Posts Tagged ‘Equity release calculator’
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
Posted in Calculator, Equity Release | 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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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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Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011
Confusion reigns at a time in life when stability, financial security & freedom to enjoy the fruits of one’s success should be evident. Yes, we are talking retirement, equity release & the increasingly popular Halifax Retirement Home Plan.
We discuss the options available to those already retired or the up & coming baby boomer generation, as they prepare to assess how they are to manage in today’s financial maelstrom.
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For many, & usually it all boils down to lack of financial planning in earlier life; retirement is none of the aforementioned attributes associated with the longest holiday of your life.
We all go through life thinking retirement seems a distance over the horizon. From getting that first job, raising the children & moving up the ranks in the employment world, our lives move forward apace.
But the inevitable will reach us all one day & without foresight retirement could be the biggest challenge in your lifestyle thus far.
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So how should we prepare & how do we invest in our futures to ensure a retirement of fulfilment?
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The spoken word, ‘hope for the best, prepare for the worst’ must have a ring of truth when it comes to retirement planning. It’s a recipe on the menu that’s always put on the back burner & one on the ‘to-do’ list of things that can wait until tomorrow…YOU CAN’T.
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Looking back at that first job is where the seeds should initially be sown. Whether it’s joining that company pension scheme or making your own provision, a pension should be the life jacket for your retirement.
The old adage of the earlier you start a pension the less you need to pay in later, is gospel & with the tax advantages on offer they still represent one of the best ways to build a pot of gold for the future.
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But there are other options now available which represent a safer alternative & more hands on approach such as real estate.
The buy to let market is currently undergoing transformation in the current economic climate, with rental incomes outstripping savers returns on bank & building society accounts. There is also the potential capital appreciation aspect of owning a property which has been a tried & tested route for many over the longer term.
Property is a tangible asset; you have control over how it looks, you can manipulate it & affect its value. The sole aim of these actions is to build asset value & thereby probably without hindsight, can build yourself a ‘retirement vehicle’.
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So let’s see which vehicle will suit your requirements & enable you to navigate down the retirement highway…
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Firstly, the question that needs to be asked is whether an income or capital lump sum is required? Given the fact that most tax free cash requirements are for capital, the options are then narrowed down to affordability in retirement.
The next important consideration is whether one can support the monthly payments of an interest only mortgage, or are finances so tight that no further monthly payments are required throughout retirement. The answer to this will filter us towards the ultimate decision; that is whether the solution is an interest only lifetime mortgage or a roll-up equity release scheme?
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On the one hand you have an interest only mortgage, where monthly payments are required to be maintained for the rest of your life & results in a continuously stable & level balance during the remaining term.
This is in complete contrast to a roll-up equity release plan, which requires no monthly payments whatsoever, but allows the interest to compound & the balance of the mortgage to get larger.
Let’s have a look the features of each option further.
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Roll-Up equity release scheme
- Classified as a Lifetime mortgage, hence no term is specified
- Schemes are regulated by the FSA & are also members of SHIP
- Equity release schemes start at age 55
- No income required for eligibility
- Maximum release is 55% of the property value (with ill-health)
- Credit history is not a major concern to equity release companies
- No monthly payments required
- Increasing balance as the interest is compounded monthly or annually
- Flexibility of drawdown schemes available to take regular cash releases with guaranteed reserve facilities. This ensures future cash availability with no further costs.
- Interest rates are fixed for life
- Reduced, or no inheritance left for the beneficiaries of the estate
- Executors have upto 12 months in which to repay the lender, usually by sale of the property
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Halifax Retirement Home Plan
- Classified as a Lifetime mortgage, hence no term is specified
- Pensioner mortgage & regulated by the FSA
- Starting age is 65, however with enough pension income, over 55’s are acceptable
- Retirement income alone will determine how much that can be borrowed
- The maximum amount borrowed is capped at 75% of the property valuation
- Credit history is checked & any adverse record could result in a declined application
- Monthly payments must be maintained to avoid repossession
- Mortgage balance remains exactly the same throughout the plan term
- Further advance application required to borrow additional funds & will be credit assessed each time for affordability.
- Option of tracker & fixed rates available, initially for a maximum of 5 years. Therefore, no guarantee of the future costs of the monthly mortgage payments.
