Equity Release in Bristol

Equity Release In Bristol | December 2023

A growing number of Bristol residents are using equity release, a financial service that enables homeowners to access their home’s value while still residing there. 

This article will go in-depth on equity release, cover the various equity release plans offered, and outline the equity release procedure in Bristol.

Table of Contents

Understanding Equity Release

If you are over 55, equity release refers to various products that enable you to release the equity (cash) locked up in your home. It could cover significant expenses like long-term care costs, pay off an existing mortgage, or even fund your retirement.

Equity release products can be complicated, so getting professional guidance is essential. 

Financial advisors can give you unbiased financial advice, walk you through your equity release options, use an equity release calculator to figure out how much you can release, and advise how it might affect your tax situation and means-tested benefits.

Equity release plans may offer a lump sum, ongoing extra cash, or occasionally both. They can be classified as either lifetime mortgages or home reversion plans. Before moving forward, it’s crucial to comprehend these kinds of equity release schemes.

Types of Equity Release Schemes

A lifetime mortgage is the most popular style of equity release plan. Most lifetime mortgages involve taking out a loan against the value of your home, which is deferred until your death or admission to long-term care. 

You can still occupy your home and profit from any rise in its market value. Lifetime mortgages frequently include a guarantee against negative equity. If it decreases, you won’t be left with an unpaid loan more remarkable than the property’s value. 

Most lifetime mortgages allow you to choose between making monthly payments and letting the interest accumulate, gradually increasing the loan balance.  A home reversion plan constitutes the second kind of equity release

A home reversion plan provider will purchase all or a portion of your house from you in exchange for a tax-free lump sum or ongoing payments. Rent-free living is permitted there until your death, but you must agree to keep the property maintained and insured.

You can also watch this video on YouTube here.

Try Age Partnership’s equity release calculator and estimate how much money you could release from your property

If you take out a product from Age Partnership, we will receive a fee for introducing you to them. This helps support the site and for us to produce more content.

Pros and Cons of Equity Release

Accessing tax-free funds locked up in your property without having to relocate is one of the critical advantages of equity release. It can increase the financial security of your retirement, enabling you to support your lifestyle, pay for home improvements, or even provide for your loved ones. 

Equity release, however, entails a significant financial commitment and has drawbacks. Equity release products sometimes have interest rates that are higher than conventional mortgages. You can increase if you choose a lifetime mortgage with rolled-up interest. 

Taking equity out of your house may impact your tax situation and eligibility for government benefits. 

Equity Release in Bristol

Some of the best equity release interest rates as at December 2023

The table below shows you some of the best equity release rates, as at December 2023, for lifetime mortgages, from some of the leading equity release providers in the UK. 

These rates may have changed since this table was updated and should be taken as indicative only. There may also be other providers not listed on this table that could offer better deals.  In addition, the providers and products noted below may not be right for your particular circumstances. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you speak to an equity release adviser, who will be able to provide you with information on the latest rates, that are applicable to you.

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Product NameInterest RateType of productOffers
Just For You – J2.56.22%FixedFree ValuationNo application fee
Just For You – J16.30%FixedFree ValuationNo application fee
Premier Flexible Pearl6.43%FixedFree Valuation
Premier Optional Payment Pearl6.43%FixedFree Valuation
Horizon 240 Drawdown6.43%FixedFree Valuation
Classic Drawdown Super Lite 26.47%FixedFree Valuation
Horizon 260 Drawdown6.47%FixedFree Valuation
Classic Elite Drawdown Super Lite 26.47%FixedFree Valuation
Premier Flexible Pearl6.48%FixedFree Valuation
Premier Optional Payment Pearl6.48%FixedFree Valuation
Horizon 240 Drawdown Fee Free6.49%FixedFree ValuationNo application fee
Classic Drawdown Super Lite 16.52%FixedFree ValuationNo application fee
Premier Flexible Pearl6.52%FixedFree Valuation
Premier Optional Payment Pearl6.52%FixedFree Valuation
Classic Elite Drawdown Super Lite 16.52%FixedFree ValuationNo application fee
Flexible Pearl6.53%FixedFree Valuation
Optional Payment Pearl6.53%FixedFree Valuation
Enhanced Lifestyle Flexible Option6.53%FixedFree ValuationNo application fee
Horizon 260 Drawdown Fee Free6.55%FixedFree ValuationNo application fee

The equity release rates have been sourced from Equity Release Supermarket. These indicative rates and incentives may have changed since this article was last updated. Therefore, they should only be taken as a guide and we cannot guarantee their current accuracy. Please also note that we do not provide advice on or endorse any particular product listed here. The rate you are offered will depend on your individual circumstances and subject to lender approval. We recommend that you speak to an equity release advisor to see what the best options are for you.

