I live locally in East Molesey with my family and we enjoy all the things that the area has to offer including Bushy Park, the Park Run, time on the river and the local restaurants.
I have been in financial services my whole life, having studied Finance at university. I now own and run my firm and still enjoy seeing clients and helping them make the most of their financial situations. I am lucky to really enjoy what I do, I get to meet people from all areas, backgrounds and with very different needs. The goal remains the same though, helping them to achieve or resolve whatever it is they wish.
If you have considered equity release, get in touch and let me tell you what is possible without further obligation.
A: Yes, all equity release products are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are members of the Equity Release Council and follow their strict terms and conditions to uphold ethical and safe equity release practices.
A: Yes you can. If you move, the mortgage will be transferred to your new home (There are usually penalties if you move within the first 5 years but not after that. Each plan is different and I will explain the terms of the one I recommend to you).
A: Yes, some products allow you to ‘ring-fence’ some of your property, so it can be left as an inheritance. However, the total sum of inheritance will be reduced due to the money that has been unlocked using a lifetime mortgage.
A: A lifetime mortgage is a type of equity release product and is by far the most popular equity release plan. The other is called a home reversion scheme.
A: No, all the plans we recommend are backed with a ‘no negative equity guarantee’, which means your beneficiaries will never have to pay back more than your property is worth.
Obviously the money you have released, and possibly spent, will reduce the overall amount that is left behind
A: With lifetime mortgages you remain the owner of your property until you move into long-term residential care or die.
A: The loan is repaid when you move into long-term residential care or die. In the case of joint applications, it is repaid when the last applicant moves out or passes away.
A: Lifetime mortgage plans are increasingly flexible and competitive and there are many products available. Some allow you to pay back the interest each month, if you choose to, whilst others allow you to make occasional or ad-hoc repayments, without penalty, to reduce the speed at which any interest will accrue. We can research and compare products to find the right one tailored to your needs.
A: No, you do not need to own your home outright to qualify for equity release, but any current debt or mortgage must be repaid at completion and you can use the equity release money to do this. A good example is using equity release to settle an existing interest only mortgage.
A: Equity release plans are not suitable for everyone and our advisers can guide you through the options available. You may be able to borrow against your home using a standard residential mortgage or a Retirement Interest Only mortgage or you may wish to move to a smaller property and ‘downsize’.
A: This is a type of lifetime mortgage plan that provides you with a ‘reserve’ of money that you can draw on when you wish to. This reserve will remain in place for the duration of the plan. Interest is only charged on the money borrowed, not the money held in reserve. This can help you preserve your income.
Do keep in mind that when the drawdown is accessed, the interest rate is still fixed but it is fixed at the rate offered at the time the drawdown is taken, which is not necessarily the same as your initial advance.
A: Yes, it could do. This is why it is essential to seek the advice of an expert and we will carry out a full review of the situation to see if any means-tested benefits will be affected.
A: No, equity release can be used for whatever you wish. Many people choose to make property improvements, pay off debts, travel, or help children or grandchildren. The money released can be used exactly as you choose.
A: The money you receive will be completely tax-free.