Archive for the ‘Topics’ Category
Monday, January 30th, 2012
If you have been seriously considering taking out an equity release plan, the most important question to come to mind will be ‘what is the maximum equity release available?’
Obviously, you may not want to secure the everything you can get, however, a useful equity release calculator can advise upto the maximum available. For instance with a drawdown equity release plan, it would be helpful if you knew the maximum, as any funds not taken in such a scheme would then be held in a reserve facility for future use.
You will also need to bear in mind that there are certain factors that will be taken into account in order to arrive at the figure that would be released to you in such a plan.
First and foremost, your age will be a very important factor. The younger you are, the less you can expect to have released in an equity release scheme. You would tend to find that the companies that deal in equity release plans add an extra percentage point of LTV (loan-to-value) for each year the applicant gets older.
This is because the relevant company has to estimate how long it is likely to be until they will be able to secure the final equity – i.e. your property. If you take out an equity release mortgage when you are in your late-fifties or early-sixties, you can expect to receive a far lower payout than if you were to have taken out the plan in your eighties, for example. This is purely down to life expectancies which are increasing all the time as people are healthier & more active in their retirement years.
You should also bear in mind, at this stage that the companies dealing in equity release schemes have a minimum age threshold in place and this is generally set at 55 years of age. These would be companies such as Aviva, New Life Mortgages, and Stonehaven. However, some equity release companies such as Just Retirement & LV= impose a higher minimum age of 60 before you can apply.
The next factor that will be taken into account is the actual market value of your property. Again, the higher this is, the more you can expect to receive in your payout. There are minimum value thresholds in place here as well which is £60,000. However, most companies impose higher minimum values & £75,000 or £100,000 isn’t uncommon.
If you are looking to take out an equity release plan in a joint application, the youngest applicant’s age will be the deciding factor as to the amount of money that will be released in the payout. This is because the company must wait for both applicants to either pass away or move into permanent residential care and the youngest applicant will be the most likely to vacate the property last in either capacity. Also, as stated earlier, the youngest person in the couple must also be over the age of 55.
There are convenient equity release calculators on many websites that will give you a very good idea of the amount of money to be expected as a payout when you take out such a plan. All you need do is simply complete an online enquiry form and these will return the maximum value that may be available to you in an equity release scheme. If you are happy with this figure, you may then go ahead and start the ball rolling with the relevant company; there is also a facility to discuss equity release mortgages in more detail with a qualified equity release adviser, if you have further questions that require attention.
Tags: Aviva, drawdown equity release, equity release, Equity release calculator, equity release schemes, lifetime mortgages, maximum equity release, minimum age
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Friday, January 27th, 2012
With the latest round of equity release rate reductions, it seems both Aviva & Just Retirement are vying for top spot.
Currently, Just Retirement lead the way with their round of reductions a few weeks ago at a market leading 6.2% annual rate.
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However, Equity Release Supermarket have been notified that with effect from next week the Aviva flexi drawdown plan is set to become the market leader again by usurping Just Retirement with a reduction of 0.12% to a new market leading rate of just 6.1% annual rate.
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Mark Gregory – Director & founder of Equity Release Supermarket comments – “This is excellent news & the price war has been long awaited. Equity release interest rates have been in the doldrums recently compared to mainstream interest rates. We are getting back to rates from a few years ago & that sub 6% barrier is now not too far away. This new Aviva rate is exclusive with further benefits of a free valuation & an excellent £500 cashback on completion for the client. With gilts rates so low at present, now is as good time as any to be considering taking out an Aviva Equity Release plan.”
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Equity Release Supermarket are one of the leading independent equity release advisory firms in the UK currently & can be found on their informative website http://www.equityreleasesupermarket.co.uk.
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If you require information on the new Aviva Flexi deal please call 0800 678 5159 where one of the equity release team would be willing to assist & provide further details.
