Latest News

Equity Release Schemes and Divorce: Get the Right Advice!

By Marc Greggs - 5th December 2013

There is an increasing trend of people in their later life in that more couples are deciding to divorce, and equity release may provide a solution to the potential financial issues which are associated with separating. The New Divorce Trend It appears that many people having lived together but enjoyed separate lives for years find retirement a catalyst for making changes in their relationship. Many experts theorise that it is the thought of the increasing amounts of social time which...

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Is the Interest Only Lifetime Mortgage the Best Type of Equity Release Scheme?

By Marc Greggs - 5th December 2013

For many people considering equity release schemes, an interest only lifetime mortgage may seem to be the best type of product. However, it is not automatically the best possible scheme to suit your needs. The best possible deal should be the one which is most appropriate to your circumstances and needs. The Difference Between a Roll up and Interest Only Lifetime Mortgage The primary difference between a roll up and an interest only lifetime mortgage is that the customers are...

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What Safeguards Are in Place for the Consumer?

By Marc Greggs - 5th December 2013

Many people considering a large financial decision such as equity release can be concerned about the consumer safeguards in place to ensure that they are protected. The equity release industry is actually highly regulated and represents some of the most regulated of all the financial products in the UK. There are a number of consumer safeguards which have been established to ensure that consumers benefit from safe and reliable financial products. These consumer safeguards include: 1. All advisors must be...

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How Do I Check Whether My Equity Release Advisor is Trustworthy?

By Marc Greggs - 5th December 2013

When considering equity release, many people are aware that they need an independent financial advisor but a great number of people worry about whether they can fully trust the person who is providing them with important financial advice. Many people are concerned by this and wonder if it is possible to check whether their equity release advisor is trustworthy or not. There are a number of routes which can be taken to ensure that your independent financial advisor is trustworthy....

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What Qualifications Should My Equity Release Consultant Have?

By Marc Greggs - 5th December 2013

Equity release schemes are a range of financial products which offer the opportunity for home owners to release the equity which is tied up in their property without the need to move home. Unlike conventional mortgage products, these schemes do not have a fixed term specified and include a provision for the client to remain in the home for the rest of their lives. However, since this is a very specialised area of financial services, any consultant must have the...

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The Equity Release Council Code of Conduct

By Marc Greggs - 5th December 2013

For any people considering equity release, you may have heard the term Equity Release Council, but be unfamiliar with who they are and how they can affect you. The Equity Release Council is a trade body especially established for the equity release industry. It was developed as an expansion of the Safe Home Income Plans (SHIP) guidelines and aims to provide consumer protection by representing providers, advisors, surveyors and legal representatives associated with equity release. What is the Safe Home...

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Can I Go Direct to the Lender and Apply for Equity Release?

By Marc Greggs - 5th December 2013

For many people considering equity release schemes, there is a temptation to attempt to release equity by going direct to the providers. You may have carefully considered your options, be convinced that you have found the right deal and want to save on costly advisor fees. However, it is not possible to approach providers direct and there are a number of reasons why. FCA Regulation The Financial Conduct Authority class any equity release products or schemes as a “high risk”...

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Where to Turn for Professional Equity Release Advice

By Marc Greggs - 5th December 2013

For many people considering equity release, the prospect can be a little daunting. With so many different products and services, it can be very important to ensure that you have secured the best possible professional equity release advice. While there are a great number of brokers to choose from, it need not be overwhelming to find a specialist offering good quality equity release advice. How to find Professional Equity Release Advice There are a great many brokers advertising locally and...

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Advise Your Equity Release Advisor

By Marc Greggs - 5th December 2013

Contemplating equity release can be a little overwhelming. Many people recognise that equity release is heavily regulated and you should consult with a qualified equity release advisor in order to proceed. However, it is important that you recognise that it is a joint decision and you will need to consider your options carefully before making your final decision. Your Advisor Your advisor will base many of their recommendations on the information gathered in their factfind. However, this information will be...

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How Does My Advisor Assess Which Are the Best Equity Release Schemes?

By Marc Greggs - 5th December 2013

For many people whether they can have access to the best equity release schemes seriously affects whether or not they should proceed. Of course, everyone is interested in the best possible products for their circumstances. However, by understanding the equity release advisory system, you can understand exactly how the advisor will assess the products which are likely to be the best possible solution for you. Why You Need an Advisor The equity release industry is heavily regulated to provide maximum...

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