Posts Tagged ‘lifetime mortgages’
Sunday, April 22nd, 2012
Equity release schemes have now been in existence for over 15 years in their current format. Here we answer some common questions such as – ‘Can I get a better interest rate?’ & ‘Can I borrow additional funds?’.
Equity release schemes allow you to free up some or all of the equity tied up in your property and use the tax free cash for lifestyle reasons. This can be a particularly useful option for those who do not have enough cash flow and own a property, but do not wish to sell it.
If you already have an equity release scheme but for some reason you’re thinking, ‘should I remortgage my equity release?’ it may be worth your while to compare equity release rates & deals to find a more suitable product.
The equity release market is constantly changing, with interest rates rising and falling, and new innovative equity release schemes becoming available all the time. For instance, interest rates at the moment are much lower than they were just a few years back. So if you decide to remortgage your equity release just now, the fall in interest rates could result in significant savings for you over the long term, even when you take into account the setting up costs, which include solicitors fees, application fees etc. Not only that but you may have released all the money from your original plan & now find you require a ‘top-up’ to continue enjoying your retirement.
Why should I review my existing equity release plan?
With equity release schemes becoming increasingly popular, equity release providers are developing new products and schemes all the time. Something that was not an option a few years ago may now have become entirely possible. Therefore, a more suitable and pragmatic product may now be available. This means that by reviewing your existing equity release UK plan and shopping around for new options is a good idea, especially at this point in time.
What should I look out for?
Equity release schemes are defined as a lifetime mortgage. As such all plans have some form of in-build early repayment charge which is differentiated by the company offering the equity release plan. These penalties can exist for a set number of years on a fixed basis, or alternatively they can be linked to an investment such as government gilts or Bank of England base rate.
Particularly government gilts seem to be a favourable barometer used in today’s equity release marketplace. The two largest lifetime mortgage companies – AVIVA & Just Retirement have decided to use them, so you need to be aware of potential back end penalties if the equity release mortgage is paid off early. Other potential suitors such as LV= (Liverpool Victoria) & New Life Mortgages will only charge a fixed percentage penalty over either 5 or 10 years, with no penalty thereafter.
What is the next step?
If you are considering remortgaging your existing equity release scheme you must seek the professional services of an equity release adviser who has the experience of remortgage work. The adviser should be independent, so as to have the whole range of equity release schemes at their disposal. This is important as to remortgage again will incur a new round of equity release set up costs which need to be minimised as much as possible to ensure the new equity release deal is viable.
Before you decide to proceed with an equity release remortgage, it is important to consider several factors.
Remortgaging an existing equity release plan is not just a matter of switching to a new policy.
The following areas all need to be assessed & equity release comparisons made: -
- Current value of the property – this may have changed since the original valuation, particularly in light of recent market conditions
- Age of the youngest applicant – since the original equity release plan was taken out, you will be older, thus the loan-to-value ratio’s will have increased also meaning you can borrow a higher percentage of the house value
- Balance of the existing equity release scheme – this can be based on your last annual statement or by requesting a redemption statement from your lender
- Whether any early repayment charges would apply? – this can be ascertained from the redemption statement that should be ordered from your existing lifetime mortgage provider. This figure can be the difference between staying & switching plans dependent & the size & duration thereof.
Upon collating this data your equity release adviser can make an informed decision as to whether to stay put, or it’s in your best interests to switch plans. This is where the adviser’s independence becomes important. With any new equity release application comes a new set of set up costs. However, if your adviser can obtain a free valuation, cashback or any other incentive current available, then this will mitigate some of the new charges & make the whole process more worthwhile.
Professional financial advisers from Equity Release Supermarket will have all these tools at their disposal. With years of practical experience & many advisers having worked at the likes of AVIVA & Prudential, we know how these plans can be remortgaged & transacted quickly & cost effectively. With our current crop of best equity release deals we ever had, now is definitely a good time as any to consider saving yourselves, & your beneficiaries £1000’s by switching your existing equity release plan.
For a FREE no obligation equity release remortgage analysis, please contact the Equity Release Supermarket team on 0800 678 5159.
Alternatively, please complete the ‘find an adviser’ contact form to book an appointment with your local equity release adviser.
Equity Release Supermarket is one of the leading independent, over 55’s equity release specialists who have won awards for quality & impartial advice.
They can be contacted at mark@equityreleasesupermarket.co.uk where your enquiry will be treated with strictest confidence.