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Tags: Aviva, drawdown equity release, equity release, Equity Release Adviser, Equity release interest rates, equity release schemes, Equity Release Supermarket, Just Retirement, Roll up lifetime mortgage
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Sunday, January 15th, 2012
The current financial climate is quite simply awful for many people. Particularly, the retired & elderly are really struggling to make ends meet. Many retired people who left their work before the crisis hit have had to watch in horror as a lot of the value they had expected to retire on has been wiped away by stockmarkets & low interest rates with the banks & building societies. Sometimes, what is left in the pension isn’t enough, and their reaction is that they should sell their house in order to ensure a comfortable retirement.
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However, with equity release plans, this might not necessarily be required. Instead of selling the family home, why not release equity to cover the short term finances. We maybe only talking a small sum to tie you over until prospects improve. Therefore, for the sake of selling in a depressed property market, bide your time & think carefully about your options available. Equity release schemes can play an important role here.
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Equity release schemes are form of mortgage that enables people over age 55 to release locked up equity in their main residence. The typical and most commonly thought of equity release schemes are actually called lifetime mortgages. Lifetime mortgages are available to those over 55, and have specific characteristics which reflect this unique stage in life.
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Equity release schemes are like normal mortgages in that they are associated money & a property. However, where most mortgages are used to purchase the property over an extended period of time, equity release mortgages are new mortgages placed on properties which already have or virtually paid off the mortgage. The result is that while the property now has some debt associated with it, the value that is unlocked can be used for large scale projects or purchases, supplement pensions or more commonly home improvements.
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The other difference between an equity release lifetime mortgage and a normal mortgage is that with an equity release mortgage the assumption is that the balance will be paid off when the person who holds the plan sells the asset or as a part of the inheritance estate. This is why the over 55 age restriction on equity release schemes is so important. These financial products are designed to run for the rest of one’s life, so there is no call upon the repayment of the capital until death or moving into long term care.
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Many retired people watched the drop in markets sweep billions from the values of the pension funds, and therefore pushing significant financial pressure inwardly. It is easy to see how the equity release mortgage would be an excellent option for retired people who are struggling either for income or a capital lump sum. Where they were potentially considering having to sell the family home or go back to work, many retired people can supplement their pensions with the value withdrawn via an equity release scheme.
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As lifetime mortgage & home reversion plans are now members of SHIP, you always have the option of repaying the scheme during your lifetime. However, be wary of potential early repayment charges which some gilt related schemes can significantly impose. One way providers can recover their costs is through these means.
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Often people think that equity release is tantamount to putting debts on to the next generation. What is important to keep in mind that with lifetime mortgages the ownership of the property stays in the hands of the plan owner, just like a regular mortgage. In fact, usually the biggest difference between a normal mortgage and an equity release mortgage is that the terms of the equity release plan are more favourable as they consider the age of the owner of the plan, and factor that into the calculations.
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This means that those who inherit the property may also inherit the debt, but they now have the option to decide if they want to keep the property with a normal mortgage, or sell the asset and recover the rest of the equity. These are options which can be passed onward in an estate, making it easier for the family to make decisions which are appropriate for them.
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Selling one’s house is an emotive issue & needs to be discussed with those closest to you. Next step would be to discuss whether equity release schemes are a viable option & this is where Equity Release Supermarket can use their considerable experience & knowledge to help.
For an impartial & free initial consultation call Mark on 0800 678 5159 who can offer words of advice. Alternatively,in confidence email mark@equityreleasesupermarket with any questions you may have.
Tags: equity release, equity release mortgage, equity release schemes, Equity Release Supermarket, Financial adviser, FSA, home reversion, lifetime mortgage, lifetime mortgage schemes, lifetime mortgages, SHIP
Posted in Advice, Equity Release, News | No Comments »
Sunday, January 8th, 2012
Those researching equity release will find the use of equity release calculators a really helpful basic starting point in conducting their research. These online tools are excellent for understanding what the potential maximum amounts of equity release that can be withdrawn. They also prove that research is paramount in establishing whether lifetime mortgages, home reversion or equity release schemes are the most suitable option.
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The best equity release websites will provide multiple calculator options that answer the most common question – What is the maximum release available?