- Reduced inheritance, albeit a specific amount which the beneficiaries will know the extent
- Beneficiaries have 18 months in which to sell the property, after death or the mortgagors moving into long term care.
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So the winner is?
There is no actual winner in this pensioner mortgage market.
Both schemes have the advantages & disadvantages depending upon one’s retirement finances.
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However, if a good retirement & disposable income is available & future affordability secured, then certainly the Halifax Retirement Home Plan is justifiable for the applicants & more so for the beneficiaries. Nevertheless, it is vitally important that steps are also taken to protect each party to the interest only retirement mortgage in case one applicant dies as the survivor will still need to maintain the monthly payments. Therefore, life insurance should always be considered on the Halifax Retirement Home Plan.
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Alternatively, for those on lower incomes, less of a disposable income & are not too concerned about their children’s inheritance, then a roll-up equity release mortgage could be their preference. The roll-up equity release schemes have no effect on monthly budget & can never result in repossession based on lack of affordability or missed payments.
These schemes can be classed as a ‘mortgage of last resort’ as once all the alternatives have been considered & eliminated. Equity release roll-up can always be the backup plan. Even more so should one default or struggle with the affordability of an interest only lifetime mortgage such as the Halifax Retirement Home Plan, as equity release schemes can be used to clear the Halifax mortgage.
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The following is an equity release tip – to ensure that equity release can act as a safety net, if you are looking to borrow on a Halifax equity release scheme then always consider & keep within the loan-to-value limits of the equivalent equity release scheme rules. If you do this then you have equity release as a fall back to switch to in the future.
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There are many more tips & advice available on this subject, but as always seek an independent financial advisory service such as Equity Release Supermarket who are qualified & experienced in these two specialist fields.
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For help on deciding which type of equity release is best advice for yourself, please contact the Equity Release Supermarket advisory team on freephone 0800 678 5159 or email mark@equityreleasesupermarket .co.uk
Tags: equity release, Equity release calculator, equity release schemes, Equity Release Supermarket, halifax equity release, Halifax Retirement Home Plan, lifetime mortgages
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Friday, July 1st, 2011
An increasing number of senior citizens now opt for equity release schemes with the aim to release cash (equity) from their property. This can be a wise decision in order to generate extra income during their retirement years. While a lot of equity release providers are available, not many people are aware of how such equity release schemes work. At such times, it is prudent to consider taking advantage of professional help.
Financial institutions now offer the use of equity release calculators to their customers. Using this tool, one can determine the amount of equity that can be released from their property. Based on the outcome, the applicants can decide whether or not equity release is a viable option for them.
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With the number of equity release schemes on the increase, such as the recent addditions of Stonehaven, more2life, New Life Mortgages & last week Partnership, it is more important than ever to seek the services of an FSA qualified independent financial adviser. They will have the equity release tools available they will have been trained with to establish which scheme will provide the correct amount to be released. Guarded with this information it can lend them to the next stages of the decision making process in ascertaining which lifetime mortgage scheme is most suitable for such circumstances.
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Therefore, the equity release calculation can be guided towards establishing the following lifetime mortgage scenarios: -
- What is the maximum I can borrow on an equity release plan?
- What is the lowest interest rate on an equity release scheme?
- What is the minimum amount I can borrow on a lifetime mortgage?
- How much can I borrow on an equity release scheme if I am in poor health?
- What are the costs in setting equity release schemes up?
Equity release calculators will help answer these types of questions & with the calculator tools of Assureweb, Trigold & The Exchange each equity release adviser with the CeRER & CeMap qualification, will have these methods of calculations available.
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The workings of an equity release calculator
Various equity release calculator formats exists that can usually be found on the website of the mortgages & other financial organisations. The homeowner first needs to provide information related to their property. Based on this data, the equity release calculator will predict an approximate amount of equity that can be released from their property.
Advanced calculators are also available that offer in-depth information related to different possibilities. However, the availability of such a tool is subject to the equity release provider. Before deciding on a deal, homeowners are always advised to try two different calculators. To get the best deal with equity release schemes, obtaining professional help would be wise.