Tags: Aviva, cashback, early repayment charges, equity release, Equity Release Adviser, equity release awards, Equity release interest rates, equity release remortgage, equity release schemes, Equity Release Supermarket, Financial adviser, free valuation, Just Retirement, lifetime mortgage schemes, lifetime mortgages, LV=, New Life Mortgages, Prudential Equity Release
Posted in Equity Release, News | No Comments »
Friday, April 20th, 2012
News today in the equity release sector, is that Stonehaven’s range of equity release schemes are now available in mainland Scotland.
Stonehaven have been providing equity release mortgages in England and Wales since August 2006. However, due to strong demand for its range of interest only lifetime mortgages entitled ‘Interest Select’ plans, they have now incorporated the Scottish legal process into their equity release application. Therefore, with previous limited availability in Scotland for interest only lifetime mortgages, this should come as a great relief for many over 55′s in Scotland needing financial support for their retirement.
Why Has the Stonehaven Interest Select Plan Become So Popular?
Opinion is split whenever deciding to take a release of equity from a retiree’s property. Gone are the days when a one-off tax free lump sum was the only option. With the increasing flexibility in the market such as the drawdown lifetime mortgage & new enhanced equity release schemes, lenders are looking more towards ‘niche’ equity release plans.
Having captured the interest only mortgage market for the over 55′s, Stonehaven who were originally funded by Santander have come, gone, & are now back with there revised range of Interest Select Options & Lump Sum Plans. With healthy lending for 2012 & with the backing of a large mutual enhanced annuities provider, Stonehaven are now broadening their horizons & diversifying into Scotland.
People over the age of 55 are looking at different means of releasing equity from their property. Not only that, there are different financial attitudes towards their property & ultimate inheritance. This has increased awareness of the impact that roll-up equity release schemes have had on people’s inheritance on schemes previously taken out. Due to the compounding effect of the interest on roll-up schemes, many retirees have turned up their noses to conventional equity release mortgages.
This is where Stonehaven as an equity release company has benefitted. Possibly due somewhat to the demise of the Halifax Retirement Home Plan, Equity Release Supermarket advisers have seen a significant rise in enquiries for an interest only lifetime mortgage. There is a strong demand for an interest only mortgage for the over 55′s, and this signifies the fact that a majority of pensioners still have income to support a retirement mortgage. This age group has many advantages to prospective mortgage lenders, however for reasons discussed later in this article, they are significantly overlooked.
Why have Mortgages for Pensioners been Overlooked?
With a large proportion of equity in their properties, hence low loan-to-values, usually a good credit history & repayment record, the over 55′s are favourable for a mortgage where interest only repayment is only required. The Stonehaven range of Interest Select Plans have given this situation much thought, not only to the positive aspects, but also to the negatives in particular if someone encounters financial difficulties during the term of their plan. They have a specific ‘safety net’ in place that has the option that upon missing 3 monthly payments, or the planholder opts not to make anymore monthly payments, the plan can converted over to a roll-up lifetime mortgage. This removes any concern over incurring a poor credit record & eliminates any risk of repossession.
In addition the Protected Equity guarantee is available whcih can ensure that your beneficiaries receive a percentage of the final sale value of the property. Peace of mind for sure.
The Interest Only Mortgage Ticking ‘Timebomb’
Previous articles have discussed the FSA (Financial Services Authority) crackdown on mortgage lenders offering interest only deals. Correctly, this has made pre-retirement applications for interest only mortgages more stringent & more capital & repayment mortgages are now taken as a result.
However, this sweeping clampdown has also impacted on the post-retirement mortgage market. It seems the old adage ‘tarred with the same brush’ has been applied to the whole demographic mortgage population. It shouldn’t, as a different set of rules & principles apply to mortgages in retirement. Retirement mortgages should be made more available on an interest only or capital & repayment basis. There should be more understanding from the powers that be that the needs of pensioners are significantly different than those pre-retirement.
Retirees do not necessarily need, or want the eventual repayment of capital. Considering the FSA are regulating & accepting the principle of roll-up equity release schemes, then why the reluctance for interest only mortgages in retirement?
Exceptions should be made & this sector of the mortgage market be subject to a further review.
Nevertheless, one company who has received FSA & SHIP (Safe Home Income Plan) approval for its interest only retirement mortgage is Stonehaven. With foresight of circumstances to come & which were conceived over a decade ago, Stonehaven are currently, & will be, reeping the benefits.