If you take out a product with Age Partnership, we will receive a fee for introducing you to them. By contacting Age Partnership through us, the cost of any equity release product would be the same as if you had contacted them directly.  The fee we received is used to help keep our site operational and to produce new content.  

Eligibility Criteria for Equity Release

You must be at least 55 years old, own your own home (with or without a current mortgage), and your property must be in a reasonable state of repair to qualify for equity release in Bristol. 

Your age, property value, state of health, and other factors will all impact how much money you can release.

Equity Release Process in Bristol

Consultation with a certified equity release adviser is the first step in the equity release procedure in Bristol. This advisor will outline your options for you, outlining the advantages and disadvantages of each equity release product.

Once you’ve decided to move forward with equity release, your adviser will assist you in filling out an application for the equity release product of your choice. Your property will be valued to ascertain the amount of equity that can be released. 

The equity release provider’s formal offer is the following step. A lawyer will assist you with the legal aspects of the equity release agreement once the offer has been accepted. 

Finally, the funds will be available after all the paperwork is finished. You can decide whether to receive a lump sum or regular income depending on your selected equity release scheme.

Risks and Safeguards in Equity Release

Equity release carries many risks, including the chance that the debt will grow exponentially if the interest is rolled up. It’s also important to remember that equity release may affect your tax situation, your eligibility for means-tested benefits, and the value of your estate.

To protect consumers, there are measures in place. All equity release companies must offer a “no negative equity guarantee” under Financial Conduct Authority regulation, ensuring that you will never owe more than the value of your home.

Choosing an Equity Release Provider

An essential step in the procedure is selecting an equity release provider. It is crucial to consider the provider’s reputation, the adaptability of their products, and whether they are Equity Release Council members, guaranteeing a set of product standards.

It’s essential to compare the interest rates and costs various providers charge. An equity release advisor can help ensure you know all the costs involved, such as any early repayment penalties or legal fees.

Legal and Financial Implications of Equity Release

Equity release has essential financial and legal ramifications. Before moving forward, it is imperative to obtain independent legal advice. Lawyers can thoroughly explain the terms and conditions of the equity release agreement, ensuring that you know your responsibilities.

Equity release financially impacts your tax situation and eligibility for some benefits. Before making a choice, it’s crucial to consult a financial advisor.

Homeowners in Bristol may find equity release a sound financial tool, but it’s also a complicated product with risks. To make an informed choice, it is essential to seek the advice of financial advisers and solicitors.

Mortgage Advice for Equity Release

It’s essential to get good mortgage advice when thinking about equity release. You can learn more about the nuances of various equity release products, such as lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans, from an equity release adviser or financial advisor. 

They can describe how monthly payments or lump sum options operate and how interest rates affect the product’s overall cost. Choosing whether equity release is the best option for you can be aided by receiving the correct mortgage advice. 

Additionally, it’s essential for assisting you in comprehending your debt obligations, including any early repayment fees, the effects on your tax situation, and how equity release might affect your eligibility for government benefits.

Working with an accredited equity release adviser on the Financial Services Register is strongly advised. They will guide you through the equity release market and offer unbiased financial advice.

Factors Influencing Equity Release Cost

Several factors influence the price of equity release. One crucial factor is the interest rate the equity release provider charges. The overall cost will be lower because less interest will accrue with a lower interest rate over time. 

It’s crucial to remember that most lifetime mortgages have fixed interest rates, which means the rate won’t change throughout the loan. The kind of equity-release product you select is another aspect. 

For instance, you can make monthly repayments with a lifetime mortgage to manage the interest, potentially lowering the overall cost. However, the claim is included in a home reversion plan, which might result in a higher repayment amount.

In addition to these costs, equity release may also incur advice fees, legal fees, and possibly early repayment penalties. For a thorough understanding of the associated costs, it is worth seeking professional equity release advice.

Role of the Equity Release Council

In the equity release market, the Equity Release Council is crucial. It is a trade organisation representing suppliers, licenced advisers, and other business experts offering equity-release products. 

