The benefits of equity release

1:52pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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WITH demands on our money seemingly increasing every day the concept of equity release is one which many people are considering to put more pounds in their pocket.

Equity release helps homeowners unlock the capital that is tied up in their main asset C their property.

There are several schemes which allow people to tap into the propertys value without having to sell it.

During the past 15 years, thousands of asset rich but cash poor, retired homeowners have discovered that these schemes offer a safe method of releasing a cash sum or a regular income to improve their quality of life.

The key points to equity release schemes are: ñ Homeowners over the age of 55 (typically) can release a cash lump sum, a regular income or a mixture of both.

ñ They can continue to live in their home and be responsible for its maintenance.

ñ There are no restrictions on the use of the money.

ñ All equity release plans are regulated by the Financial Services Authority and the latest options provide more flexibility than in the past.

The most popular equity release product is the Lifetime Mortgage which gives the borrower an immediate lump sum and/or income.

BHP Financial only advises on lenders who are members of Ship (Safe Home Income Plans) and anyone interested in equity release should ensure their lender is a member of this self-regulating body.

It was set up by lenders after the scandal created by earlier schemes which left many elderly people in financial difficulties. These schemes were banned in 1990.

Ship approved schemes have guarantees which ensure you can never lose your home.

They also come with a no negative equity guarantee, which ensures that the homeowner will never owe more to the lender than the value of the property.

No repayments are required C the interest is rolled up at a fixed interest (currently this is typically between six per cent and seven-and-a-half per cent). The loan plus rolled-up interest is repaid when the homeowner (and their partner) dies or moves into long term care.

Equity release is an area where emphatically one size does not fit all. It is essential that the individual circumstances of anyone thinking about a scheme are fully considered and that a personalised illustration is provided so the parties understand all the features and risks.

BHP Financial offers free consultations to clients so that all the options can be fully investigated.

ö Sheila Storey is an independent financial advisor with BHP Financial. She can be contacted on 01325-466794.