Equity Release is a way of unlocking an element of the value of your home to provide you with a lump sum or an income.

There are many reasons why people consider releasing equity from their home. For some people, it enables them to boost their retirement income without the need to downsize, for others it pays for important home improvements.

Equity Release is subject to certain eligibility guidelines, and is normally only available to homeowners over the age of 55.

There are currently two main types of Equity Release on the market:

• Lifetime Mortgages – a loan secured against your home. The interest is normally added to what you have borrowed and builds year on year for as long as you own the property. The loan and interest are repaid from the sale proceeds of the property when it is sold, usually either after your lifetime, or if you move permanently into care.
• Home Reversion Plans – sale of all or part of your property in exchange for a lump sum, combined with a formal lease entitling you to remain in your home for your lifetime.

Whatever your reasons, seeking independent, objective advice is an essential step in ensuring that you make the right choices.

How we work

We offer an initial meeting at our expense to discuss your circumstances. We are accustomed to meeting with both newly retired clients and clients in later life, and we are happy for you to invite family members and other professional advisers.

We will explore any alternative options open to you to ascertain whether Equity Release is appropriate. We will also discuss the impact of Equity Release on your entitlement to state benefits and grants, the potential impact on your wealth and ability to afford care fees in the future, your taxation position, and the implications for the future should you wish to move home, or on the death of a partner, or on marriage.

Following our initial meeting, should you choose to appoint us, we will work on the basis of a pre-agreed fixed fee to select and recommend the Equity Release which best suits your circumstance and objectives, and provides the best value for money from the open market.

We provide our recommendations in writing to ensure that you have all the necessary information, terms and costs before making a decision. We present our recommendations in person to explain how they will meet your objectives and to answer your questions. Our aim is to provide you with a fair and balanced picture in a way that is simple and easy to understand.

Regulated advice and Code of Conduct

Equity Release is now regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, the Equity Release Council provides a Code of Conduct which members must adhere to.

We only recommend Equity Release providers who are members of the Equity Release Council. This ensures that:

• The legal work required for an Equity Release will be carried out by your choice of solicitor.
• You will have the right to remain in your property for your lifetime provided it remains your main residence.
• You will have a 'no negative equity guarantee', i.e. you will never owe more than the value of your home.

Specialist expertise

Equity Release is a specialist area of advice. Our team's qualifications include the following:

• Chartered Financial Planner
• Certified Financial Planner
• Accredited Member of the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA)
• Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
• Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice
• The Chartered Insurance Institute's Advanced Financial Planning Certificate including the following specialist subjects: Pensions, Equity Release and Care Fees Planning