Members of the Equity Release Council are bound by a strict code of conduct that ensures specific consumer protection standards. Members are required to offer a “no negative equity guarantee,” ensuring that you will never owe more than the market value of your home. 

They also grant you the right to live in your home for the rest of your days or until you enter long-term care. Additional assurance can be obtained by selecting a provider member of the Equity Release Council. 

They are governed by the Financial Conduct Authority, subject to UK regulatory requirements. Additionally, they must offer you unbiased legal counsel to safeguard your interests. 

Using Equity Release for Home Improvements

Home improvement projects can be effectively funded through equity release. You can access tax-free lump sum or recurring payments by taking equity out of your home to pay for upgrades, repairs, or renovations. 

Your home may become more functional and comfortable, increasing its market value. It’s crucial to remember that using equity release for home improvements entails taking out a loan against the value of your house. 

You’ll have to pay this back with interest when you pass away or enter long-term care. As a result, consulting with lawyers and financial advisers is crucial before moving forward.

A mortgage adviser should be consulted if you consider using equity release for home improvements. They can offer expert advice on the best equity release product based on your circumstances and the potential effects on your financial situation.

About Bristol

Bristol, which has area code 0117, is a vibrant city full of personality and imagination. The largest city in Bristol County, which is in the South West of England, Bristol is well-known for its long maritime history. 

BS1 covers the central region of Bristol and its environs to BS49 main postcode areasBristol is renowned for its illustrious suspension bridge, thriving culture, and historic ports. 

The Port of Bristol has played a significant role in the growth and development of the city, which has a long-standing connection to the sea. It is also a city of art, having given birth to the well-known graffiti artist Banksy, many of whose creations can still be seen all over the city.

The city is vibrant, with various dining options, numerous festivals, and a thriving music scene. Bristol takes pride in being committed to sustainability; in fact, 2015 it was named the UK’s first-ever European Green Capital.

Bristol’s illustrious past is reflected in the city’s iconic structures, including the magnificent Bristol Cathedral and the SS Great Britain. Bristol is also home to We The Curious, an interactive science museum with a planetarium for science enthusiasts.

Local Areas Where Equity Release Can Be Provided

Here is a list of local areas and boroughs where equity release services can be provided:

1) Clifton

2) Bedminster

3) Bishopston

4) St George

5) Southville

6) Stoke Bishop

7) Totterdown

8) Westbury on Trym

9) Redland

10) Ashton

11) Knowle

12) Fishponds

13) Easton

14) Horfield

15) Cotham

16) Kingswood

17) Brislington

18) Henbury

19) Hengrove

20) Hillfields

21) Speedwell

22) Shirehampton

23) Lockleaze

24) Long Ashton

25) Portishead

26) Clevedon

27) Nailsea

28) Yate

29) Thornbury

30) Keynsham

31) Bath

32) Chipping Sodbury

33) Almondsbury

34) Filton

35) Patchway

36) Warmley

37) Winterbourne

38) Saltford

39) Pucklechurch

40) Mangotsfield.

Try Age Partnership’s equity release calculator and estimate how much money you could release from your property

Financial Promotions Sign-off

The adverts for Boon Brokers on this page have been signed off as a Financial Promotion by Boon Brokers Limited, to ensure that they are in compliance with Section 21 of FSMA. Boon Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The Financial Services Register number is 973757.

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Meet the author

Jane Parkinson

Jane Parkinson

Jane is one of our primary content writers and specialises in elder care. She has a degree in English language and literature from Manchester University and has been writing and reviewing products for a number of years.

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Most advisors charge for their service.  But you can get fee-free equity release advice from Boon Brokers. 

Call : 0333 567 1812

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If you take out a product from Boon Brokers, we will receive a fee for introducing you to them.

Unlike most equity release advisors, Boon Brokers do not charge any fees! Have a free consultation to see how they can help.

You can speak to Boon Brokers on the number below and discuss your options.

0333 567 1812

Use the equity release calculator and see how much money you could receive.

You can book a callback from an equity release specialist, who can call you when it's conveniant.

All equity release advice is provided by Boon Brokers Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The Financial Services Register number is 973757. 

 

If you take out a product with Boon Brokers, we will receive a fee for introducing you to them. Boon Brokers provides advice for free and without obligation.  By contacting Boon Brokers through us, the cost of any equity release product would be the same as if you had contacted them directly.  

The fee we receive is used to help keep this site operational and to produce new content.  

 

Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

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