Endowment shortfalls are now becoming more evident & with Aviva only expecting 1% of its low cost endowment plans to meet their targets in 2012, then we can see why mortgages into retirement are going to become a common occurrence. In addition for many reasons people are approaching retirement with a mortgage and no form of repayment. With lenders such as Santander, Woolwich, Halifax & Nationwide not extending terms for those reaching the end of their interest only mortgage terms, a solution for their plight needs to be found.
Stonehaven Solutions
Well, this is where Stonehaven see’s how their interest only lifetime mortgage can resolve such issues. Dependent on the size of the mortgage & property valuation, Stonehaven maybe be able to assist. By using the Stonehaven equity release calculator, one can ascertain the maximum amount they could lend & hopefully assist in remortgaging from the previous lender. This would be the ideal situation, but not always the best. Alternatives should be considered such as downsizing, using savings or getting assistance from family & friends, however this may not be in the best interests of the mortgagors & family ties may over rule such as decision.
If Stonehaven can raise sufficient equity on your property to repay the mortgage, it would mean transferring onto a lifetime mortgage product which then eliminates any concerns over repayment in the future. In fact repayment is only required upon 2nd death or moving into long term care. The only obligation during the term is to maintain interest only payments which will remain EXACTLY the same for life due to the lifetime fixed interest rate which currently start from 6.08% (6.40% typical APR).
Therefore, someone borrowing £25,000 on the Stonehaven Interest Select Lite plan would find their monthly payments at just £119.96pm fixed for life!
Next Steps
To discuss your interest only lifetime mortgage options & alternatives as to whether the Stonehaven equity release plans are suitable to meet your requirements, contact your local independent adviser at Equity Release Supermarket by calling freephone 0800 678 5159.
Additionally, visit the Equity Release Supermarket website & read the dedicated Stonehaven Interest Select page detailing the product features & current rates available. Here you can request a Stonehaven quote & gain a greater understanding of all Stonehaven’s schemes.
Tags: drawdown equity release, equity release, Equity Release Adviser, Equity release calculator, equity release schemes, Equity Release Supermarket, FSA, Halifax Retirement Home Plan, interest only lifetime mortgage, interest only mortgage, lifetime mortgage schemes, lifetime mortgages, Roll up lifetime mortgage, SHIP, Stonehaven, Stonehaven equity release, Stonehaven interest select
Posted in Advice, News, Stonehaven Interest Select | No Comments »
Saturday, April 7th, 2012
Home reversion schemes have literally had their nose pushed out of the equity release market upon entering the year 2012. There has been a significant rise in the popularity of lifetime mortgage plans; including drawdown equity release schemes, enhanced equity release schemes & interest only lifetime mortgages.
Figures produced by SHIP (Safe Home Income Plans) show that home reversion plans now only account for 2% of the whole equity release sales. Drawdown lifetime mortgages popularity has captured 62% of applications & conventional lump sum equity release sales amount to 36%.
It is clearly evident to see the sincere lack of home reversion applications. Here we look at the mis- conceptions surrounding home reversion schemes & why they must still be considered in the overall equity release scheme of things!
First let’s look at the home reversion plan basics.
The home reversion scheme requires the property owner to sell part or all of their property in return for a tax free lump sum. The lump sum offered by the reversion company will always be at a discount to the percentage sold. The reason for this is that the applicants can remain living in the property for the rest of their lives, rent free. Significantly, it could be some time before the home reversion lender receives their money.
No interest element is attached to home reversion schemes. Unlike lifetime mortgages, home reversion offers guarantees as to the percentage of the property that will pass to the beneficiaries at the end of the day. This stems from the initial decision made as to how much of the property’s title is transferred to the lender. For example, if 55% of the property is sold in exchange for a lump sum, then this will still guarantee 45% of the eventual sale proceeds will pass to the beneficiaries. This is a major advantage of home reversion schemes over lifetime mortgages & provides peace of mind.
So why the lethargy surrounding home reversion plans?
Perhaps one of the major stigmas attached is the fact that you will not own your property 100%. The reversion provider will co-own the property with you, thus having a greater say in its maintenance & future planning of the home. They will have the right to inspect the house at regular intervals to ensure it is maintained adequately, thus protecting their security. Any major home improvements will also need their permissions in case you were thinking of extensions or knocking down walls!
