Equity Release

What is equity release?

Equity release allows homeowners aged 55 and over to access some of the value tied up in their property without needing to move home.

If you have built up equity in your property, you may be able to release part of this value as a tax-free lump sum, regular income, or a combination of both, while continuing to live there.

This can help support your retirement plans, whether that means:

• supplementing your retirement income
• funding home improvements
• helping family members financially
• repaying existing debts
• improving your quality of life in later years

What is home equity?

Your home’s “equity” is the difference between the market value of your house and the amount still owed on the mortgage, or any unsecured loans. If the amount owed is higher than the market value of the property than then you have negative equity. However, if the market value is higher than what’s owed you have positive equity. If this is the case then through an Equity Release Plan you could raise money from the value of your home by ‘releasing’ this positive equity in cash which would otherwise by tied up in your home unless you sold.

How does equity release work? Equity Release Plans (Lifetime mortgages)

Equity Release plans, otherwise known as Lifetime Mortgages, (we do not undertake home reversion schemes), can provide you with a lump sum, or a regular income depending upon your needs. This is a long term loan which is secured against your home.

The loan, plus any interest, is usually repaid when:

• the last homeowner passes away, or
• the property is sold following a move into long-term care.

There are several different options and types of Equity Release Plans, with different advantages and disadvantages to each, which is why it’s so important to engage a qualified advisor who can help you navigate what’s right for you.

Here at IPFM we’ll carefully talk through your options with you taking into account your priorities, your family and your tax position in order to identify the most suitable solution for your circumstances.

IPFM are regulated by the FCA, meaning we’re able to offer you expert independent advice you can rely upon. We will research the wider market to find a plan that best suits your needs and circumstances.

IPFM’s equity release services include:

• Lifetime Mortgages
• Remortgages

Equity Release (Lifetime mortgages) – This is a lifetime mortgage, to understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration.’

Using equity in your home will affect the amount you are able to leave as an inheritance.  Any means tested state benefits (both current and future) may be affected by any equity released.

Mortgages – Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home, your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.