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Always try & find an equity release website that offers a calculator for each type of equity release mortgage option. This is vitally important, as the equity release calculators on most sites only provide you with ONE answer. These sites are not painting the whole picture & may lead you to believe that equity release plans may not be able to help your situation. They maybe just trying to capture your contact information & are basically not providing the answers you require.
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What is the Use of Knowing the Maximum Lump Sum?
The more comprehensive equity release calculators will advise the maximum lump sum. This is an important figure which can be used to understand what the total amount of equity release loan is available, based on the specific information included in the lifetime mortgage calculator. The reason of this importance is down to the fact that you may have a predetermined lump sum in mind & unless an equity release scheme can fulfil this shortfall, then your dreams can’t become reality.
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Both equity release calculators & lifetime mortgage calculators require a certain amount of information regarding your current situation. More in depth calculators will go that one step further & can even tailor your answer, dependent upon health. The main two elements required for input are the value of the property & the age of the youngest applicant. This equity release calculator can then provide the total equity release maximum lump sum for both a standard & impaired life arrangement.
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Different Types of Equity Release Calculators
These will be a lifetime mortgage calculator, home reversion calculator & an interest only mortgage calculator. Of these, the lifetime mortgage calculator should provide two answers – good health & poor health (enhanced).
For an enhanced maximum calculation i.e. where there has been a history of ill-health, then further information will be required to determine whether eligibility will exist. The enhanced equity release calculation will offer a higher lump sum than standard. The assumption by the lender is that due to the ill-health, the term of the equity release mortgage will be shortened. Therefore, as the interest roll-up period will less, then the lender can release more & thereby protecting itself from the no-negative equity guarantee.
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When looking at this equity release maximum lump sum provided by equity release calculators such as the one above, it is important to note that there are a variety of options available to the customer, from that point. Within that maximum, a customer could find an interest only mortgage or one of the many other equity release products that are currently available on the market.
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Equity release schemes often provide these calculators because they provide such important initial research for customers. People over 55 years of age who have invested in property may find that interest only mortgages and other equity release products are excellent for the release of equity from their homes without having to sell. This keeps the property in the family or inheritance chain, but also allows the ability to recover some of the money invested or grown in value over the years. There are a range of equity release products available, and it is best to discuss needs with an independent financial advisor. However, before doing so, it is useful to do some background research on what options are available and an equity release calculator, or a lifetime mortgage calculator, is a great place to start.
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To access the Equity Release Supermarket calculator click here or call freephone 0800 678 5159.
Tags: calculation, enhanced equity release, equity release, Equity release calculator, equity release calculators, Equity Release Supermarket, home reversion calculator, lifetime mortgage calculator
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Friday, December 23rd, 2011
Firstly – What is Equity Release?
Equity release is a financial tool that allows homeowners to unlock the equity they have built up in their property over the years. It maybe the best option for retired individuals who are looking for a way to generate additional capital for expenditures. To be eligible for equity release, you must be a citizen of the UK, own your main residence and the youngest applicant being over 55 years of age.
Home reversion and lifetime mortgages are two different types of equity release schemes you can choose from. Both schemes offer their own features and advantages. Prior to selecting an equity release scheme, it is important to determine the right equity release plan that suits your needs.
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Features of different equity release schemes
Lifetime mortgage equity release scheme – With this equity release plan, the owner gets to retain the property. While the homeowners can still reside in their property, there is no requirement to repay any of the interest on the loan. Instead, the interest is added to the original & compounded interest to date. A lifetime mortgage scheme can offer you a single lump sum, or you can opt for a cash facility & withdraw cash from it on an ad hoc basis, as & when needed depending on your needs. Moreover, the amount of equity released from your property is tax free, which is another advantage.
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Home reversion equity release scheme – This scheme allows homeowners to sell a part of or all of their property and in return they receive a tax free lump sum or the whole amount in one go. Applicants need to be over the age of 65, however more preferential terms are available the older one gets.
Dependent upon the percentage of the property that is sold, will determine the amount of cash received. Any amount of the property can be sold upto 100% of the whole value. If this option is pursued, then the complete ownership of the house will be transferred to the home reversion company. Obviously, careful consideration should therefore be given & independent equity release advice be sourced.