Another consideration would be upon moving home or wanting to sell. At this point an equity release calculation would need to be undertaken to establish how much equity you own based on current value upon transfer across to the new abode. Therefore independent valuations would need to be conducted to ascertain current market value. This could prove difficult in today’s market with a lack of sales & depressed housing market.
The one danger of home reversion plans is upon early death. Home reversion would prove expensive should you die or move into care in the earlier years of inception. Effectively, you have given up a large portion of your home based on average life expectancy. If you fail to reach this date, then home reversion could prove a poor decision. On the flip side, if longevity is in your family genes, then home reversion could be a great decision. Oh the virtues of a crystal ball!
Nevertheless, this aspect of the housing doldrums could actually have a positive accent as to why a home reversion plan could be more advantageous than a lifetime mortgage scheme. By taking out a home reversion scheme in anticipation that property values will remain static could prove beneficial. Afterall you are guaranteed that at the end of the day some equity will remain as you have a percentage of the property value guaranteed.
Compare this to lifetime mortgage schemes where the roll-up of interest compounds yearly & will continue escalating until the plan expires. In this situation, should property values remain static, then with a continuously rising mortgage balance & static house prices, will lead to the eventual erosion of the equity. This could be so much so, that NO equity remains at the end of the day with a lifetime mortgage.
So why should you consider a home reversion scheme?
As you can see the home reversion plan offers a sense of assurance which is not possible with many other equity release schemes. With the progress in medical science, the human body is capable of living much longer. Age therefore plays a major role in this equity release plan with a minimum starting age of 65. Indeed, the older one gets before taking out a home reversion scheme the better the terms that will be offered by the lender. The resultant effect of this is the older the homeowner, the more is paid as a capital lump sum.
Some of the negative issues surrounding home reversion schemes have been addressed by the providers – Bridgewater, New Life Mortgages & Hodge Lifetime. Particularly Bridgewater have considered many of these issues & allayed such fears by building in a series of plan options. Similar to drawdown lifetime mortgages, Bridgewater offer a flexible equity release plan which allows you to sell less than 100% of the home & still provide the guarantee of future withdrawals in the future.
Another home reversion plan flexible feature could be a ‘secured escalating release’ option which allows you to release a lump sum of cash now, together with a future income over a number of years. This is achieved with the use of annuities.
Finally, some home reversion plans could also offer protection on early death, so always make the necessary enquiries before entering into a long term financial commitment.
Home reversion redemption
The home reversion company will eventually receive their money by selling the property when the occupier has died or moved into long term care. Additionally, this type of home equity scheme offers the property owner the ability to change properties. This is a requirement of SHIP (Safe Home Income Plan).
Always take the assistance of an independent financial advisor so that they can help estimate the value of your property and help you decide on the scheme best suited to your requirements. Equity release is very beneficial for retired individuals who do not have a steady flow of income or require a capital lump sum for lifestyle improvements. One of the products that could succeed with these bequests could be the home reversion scheme as it offers stability, guarantees for your children and allows you to enjoy a worry free, rent free retirement.
For home reversion advice contact the specialists at Equity Release Supermarket on 0800 678 5159 or email mark@equityreleasesupermarket.co.uk
Tags: Bridgewater, drawdown equity release, equity release, Equity Release Adviser, equity release schemes, Equity Release Supermarket, Hodge Lifetime, home reversion, home reversion plans, home reversion schemes, lifetime mortgages, New Life Mortgages, SHIP
Posted in Home Reversion | No Comments »
Saturday, February 18th, 2012
There is no denying the fact that an impaired life or enhanced equity release plan sounds a little cold and cruel – after all, the actuaries at the insurance companies have number crunched their statistics to come up with a more attractive plan if you are able to prove that you’re less likely to live as long as the average person. However, just for once in this world, this is a type of financial plan that could definitely work in your favour if you are in poor health – now how often does that happen?
Bearing in mind that the standard equity release plan will be based on an average life expectancy (of say around 80+ years of age), standard plans presume that the client will remain within their property for a certain number of years. Therefore, the equity release UK company will have to wait until the clients have either passed away or moved into permanent residential care before they are able to finalise the plan and reclaim their equity in the property.
If you qualify for the impaired life equity release scheme you would prove to the equity release provider that you are unlikely to remain within your property for such a long period of time and therefore the lender would be able to finalise the plan more quickly. This is where more favourable rates and payouts may be available to an applicant for an impaired life equity release plan and this can even be around 30% more advantageous.