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Practically, the size of the equity release is governed mainly by three factors which are: -
- Age of the youngest applicant
- The valuation of the property
- Whether any existing mortgage or secured loan is present
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Dependent upon the answers to these questions will determine the net equity release availability from the property. The data provided by the equity release calculation will be the maximum equity release posssible, however it will give an indication of the extent to which one can go & therefore tyou will have the knowledge as to whether equity release will be of assistance.
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More detailed equity release calculators can advise beyond these basic measures. For instance, should a history of ill heath be present, then a larger than normal lump sum can be achieved with an impaired life equity release scheme. This will not be present or have the ability to be calculated upon by the more basic equity release calculators. Additionally, the majority of calculators will only refer to roll-up lifetime mortgages & not home reversion plans, thus they do not answer the whole question & should only be used for guidance, not literally.
Again, it is therefore of upmost importance to seek the services of a qualified independent equity release advisor who has the accurate research & calculation tools at his disposal; whom with your input & personal information, can guide you to the right equity release plan.
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The Equity Release Supermarket calculator can provide an overview & the statistics involved with the maximum amount that can be borrowed on each equity release scheme. Experience our equity release calculator today as see how much you can release. Alternatively, speak to one of the Equity Release Supermarket specialists who can be found in your area by using the ‘find an adviser‘ interactive UK map.
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Equity Release Supermarket are established & award winning lifetime mortgage & Halifax Retirement Home Plan specialists.
Call freephone 0800 678 5159 for all your post retirement mortgage questions.
Tags: calculation, equity release, Equity release calculator, equity release schemes, Equity Release Supermarket, impaired life, more2life, New Life Mortgages, Partnership, Stonehaven
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Friday, June 17th, 2011
Equity release is used as a term for schemes that help a homeowner to secure a good amount of money from their main residence. These schemes provide homeowners with an option to use their property to release money. It becomes hard for people who retire after a certain age and do not have funds to support their needs. Equity release schemes provide an option for people who live on pensions and are unable to support themselves or maybe wish to increase their lifestyle options with a new car or holidays. It therefore helps provide an extra flow of money to fulfil their needs & retirement enjoyment.
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Equity release has become very popular among citizens who are over the age of 55. There are an increasing number of retirees opting for these equity release solutions. Equity release UK schemes offer retirees an opportunity to generate money from their property, either a lump sum amount, timely earnings, or in some cases, both. Retirees can remain living on their property unless they decide to move out at which point the equity release plan becomes repayable. The equity release providers will usually require repayment of the balance within 12-18 months by the beneficiaries. This gives the executors of the estate plenty of time to achieve the best sale price on the property to cover the debt & maximise the inheritance for the beneficiaries.
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The value of your property and your age are the key factors in the data used in equity release calculator formula. There is no age limit as far as equity release is concerned. The older you are, the more you can generate out of your property. This scheme is accessible for people who are over fifty five years and own their property which usually should be of standard construction & freehold, or leasehold with more than 75 years left remaining on the lease.
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Halifax Retirement Home Plan is one such scheme which helps people to extract money out their property. It is a type of interest only equity release lifetime mortgage plan where the borrower pays a sum of money to the lender on a monthly basis. It is a useful and easy plan which suits the needs of all perfectly. As mortgages for pensioners seem to be difficult to come by, the Halifax equity release scheme has become a breath of fresh air to many people in retirement. They can be safe in the knowledge that the balance will not increase as long as the payments of monthly interest are maintained.
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This is an interest only lifetime mortgage which means there is no set term & these equity release schemes will run for the rest of their lives. As long as too much equity is not taken from inception on the Halifax Retirement Home Plan then if there comes apoint in the future that the monthly payment should cease, then repayment by a roll-up equity release plan could always take effect.
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There are many options today that assist pensioners to take equity release from their property, however to ensure which scheme is the correct one for your circumstances contact a professional & qualifies advisory service.
Award winning Equity Release Supermarket have advisors local to you who can provide quality & friendly service to guide you through the equity release decision making process.
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Call the equity release team today on 0800 678 5159 for your free initial consultation.
Tags: equity release, Equity Release Adviser, Equity release calculator, equity release schemes, Equity Release Supermarket, halifax equity release, Halifax Retirement Home Plan, lifetime mortgage schemes, lifetime mortgages, pensioner mortgage, Roll up lifetime mortgage
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Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
With the main concern over equity release schemes being the inheritance passed down to beneficiaries, here we discuss the pro’s & con’s of these lifetime roll-up mortgages.