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The amount obtained from a home reversion equity release scheme can be used or saved depending on individual needs ranging from purchasing a property, home improvements, gifting to children or more commonly debt consolidation purposes. The benefit of this scheme is that it allows homeowners to stay in their property for the rest of their life, rent free as they are granted a lifetime tenancy. Eventually, the home reversion company retains the given amount by selling the property after the death of the homeowner.
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Which Companies offer Home Reversion Plans?
More recently, we have seen a return of companies to the home reversion market which maybe indicates the growing popularity of this once favourable equity release scheme. New Life Mortgages have re-entered the home reversion market recently with their spin on the scheme. Existing members of the home reversion section of the market is the popular Bridgewater range of schemes. Additionally, companies such as Aviva & Hodge Lifetime.
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Why Choose Home Reversion Over Lifetime Mortgage?
The main reason would be the guarantee of inheritance to your beneficiaries. As you are selling a percentage of the property title to the reversion company, any amount you don’t sell is retained at the end of the day. Therefore, should 60% of the property be sold then 40% is retained which also guarantees that upon eventual sale, 40% of these proceeds pass into the estate.
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This guarantee cannot necessarily be offered by lifetime mortgage companies, however there are a few exceptions even to this rule. Some lifetime mortgage schemes such as Stonehaven, more2life, Partnership & Aviva can now protect part of the property, however this often restricts the size of the equity release taken.
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Due to the complexities of which plan is most suited it is imperative to get independent financial advice from an experienced equity release adviser.
Equity Release Supermarket have local equity release advisers who can provide free initial advice either in the comfort of your own home by appointment or if more convenient over the telephone.
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To book your free initial consultation please call freephone 0800 678 5159 today or email mark@equityreleasesupermarket.co.uk.
Posted in Home Reversion, Topics | No Comments »
Thursday, December 8th, 2011
The current global financial crisis has affected everyone in many ways. For those who have retired or were planning to retire, the credit crunch and related crash in the markets have wiped £billions from pension funds. For many, savings and pensions that were once thought to provide a strong foundation for retirement have been compromised, and these people will need to supplement their pensions with other financial products.
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A great option for these people is to look into equity release schemes. A great place to start researching how best to conduct the release of equity from their property is to start with equity release calculators; also known as lifetime mortgage calculators. These online tools are very helpful for providing basic information to start a discussion over the potential options available for those looking for equity release schemes and products.
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The equity release calculator, or lifetime mortgage calculator, is the first stop for many researching equity release schemes. The great thing about these easy-to-use online tools is that they provide an idea of what is possible. This popular online equity release calculator does just that.
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The equity release calculator asks for the age of the youngest homeowner. This is important, as equity release schemes are only available to those over the age of 55, and age bears an important part of the value of equity release. The value of the property is also required, for obvious reason as equity release schemes are generally based on the principles of the interest only home mortgage.
If there is any other mortgage or loan that uses the property asset as collateral, the outstanding value of these should be included as well, as they affect the overall value of what is available in an equity release scheme. Therefore any existing security on the property such as a mortgage or secured MUST be paid off prior to completion. This is usually resolved by using monies from the equity release itself, as the process can be completed by a simultaneous transaction at the solicitors.
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The first option presented through this equity release calculator is for the most common and standard plan. This is based on a person in good health, starting from age 55. For those who have suffered from ill health may be entitled to an enhanced lifetime mortgage programme. The total potential maximum amounts for each health option is listed for each. The equity release calculator provides a clear understanding of what the boundaries of the financial package will look like. Then it is a matter of discussing what the options for finance are within that value. The calculators will provide a maximum release of equity figure. Bear in mind this should not always be an indication of how much should be taken. Best advice would be to plump for the optimum amount based on your requirements instead.
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Alternative options than roll-up equity release schemes could include an interest only home mortgage, or a more specialist Stonehaven interest only mortgage scheme. The equity release calculator is linked to an accredited financial institution, so it is possible to start discussing that figure right away with a financial expert. However, for those looking to shop around, the figures will be helpful in their research.