Applying for an impaired or enhanced equity release plan is only slightly more involved than the standard lifetime mortgage or home reversion plan; you will be required to complete a short health & lifestyle questionnaire that asks if you have ever been diagnosed with certain medical conditions. At the end of the application, if it is presumed that your life may be impaired, you could qualify for a much bigger lump sum from your equity release plan.
Just as it is possible to use an equity release calculator to ascertain the expected level of payout for a standard policy, so too can you use this tool to work out what level of payout would be available for an impaired life equity release plan. However, these impaired life equity release calculators are not always entirely accurate. These reason being is that some enhanced equity release lenders such as more2life have varying degrees of enhancement. This is due to the severity of the ill-health the applicant maybe experiencing. The greater the number of illnesses, the greater the potential equity release tax free lump sum.
There are very few times in this life where ill health can actually deliver a better financial reward, but with impaired life equity release schemes from the likes of: -
If you can get past the actuaries working for these equity release providers and would really appreciate some much needed cash at the moment, investigate the possibility of such an impaired life plan and get out there and start living your life to the full.
Equity Release Supermarket has access to impaired or enhanced equity release schemes. These come with exclusive offers such as free valuation & cashback deals. To receive a enhanced equity release quote or product factsheet please complete our contact form.
To evaluate whether you qualify why not call the equity release team on 0800 678 5159 or email mark@equityreleasesupermarket.co.uk.
Tags: cashback, enhanced equity release, enhanced lifetime mortgage, equity release, Equity release calculator, equity release schemes, Equity Release Supermarket, free valuation, impaired life, lifetime mortgage schemes, lifetime mortgages, more2life, Partnership
Posted in Advice, Equity Release | No Comments »
Friday, February 10th, 2012
Just as you thought things couldn’t get much better with equity release interest rates, Stonehaven have joined the latest interest rate war by announcing the lowest annual interest rate yet of just 5.89%.
It looks like Aviva & Just Retirement have stirred up a hornets nest within the equity release market.
Stonehaven equity release have stated they will be reducing their lifetime mortgage interest rates across their whole product range with effect from Monday 13th February 2012. With their benchmark gilt rate now falling to just over 2% they have reduced their interest rates accordingly & maybe more reductions to follow?
The greatest reduction has been on their interest only lifetime mortgage product – Interest Select Max which offers the highest loan-to-value. This has been reduced from 7.57% down to 7.10% monthly.
For comparison purposes, on a £50,000 Stonehaven Interest Select Max mortgage, the monthly payments would have reduced from £315pm down to £296pm. A saving of almost £20pm.
However, the greatest reduction is evident the lump sum product range & it seems Stonehaven are now trying to capture more of the lump sum equity release market. Hence their slightly aggressive stance in lowering below Aviva’s 5.92% rate announced only the other day.
Their niche interest only lifetime mortgage has played a major role in assisting people who have been left stranded by the recent withdrawal of the Halifax Retirement Home Plan.Without the Stonehaven interest select mortgage, there would be no other interest only lifetime mortgage lender in England & Wales.
This is due to the fact that Stonehaven only lend in England & Wales, which means that people in Scotland & Northern Ireland still need to source alternative lenders should they be looking for interest only mortgages. Equity Release Supermarket can still assist here but please contact us on 0800 678 5159 for details.
Details of Stonehaven’s new interest rates are as follows: -
Lump Sum Lite 5.89% (was 6.13%)
Lump Sum 5.98%
Their range of interest only lifetime mortgage rates are as follows: -
Interest Select Lite 6.08% (was £6.13%)
Interest Select 6.17%
Interest Select Plus 6.46%
Interest Select Max 7.10%
If any of these new deals are of interest to you, please contact the Equity Release Supermarket team on 0800 678 5159 where an adviser can provide guidance as to which Stonehaven equity release mortgage would be suitable.
Alternatively, you can email on mark@equityreleasesupermarket.co.uk
Further links for Stonehaven are as follows: -
Request a Stonehaven Quote | Stonehaven Factsheet | Stonehaven Deals |
Request Stonehaven Advice
Tags: Aviva, equity release, Equity Release Adviser, Equity release interest rates, equity release schemes, Equity Release Supermarket, Halifax Retirement Home Plan, interest only lifetime mortgage, interest only mortgage, Just Retirement, lifetime mortgage schemes, lifetime mortgages, Stonehaven, Stonehaven equity release, Stonehaven interest select
Posted in Halifax Retirement Home Plan, Interest Only Lifetime Mortgage, News, Stonehaven Interest Select | No Comments »
Monday, January 30th, 2012
Following on from the post on Friday regarding Aviva reducing its equity release interest rate on their Lifestyle Flexi plan (drawdown scheme), another lender has now followed suit.