Firstly, we look at the effect on beneficiaries & the sources of these areas of concern. This then leads us onto the equity release calculator with facts & figures showing how these schemes fair for the beneficiaries at the end of the day.
Ok, we’ve have all heard the saying; bad news travels faster than good news & this is synonymous with term ‘equity release’.
Although equity release plans originate back to 1965, the damaging news about them generally dates back to the late 1980′s when ‘home income plans‘ were initially launched.
Linked to an annuity or investment bond & an interest only mortgage, these plans were destined to fail, relying heavily on investment performance in a period of falling property values & rapidly rising interest rates.
The mid 90′s then introduced the much derided shared appreciation mortgages (SAM’s), the focus of most causes for campaigns against equity release including the Trevor MacDonald Tonight programme.
Is it any wonder reputation was soured?
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So what has the equity release industry done about it?
At the time of the SAM’s debacle, SHIP (Safe Home Income Plans) was launched.
Formed from its originators – Ecclesiastical Life, Hodge, Home & Capital Trust and GE Life all members agreed to abide by a strict code of conduct, which still exists to this day.
Soon, new lenders entered the market with household names such as Norwich Union & Northern Rock introducing the first roll-up schemes & bringing a significant boost & trust to the industry.
Although the volume of applications began to blossom around 2003 with 25,000 loans completed, a lack of regulation still overshadowed the equity release sector. The market was still somewhat blighted by its previous misdemeanours.
Thankfully, partial regulation was soon imposed on the industry with lifetime mortgages coming under the auspices of the Financial Services Authority on 31st October 2004. Home reversions joined lifetime mortgage schemes soon after & by 2007 full regulation & confidence was brought back to the sector.
Therefore, the market has evolved & strived to restore pride; a far cry from the negative perceptions of decades previous.
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So what does this all mean for today’s beneficiaries?
The main ‘clean up act’ came with the introduction of SHIP & its rules imposed on the members. The ‘no negative equity guarantee‘ affords the greatest level of protection this industry can offer.
Safe in the knowledge that any amount borrowed by their parents can never escalate to more than the eventual sale price of the property, beneficiaries are at least guaranteed no debt can ever be passed onto themselves.
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A crumb of comfort maybe, but peace of mind for the parents.
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An equity release adviser should always encourage involvement of the heirs to the estate. With their input & assurance, feelings can then be vented either for or against equity release being taken as for many elderly people this is a major financial proposition.
Again qualified advisers should play an important role in explaining the pro’s & cons of lifetime mortgages & convey these issues to all parties concerned.
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What else does the equity release sector afford by way of protection?
Interest rates for home equity release schemes, albeit not the lowest ever, are still historically low. One positive feature of these schemes is the lifetime fixed rate on all loans now.
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So what is the benefit of this?
If you borrowed an amount of capital, with a fixed interest rate for life it enables you to calculate the exact future balance.
This is building further reassurance for potential mortgage applicants.
A client will always be made aware that the equity release balance escalates over the lifetime of the scheme; this is the nature of these plans & should never be entered into unless this has been clearly explained. The effect of the interest compounding annually, approximately doubles the balance every 10-11 years, depending on interest rate charged by the equity release companies.
Sounds daunting? Well, let’s now look at the sums as promised:
One of the lowest interest rates around at present would be the Aviva Lifetime Lump Sum plan, which at the time of writing this article has a fixed lifetime interest rate of 6.65% (6.9% APR) annual.
A male, aged 65 borrowing a lump sum of £25,000 on the Aviva Lifestyle lump sum at a fixed interest rate of 6.65% would know exactly what the future balance will be, even before taking out the equity release scheme. The Key Facts Illustration provided by the equity release adviser will confirm these figures & also the costs & additional features involved.
For instance, given the aforementioned figures at the end of 10 years the mortgage balance would be £47,594 & after 20 years it would be £90,606.
This may seem expensive given only £25,000 was borrowed initially; however there are two factors that could still rule in favour of the a lifetime mortgage scheme.
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One common issue overlooked is the potential for property values to increase. If so, & with 100% ownership of the house still being retained, then the homeowner will fully benefit from any escalation in the house price. This will then offset some of the compounding effect of the interest & mitigate its effect on the estate somewhat. Again, we are looking here at the longer term & no guarantee can be given they will go up; nevertheless historical records show they have indeed.
