) states that property is the single biggest source of household wealth for over-75s in the UK at over £775bn. Now could be a great time to release equity.
Interest rates and equity release
An adviser will be able to tell you which is the best option for you but right now, interest rates are at some of the lowest levels they’ve ever been. Depending on your circumstances some may even offer less than 3%.
Why do I need a solicitor for equity release?
One of the standards set out by the Equity Release Council (ERC) is that all potential customers have at least one face-to-face meeting with an independent solicitor. Legal advice is crucial to making sure you fully understand the equity release plan.
What are the alternatives to equity release?
There are many benefits of equity release and why it can be the right decision for some people. There are other options you might want to consider before choosing to release cash from the value of your largest asset.
What are the pitfalls of equity release?
If you have owned your home for a number of years then you are likely to have benefited from house price increases over the years. Releasing this equity will allow you to use this money for retirement plans or to pay off other debts.
Equity Release planning for later life finances
Equity release planning for later life finances makes sense for homeowners aged 55 or over. This does not mean you will release equity from your home, but you might want to consider your options.
Equity release figures update from Equity Release Council 2021
Equity release trends and statistics show us how many people are releasing equity, how they are releasing it and more.
What is the role of an equity release adviser?
If you are considering an equity release product we always recommend that you talk to one of our qualified advisers first. They will be happy to discuss your needs and help you make a decision about whether equity release is right for you.
How much is my house worth?
If you are considering releasing equity from your home it is important to know the value of your home first, then you can begin calculating how much cash could be available. However, we do have some tips which could help.
Referral partners for Equity Release – Work with Access Equity Release
A mortgage adviser might believe that advice on equity release is appropriate for their client but they are not qualified to provide specialist advice themselves.
What are the typical equity release costs?
It's important to remember that just like with regular mortgages, there'll be costs to pay when releasing equity from your home. In this article, we look at the typical costs you can expect.
Is equity release safe?
It is a big financial commitment and deciding to purchase an equity release product should not be considered lightly. Everyone’s circumstances are different and what’s right for you may not be right for someone else.
Can I move house if I have taken out equity release?
It is common for people over 55 to decide to downsize or move to a more suitable property. A standard equity release product should allow you to move house and transfer your mortgage to a new property.
Does equity release affect my Pension Credit?
We have outlined in our other blogs the types of [...]
How long does equity release take?
The time it takes to apply for equity release will [...]
Can I release equity to pay off debt?
Many people who release equity from their homes are doing so to pay off their mortgage or to consolidate unsecured debts. It can be a great way to sort your finances as you enter retirement.
What is the difference between a lifetime mortgage and equity release?
Equity release allows you to access your property’s value for more cash when you retire. You can benefit from the capital your home holds without having to sell your home and move.
Do I own my own home with equity release?
We have outlined in other Access Equity Release blogs the [...]
Safety and Welfare Policy – July 2020
During client visits amidst the ongoing COVID 19 outbreak, we [...]
Equity Release figures Q4 2019
The latest figures from the Equity Release Council (ERC) show that, after several years of consistently steady growth, equity release lending volumes remained similar in 2019 compared to the previous year.
What is a lifetime mortgage?
With a lifetime mortgage, you take out a loan secured [...]
Mortgage Solutions Equity Release Awards Finalists
The Access Equity Release team had a great time at [...]
ACCESS EQUITY RELEASE WINS EQUITY RELEASE ADVISER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2019 – MONEYFACTS
We’re delighted to announce that Access Equity Release has won the title of “Equity Release Adviser of the Year 2019” at the MoneyFacts Investment Life and Pensions Awards.
How to Release Equity From Your Home?
Are you interested in equity release but not completely sure [...]
How Can A Lifetime Mortgage Help You in Retirement?
As life expectancy in the UK continues to increase, considerations [...]
How to Choose Your Equity Release Adviser?
If you are keen to investigate equity release, how to [...]
The Bank of Gran and Grandad
The Bank of Mum and Dad is well known for [...]
How Safe Is Equity Release?
Releasing equity in your home is a major financial decision. [...]
Greater Choice in Equity Release Means Greater Need for Quality Advice
Demand for equity release is growing and the number of [...]
The Differences Between A Lifetime Mortgage and Lifetime Lease
Awareness of equity release is growing as more and more [...]
Health Tips As We Age – For Retirement and Beyond
Staying fit and healthy changes as we age and this [...]
Making the Most of your Retirement Using Equity Release – A Case Study
“At last I can use my pension for living, and [...]
We Need More Women in Equity Release – how do we do it?
For International Women's Day, Associate Director Amy Stromanis writes about [...]
How to Declutter Your Home for Retirement
We Brits love our homes. They are our castles, as [...]
From Sweet Sixteen to Seventy – How Happiness Varies As We Age
From Sweet Sixteen To Seventy, How Happiness Varies As We [...]
Later Life and Retirement – Funding The Best Years Of Our Lives
Why We Support the #LaterYearsAreGreatYears Campaign Whilst researching for [...]
Should Property Wealth be Included in Pensions Dashboard?
The Equity Release Council has called for property wealth to [...]
How Much Does Equity Release Cost?
What are the costs of equity release? As equity release [...]
Home Improvement Tips for Retirement – Outdoor Spaces
One of the most popular reasons for people to release [...]
New Home Using Equity Release – A Case Study
Some people are surprised to learn that you can use [...]
Government Backs Committee Recommendation to Support Equity Release
It is great news that awareness of the potential benefits [...]
Number of People Aged 85 Expected to Double by 2035
The Newcastle University’s Institute for Ageing has published a report, [...]
Bank of Mum and Dad and Equity Release
Would you release equity from your own home to help [...]
Lifetime Mortgages and Care in Later Life
It is becoming a fact of life that many of [...]
My Parents Want to Release Equity – Should I be Worried?
Equity Release and Your Parents Equity release is financial tool [...]
A Guide to Buying A Second Home Using Equity Release
Did you know that you can use equity release to [...]
Access Equity Release in Mortgage Strategy Magazine
Access Equity Release Director, Dominik Lipnicki, has been talking to [...]
7 Popular Reasons Why People Choose Equity Release – Some of Them May Surprise You!
Equity Release: 7 popular reasons why people release wealth tied [...]
Equity Release Myth Buster
Why do so many myths persist about equity release? Fact [...]
FIND OUT MORE
If you would like to know more about equity release then please get in touch.