LV= (Liverpool Victoria) today advised that it is also to drop its rates with effect from 1st February 2012 on both its Lifetime Mortgage – lump sum plan & the Flexible Lifetime Mortgage – drawdown scheme.
The corresponding rates are as follows: -
- Lifetime Mortgage – lump sum – 6.39% (6.60% APR)
- Flexible Lifetime Mortgage – 6.49% (6.8% APR)
Although interest rates are higher than the two largest providers – Aviva & Just Retirement, LV= do have some quality features that make it stand out from the crowd.
Firstly, their early repayment charges are fixed. This means that there is no link to gilt rates as the basis for the early repayment charge calculation, like Aviva & Just Retirement do.
LV=’s early repayment charges are known from the outset & are 5% in the first 5 years & 3% in the next 5 years. For some this can be reassuring news should their circumstances change in the future & early repayment is necessary.
LV= also allow partial repayments, subject to a minimum of £5,000 so if you are looking to work around potential early repayment this can be planned accordingly.
Equity Release Supermarket currently receive a free valuation with LV= with no current deadline. So now is as good a time as any to be considering an equity release application with the recent interest rate reductions across the board.
If you wish to obtain a quotation or advice on any of the LV= equity release schemes, please call our freephone 0800 678 5159 or email mark@equityreleasesupermarket.co.uk
Tags: Aviva, drawdown equity release, early repayment charges, equity release, Equity Release Adviser, Equity release interest rates, equity release schemes, Equity Release Supermarket, free valuation, lifetime mortgages, LV=
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
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 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.
X
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.
X
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.
X
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.
X
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.
X
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.
X
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.
X
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.
X
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.
X
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 »
Friday, January 6th, 2012
Products come, & products go; & we have seen the evidence of this by the unfortunate withdrawal from the mortgage market in August 2011 of the Halifax Retirement Home Plan.
X
The global financial crisis has been challenging for many, and retired people or those looking to retire have seen a large amount of value disappear from their pensions. This can be stressful and causes worry, but finance options are still available for those looking to supplement their retirement. Equity Release Supermarket has access to market leading interest only mortgages which are available only to people over the age of 55 & looking for ways to finance their retirement.
XX
An example of such is the interest only lifetime mortgage is the Stonehaven Interest Select Plan. This is a unique and innovative option for many looking for additional financial relief in their retirement, but mindful of any inheritance that they wish to pass onto the heirs. Thus pensioner mortgages are now fully available to anyone over 55 & owning their own home.
X
The innovative Stonehaven Interest Select equity release scheme is unique among interest only mortgages as the total outstanding balance does not change. Instead of the interest rolling up like traditional equity release schemes, the interest on the Stonehaven Interest Select is paid monthly by direct debit. This is often done by the customer, but can be funded via the children or potential inheritors who are looking to keep the amount of debt on the property asset under control.
X
The great thing about the Stonehaven Interest Select equity release scheme is that the total amount of debt is managed for the duration of the interest only lifetime mortgage, making it a great financial product for those looking for interest only mortgages that don’t continue to eat into the ownership of the asset.
X
Due to this controlled nature, the Stonehaven Interest Select mortgages are fixed interest rate lifetime mortgages, the security of which many find appealing.
Stonehaven also provides a no negative equity guarantee, so even if the financial crisis worsens; there is no risk that a burden of debt will be passed on in the inheritance. These are two features which should be discussion points on any kind of interest only lifetime mortgages, as they provide important security and peace of mind.
X
Many people struggling to make ends meet during this financial crisis will be looking for ways to finance their retirement in a controlled fashion. Extra capital can really help to ensure that retirement is financially secure. At the same time, those looking for equity release schemes might be looking for control over how much value is traded for this additional security. Their research journey could start with the roll-up lifetime mortgage option, unaware that they are still eligible for an interest only mortgage even into retirement. Therefore, do not fall into the trap that some equity release brokerages will not advise this type of scheme is available. They may receive higher commission levels than payable by other companies, & this should not sway their advice.
X X
Thats why approaching Equity Release Supermarket you will always receive comprehensive equity release advice; impartial & quality recommednations from experienced industry advisers.
