Success and Challenges of Equity Release
Many people are unaware of what equity release is, but it is becoming a popular option for retirees who want to unlock the value in their home without having to sell. Equity release allows homeowners over 55 years old to use the money from their property’s increased value since purchase as an income stream or lump sum payment.
The equity release market has seen significant growth in the last few years. According to John Lawson, a Partner at sovereignboss, It is becoming a popular way for homeowners to fund their retirement and enjoy more of their free time. But with any decision, there are pros and cons that need to be considered before making a choice.
Pros of Equity Release for Retirement Planning
Equity release is not for everyone, but it can be a great option for those who have enough assets in their home and little income or savings outside of the property. Make sure to calculate the value of your home contents before you make an equity release application.
Why are people increasingly turning to equity release? Here’s a few of the big reasons why:
#01. Tax-Free
If we’re looking for ways to get some extra cash, there’s no better option than taking out an equity release mortgage. All the proceeds would be tax free which is perfect if we have other financial matters on our minds like medical bills. These problems can finally take care of themselves without worrying about the expenses.
#02. No Need To Move Out
With equity release, you can continue to live in your home and there’s no need for downsizing. Equity releases allow people with a mortgage on their house or flat the opportunity to get income from it without moving out of their home. This is because they can sell off part of the value that has been built up over time through monthly instalments until its paid back.
#03. No Negative Equity Guarantee
All Equity Release Council members provides a ‘no negative equity guarantee,’ which ensures that any debt you accrue during equity release will never exceed the property’s value in the future, even after you passed away. This assures you that any debt will never exceed your property’s value, providing peace of mind as well as financial security should something happen before retirement age.
Cons of Equity Release for Retirement Planning
Equity release is a tool that can help homeowners retire from their houses and move to more cost-effective living arrangements. However, there are some disadvantages of equity release as well.
Let’s explore the disadvantages that come with this decision you can make an informed decision about whether equity release is right for you.
#01. May Effect State Benefits
If you’ve ever thought about using equity release to help pay off debt, make home improvements or meet other financial goals, it’s worth checking if the decision could leave your future entitlements in jeopardy. Benefits such as glasses, dental care and council tax discounts are just some of those that might be affected by an application for a plan like this. If these benefits matter to you then think twice before applying.
#02. Penalties
The equity you release with your plan may give you a better chance of achieving the goals that matter to you most. However, there are some things to consider before signing up for an equity release scheme: Penalties. If you terminate the contract early or decide not to move forward at all, penalties could apply.
#03. Estate Value Decreased
We all know that we must make decisions about our estates when they are passed down, but it can be hard. When you decide to release equity from your home, it will reduce the value of your estate and leave less money for those who are set up as beneficiaries. This is a difficult decision because the repercussions vary depending on which beneficiary takes ownership.
Equity release loans are a viable way to fund your retirement. They can be used for buying property, renovating an existing home, or paying off debt. The decision is ultimately yours and you should weigh up the pros and cons before making it. You’ll need to consider any mortgage commitments that you may have as well as other financial matters such as whether there might be inheritance issues in the future.
For those who fear they won’t get decent interest rates on their savings accounts, equity release could offer some peace of mind with low monthly repayments over the lifetime of your loan. When considering equity release as an option to help finance the next phase of life, make sure that you have all the information necessary before making any decisions. You should also consult with a financial advisor or attorney who specializes in this area to ensure that everything goes smoothly and according to plan.
A nice overview of the basics of equity release. It’s nice to see a balanced article covering both the positives and the negatives. I think it would have been more helpful to discuss home reversion a little bit just to give the bigger picture.