Consequently, a rule of thumb is never to borrow anymore than required beyond the initial 12 months. Plans are now flexible enough & with drawdown equity release schemes introduced & now being the most popular roll up lifetime mortgage, then the funds can be drip fed over time as & when required.
Additionally, by taking a lower initial amount, results in less interest being charged, thus meaning more inheritance passed onto the beneficiaries.
The second factor affecting the balance accruing & is also the primary cause of roll-up & that is purely down to the fact that NO monthly payments are required. This helps retirees to have access to the some of the equity tied up in their property & at the same time having NO effect on their budget.
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Finally, equity release schemes do have an ever increasing part to play in the retirement planning for the over 55′s. Care must always be taken & should never rushed into without discussion & involvement of third parties. Advice should always be provided by an industry qualified equity release adviser.
Hopefully lessons have now been learned from the past & the industry can move forward, innovate & develop further over time. If so, & in the right circumstances equity release can provide for many, a comfortable & enjoyable retirement.
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If you require furthjer advice on equity release schemes, please call freephone 0800 783 9652 or email mark@equityreleasesupermarket.co.uk
Tags: drawdown equity release, equity release, Equity Release Adviser, Equity release calculator, home income plan, lifetime mortgage schemes, lifetime mortgages, SHIP
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Wednesday, February 16th, 2011
The main concern of equity release schemes is the reduced inheritance which is passed down to beneficiaries. Here we discuss the pro’s & con’s of roll-up equity release plans.
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First, let’s look at the effect on the beneficiaries & the source of the causes for concern. This then leads us to the equity release calculator with facts & figures showing how these schemes fair for the beneficiaries on final redemption of the plan.
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Ok, we’ve have all heard the saying; bad news travels faster than good news & this is synonymous with terminology ‘equity release’.
Although equity release plans were initiated in 1965, the news damaging these schemes generally dates back to the late 1980’s when the first home income plans were launched.
Linked to an annuities or regular income investment bonds & an interest only mortgage, plans such as these were destined to fail, relying heavily on investment performance in a period of falling property values & rapidly rising interest rates.
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The mid 90’s then introduced the much derided & chastened Shared Appreciation Mortgages (SAM’s), the focus of most causes for campaigns against equity release including Trevor MacDonald’s Tonight TV programme.
Therefore, its no wonder the industries reputation was soured.
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So what has the equity release industry done about repairing this negative sentiment?
At the time of the SAM’s debacle, SHIP (Safe Home Income Plans) was launched. Formed from its originators – Ecclesiastical Life, Hodge Equity Release, Home & Capital Trust & GE Life all members agreed to abide by a strict code of conduct, which still exists today.
Soon new lenders entered the equity release market, with household names such as Norwich Union & Northern Rock with their newly developed roll-up equity release schemes bringing a significant boost & trust to the industry.
Although equity release schemes began to blossom around 2003 with approximately 25,000 equity release loans completed, a lack of regulation still overshadowed the equity release sector. The market was still somewhat bighted by the previous misdemeanours.
Thankfully, partial regulation was soon imposed on the equity release industry with lifetime mortgages coming under the auspices of the Financial Services Authority on 31st October 2004. Home reversions soon joined lifetime mortgage schemes & by 2007 full regulation & confidence was brought back to the equity release marketplace.
Therefore, the market has evolved & strived to restore pride; a far cry from the negative perceptions of decades ago.
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So what does this all mean for today’s beneficiaries?
The main ‘clean up act’ came with the introduction of SHIP & its rules imposed on the members. The ‘no negative equity guarantee’ affords the greatest level of protection the industry has to offer.
Safe in the knowledge that any amount borrowed by their parents can never escalate to more than the eventual sale price of the property, they are at least guaranteed no debt can be passed onto themselves.
A crumb of comfort maybe, but certainly peace of mind for parents.
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As an equity release adviser, encouragement must always be shown to involve the heirs to the estate. With their input & assurance, feelings can then be vented either for or against equity release being taken as for many this is a major financial proposition.
Again qualified advisers should play an important role in explaining the pro’s & con’s of equity release mortgages & convey these issues to all parties concerned.
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What else does the equity release sector afford by way of protection?