They will discuss all your equity release options available, and endeavouring to find the right equity release solution for you. However, if your priority is to control the amount of equity that is being released from your main asset, then the Stonehaven Interest Select plan is THE innovative option to consider.
X
For further details on Stonehaven equity release plans please call Mark on freephone 0800 678 5159 or email mark@equityreleasesupermarket.co.uk.
Tags: equity release, Equity Release Adviser, Equity Release Supermarket, halifax equity release, Halifax Retirement Home Plan, interest only lifetime mortgage, interest only mortgage, lifetime mortgage schemes, lifetime mortgages, No negative equity guarantee, Stonehaven, Stonehaven equity release, Stonehaven interest select
Posted in Interest Only Lifetime Mortgage, Stonehaven Interest Select | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
What is an interest only lifetime mortgage? Well there are many reasons to look into interest only lifetime mortgages in order to meet the financial challenges in our current economic climate.
An interest only mortgage should always be considered before a roll-up equity release or home reversion plan. If you are looking towards protecting your inheritance & wish to pass the full estate to your beneficiaries then an only interest mortgage will do as it says on the tin. By borrowing a fixed amount & repayment of just the interest element will mean that the balance will remain exactly the same.
X
Example of an Interest Only Lifetime Mortgage
The interest only lifetime mortgage is an especially useful product for those over 55, as there are specialist equity release style interest only lifetime mortgages available. Often these plans provide historically attractive interest rates and features that assist those in retirement to plan their financial futures. Consider Stonehaven equity release, who offer several forms of their Interest Select Plan which is effectively a non-verification lifetime mortgage. With this plan you can effectively borrow a percentage of the value of the property & you can chose how much of the interest to pay – starting from £25pm upto the full interest payment.
X
What Purposes can it be used for?
Many people who are looking to consolidate debts will find the Stonehaven Interest Select style of interest only lifetime mortgage to be an attractive option for getting all debts under one single interest only payment. This kind of debt consolidation means that the actual total amount borrowed and paid monthly is thereby reduced & hopefully under control. Additionally, the lower interest payments are likely to be less than payments made over many other debts due to the considerably lower interest rates charged by credit card companies & alike.
X
Overall, this makes the payment of debts easier, as Stonehaven will automatically take payment by direct debit, and easy to plan as the total amount is taken monthly. The fixed interest rate option on an interest only mortgage is a very attractive offer. This means that regardless of the Bank of England manipulating conventional interest rates, the Stonehaven interest select plan will always remain exactly the same. For this reason and these features, is why the Stonehaven Interest Select and Stonehaven Interest Select lite (has lowest fixed interest rate at 6.13%) are so popular. More details about these plans can be found on the Equity Release Supermarket website.
X
Are Alternative Equity release Schemes Available?
There are alternative options available for those looking for equity release schemes, including other options for interest only lifetime mortgages. These could depend upon location such as Scotland & certain counties within England where we have access to specialist lenders. It is therefore important to discuss what is right for you with an accredited independent equity release advisor who has access to the whole of the equity release & interest only mortgage market.
X
Another place to research equity release schemes and interest only lifetime mortgages is the Safe Home Income Plans (SHIP) website, which acts as a consumer safety watchdog for elderly financial products. The Stonehaven equity release products are all registered with SHIP, so these products also come with this important peace of mind. They also have the protection of being regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) thereby coming under the auspices of their compensation scheme.
X
There are many reasons for those over 55 years of age to consider equity release. Many often wonder what is an interest only mortgage? They also wonder what the best options are for their specific needs and situation. While a financial advisor is best placed to help, researching SHIP qualified products like the Stonehaven Interest Select interest only lifetime mortgages often help get started.
The Equity Release Supermarket website is also a useful place to start learning about the ‘ins and outs’ of equity release. There is a lot to learn, so be sure to speak to one of our specialist financial advisers as early as possible and often to be clear about the direction your enquiry is heading.
X
Call our Freephone number 0800 678 5159 for further details on Interest Only Lifetime Mortgage Plans.
Alternatively, follow this link to request a Stonehaven equity release quote.
Tags: equity release, FSA, interest only lifetime mortgage, interest only mortgage, lifetime mortgages, SHIP, Stonehaven, Stonehaven equity release, Stonehaven interest select
Posted in Interest Only Lifetime Mortgage, Stonehaven Interest Select | No Comments »
|