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The calculator noted above is a lifetime mortgage calculator, and is tailored toward those specific kinds of equity release schemes.
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Home Reversion Plans have different criteria which include more details about the gender of the applicant and his or her state of health. Both have an important impact on this kind of equity release product value.
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The current global financial crisis has been hard on pensions, and many who thought they had enough money stored in savings and pensions are now looking for alternative financial supplements for their retirement. Equity release is one such supplement, and equity release schemes can really help those looking for a release of equity from their property investments, without having to sell.
This allows the property assets to remain in the inheritance chain, but still provides a way of recovering some of the value in the asset for today’s needs – in the form of an interest only mortgage or other financial solution. A great way to start on the search for the right equity release product is through the use of equity release calculators which show the monetary options available.
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To discuss your retirement mortgage queries, please contact the Mark on 0800 678 5159 or email mark@equityreleasesupermarket.co.uk
Tags: equity release, Equity release calculator, equity release calculators, equity release schemes, interest only mortgage, Stonehaven
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Saturday, November 12th, 2011
Following hot on the heels of Equity Release Supermarket’s recently advertised Aviva cashback/valuation/interest rate deal, Director Mark Gregory is pleased to report a further exclusive equity release offer from Just Retirement.
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‘We are pleased to advise that we now can provide a much improved offering to our customers from Just Retirement. On the back of a successful year in the equity release market, our achievements have now been recognised & rewarded by Just Retirement.’
Similar in nature to the Aviva deal, Just Retirement are to offer Equity Release Supermarket customers an amazing £700 cashback, FREE unlimited valuation & specially reduced interest rate of 6.35%.
The £700 cashback coupled with free unlimited valuation will enable our customers to submit an equity release application with NO upfront fees.
Major beneficiaries of the free valuation will be the applicants with higher property values, who will benefit from a completely FREE valuation. An example of this can be seen on a property valuation of £500,000 which will save such Equity Release Supermarket customers a sizeable further£500!’
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The combination of free valuation & cashback (which offsets the application fee) results in the only fixed set up cost to be the equity release legal fees. These can be offered to Equity Release Supermarket customers for as low as £349+VAT & disbursements.
Just Retirement are one of the leading equity release companies whose drawdown scheme has recently undergone a major review, the results of which are now becoming evident.
The Just Retirement drawdown facility, which used to be capped at 100% of the initial release, has now been revised for the first time since its inception over 5 years ago.
The review has resulted in Just Retirement’s drawdown facility being increased from 100% to 200% of the initial withdrawal. This now puts it in line with fellow equity release lenders such as LV= which uses the same formula for calculation of the size of the additional reserve facility.
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To request a quote on the special offer from Just Retirement please click here.
To find your local Equity Release Supermarket adviser please click here or call freephone 0800 678 5159.
Tags: cashback deal, drawdown equity release, equity release, Equity Release Adviser, Equity release interest rates, equity release schemes, Equity Release Supermarket, exclusive interest rate, free valuation, Just Retirement special offer
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Friday, November 11th, 2011
Equity Release Supermarket is pleased to announce its new equity release deal from Aviva.
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Commenting on the exciting new deal from Aviva equity release which offers clients a FREE valuation* plus a £500 cashback & specially reduced interest rate of 6.32%, director Mark Gregory states…
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‘the offer from Aviva is testament to the work & progress Equity Release Supermarket is making in the equity release market. Buoyed by the growing consumer confidence in equity release schemes, I feel that we are now positioned to increase our market share. Excellent deals from the likes of major equity release companies such as Aviva will help my team of advisers promote such competitive equity release plans.
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Equity Release Supermarket are now recognised as one of the major independent equity release brokers in the UK. Their market leading website offers all the current equity release interest rates & exclusive offers currently available.
Experience the Equity Release Supermarket website or to speak to one of their experienced equity release advisers call freephone 0800 678 5159.
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*Free valuation applies to property valuations upto £250,000
Tags: Aviva, Aviva cashback deal, Aviva equity release, Aviva free valuation, equity release, Equity release interest rates, equity release schemes, Equity Release Supermarket
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