Interest rates for home equity release schemes, albeit not the lowest ever, are still historically low. One positive feature of these schemes is the lifetime fixed rate on all equity release loans now.
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So what is the benefit of this?
If you borrowed an amount of capital, with a fixed interest rate for life it enables you to calculate the exact future balance.
This is building further reassurance for potential equity release applicants.
We know the equity release balance escalates over the lifetime of the scheme; this is the nature of plans & should never be entered into unless this has been clearly explained. The effect of the interest compounding annually, approximately doubles the balance every 10-11 years, depending on interest rate charged by the equity release companies.
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Sounds daunting? Well, let’s now look at the sums as promised earlier:
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One of the lowest interest rates around at present would be the Aviva Lifetime Lump Sum scheme, which currently has a fixed interest rate of 6.65% (6.9% APR) annual.
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A male, aged 65 borrowing a lump sum of £25,000 on the 6.65% Aviva Lifestyle lump sum would know exactly what the future balance will be, even before taking out the equity release scheme. The Key Facts Illustration provided by the equity release adviser will confirm these figures & also the costs & additional features involved.
For instance, based on a release of £25,000 in this scenario would lead to a balance in 10 years of £47,594 & after 20 years would be £90,606.
This may seem expensive given only £25,000 was borrowed initially; however there are two factors that could still rule in the equity releases favour.
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One common issue overlooked is the potential for property prices to increase. If so, & with 100% ownership of the house still retained the homeowner will fully benefit from any future escalation in the house price. This will then offset some of the compounding effect of the interest & mitigate its effect on the overall estate. Again, we are looking longer term & no guarantee can be given prices will go up; nevertheless historical data confirms they still have.
As a consequence, a rule of thumb is never to borrow anymore than required beyond the initial 12 months. Plans are now flexible enough with drawdown schemes being available that funds can even be drip fed over time as & when required.
hence, by taking a lower initial amount would result in less interest being charged, meaning more inheritance passed to the beneficiaries.
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The second factor affecting the balance accruing & is the main cause of equity release roll-up is purely down the fact that NO monthly payments are required. This helps retirees to have access to the equity tied up in their property & at the same time leave their budget unaffected.
Nevertheless, equity release schemes do have an increasing role in retirement planning for the over 55’s. Care must always be taken & never rushed into without discussion & involvement of third parties.
Advice should always be provided by an industry qualified equity release consultant. If so, & in the right circumstances equity release can provide a comfortable & enjoyable retirement.
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Finally, hopefully lessons have been learned from the past & the industry can move forward, innovate & develop further over time.
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To discuss any of these issues & with no obligation whatsoever, please contact the Equity Release Supermarket team on 0800 783 9652 or email mark@equityrelease supermarket.co.uk
Tags: drawdown equity release, equity release, Equity Release Adviser, equity release awards, Equity release calculator, equity release schemes, lifetime mortgages, No negative equity guarantee
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Friday, February 11th, 2011
The resurgence of the equity release market gathers momentum in 2011 with the news that New Life Mortgages are set to re-introduce their landlord & second home equity release schemes on 11th February 2011.
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Following the additions of more2life & New Life Mortgages to the equity release market late in 2010, the latest launch from the innovative lifetime mortgage lender signals a degree of diversity to their portfolio.
New Life Mortgages temporarily withdrew from equity release market in 2009. They obviously haven’t been sat idle, but instead waited for their opportunity to re-enter at the right time & with the right products.
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Following on from my previous article on New Life Mortgages rejoining the equity release market in November 2010, here we discuss the features & benefits to landlords of this unique equity release plan.
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How does the scheme work?
The New Life Mortgages Landlord Loan provides a tax free cash lump sum based on a percentage of the value of the residential investment property & the age of the applicant. Plans start at age 55 & any landlord with a portfolio of upto 5 rental properties can potentially release some of the equity tied up within them.
This buy to let equity release has no set repayment date & no monthly repayments to make. The loan is eventually repayable on the sale of the property when the last surviving borrower has died or gone into care.
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How do I qualify?
- Minimum age of 55 (for joint applicants minimum age 55 of the youngest)
- Investment property must be in England & Wales
- Landlord loan minimum property valuation of £100,000 & a maximum of £1million
- Minimum release is £25,000 & maximum is £500,000
- The property should be standard construction with flats over 5 storeys excluded
- If leasehold property, then 80 years must be remaining on the lease
- Any existing mortgage must be repaid on commencement of the Landlord scheme
How Much Can I Borrow?
