Many people approach retirement owning a family home and want to benefit from the cash tied up in what’s probably their biggest asset. For some, the thought of downsizing and moving in later life to release cash is too daunting to contemplate. An equity release plan allows you to turn some of the capital value of your home into cash, without having to sell up and move away.
For those reaching retirement, equity release continues to be a way to top up their income, carry out home improvements, have a holiday of a lifetime, or pass on capital to other family members. In 2017, more than £3bn was released, according to figures from the Equity Release Council.
Lifetime mortgages – a type of equity release – have a seen a major surge in popularity amongst older homeowners, and have become the fastest-growing sector of the mortgage market.
Independent professional advice is essential; equity release isn’t the right solution for everyone. Releasing cash from your home reduces the value of your estate and the amount of inheritance you leave, so you should discuss it with your family.
Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Equity released from your home will be secured against it.