This is determined by the age of the youngest applicant & the value of the investment properties:-
- Age 55 – 16%
- Age 60 – 21%
- Age 65 - 26%
- Age 70 - 31%
- Age 75 – 36%
- Age 80 – 41%
- Age 85+ – 45%
Therefore, as an example a 65 year old landlord with a single investment property of £200,000 could potentially release a capital lump sum of £52,000.
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How does it compare to a normal equity release scheme?
The scheme in principle works exactly the same. You borrow the money, the interest accrues on a monthly basis & it is repaid when the property is finally sold.
The differences lie in the rental side; an assured shorthold tenancy agreement must be in place to qualify & cannot be let to family members.
Also, there are maximum borrowing criteria, similar to a buy to let mortgage. This states that the monthly interest charged cannot be more than the rental income received.
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What are the costs involved?
- Valuation fee dependent upon the value of the investment property
- Application fee which can be added to the loan
- Solicitors legal fees
- Lifetime fixed monthly interest rates of 6.39% (age 55-80) & 6.55% (age 81+)
- Early repayment charges only 5% for the first 5 years. No charges thereafter.
- Any advice fee charged by your equity release specialist
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Practical uses of the New Life Landlord buy to let mortgage?
The equity release funds can be utilised in many ways.
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With market opportunities growing in the rental market as house prices fall & yields increase, bargains are there to be had. Should any residential landlord wish to expand their portfolio & have concerns over the expense of buy to let mortgages they can consider schemes such as this.
Should a potential landlord spot a new investment opportunity, but has limited capital for deposit, then landlord equity release schemes could assist. The borrower could review all properties under his portfolio & by using an equity release calculator; assess how much could be released individually to meet the shortfall required.
Additionally, with the age group eligible for this buy to let mortgage there could be tax implications. Therefore, should some of these assets need to be disposed of, rather than selling the property & incurring capital gains tax, then equity release can be undertaken instead.
Finally & the most common purpose for this could be for debt consolidation purposes. Should financial difficulties arise on a buy to let mortgage or other personal finances, then subject to the amount that can be released, these debts can be repaid.
Perhaps one has just had enough repaying a buy to let mortgage & would rather receive the gross rental income to support their retirement?
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The uses of the New Life Landlord scheme can be many; so to discuss how the features of this unique buy to let lifetime mortgage can benefit you contact the Equity Release Supermarket team on 0800 678 5159 or email mark@equityreleasesupermarket.co.uk.
Tags: buy to let, buy to let mortgage, equity release, Equity release calculator, equity release schemes, landlord equity release, landlord mortgages, New Life Mortgages
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Monday, February 7th, 2011
Not many people are aware of the benefits of purchasing an equity release scheme. An equity release scheme is a type of loan scheme which allows you to receive a sum of money without having to make monthly repayments. This amount of money can be ascertained by the use of an equity release calculator.
Here are some reasons why you should consider a home equity release scheme.
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Back-up for your retirement
Everyone plans to relax and enjoy their retirement years. After all it is the longest holiday of your life!
However, this is possible only when you have a steady flow of income and many pension schemes have been unreliable in both performance & trust.
On the other hand, an equity release mortgage allows you to release money according to both your age & the value of your home. This amount can then be used for your retirement period to assist with any expenditures that are incurred in retirement; whether it is a new car, holiday, home improvements or debt consolidation.
You can also receive money on a monthly basis with equity release schemes. Equally, you could opt for the more popular lump sum.
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Debt Consolidation
Equity release schemes can allow you to take a percentage of the total value of your home in order to repay credit card, mortgage or any other form of debt. An equity release mortgage will enable you to clear the debts which in turn will alleviate your finances & provide surplus monthly income with which retirement can be made all that much easier financially.
Consider these options and take advantage of an equity release scheme to take care of your retirement worries.
A free initial consultation is available with any of Equity Release Supermarket’s experienced & friendly advisers.
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Call today on 0800 783 9652 or email mark@equityreleasesupermarket.co.uk
Tags: equity release, Equity Release Adviser, Equity release calculator
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