Equity Release in Gillingham

Equity Release In Gillingham | December 2023

Equity release in Gillingham is a significant component of financial solutions. 

With this choice, homeowners can access the wealth in their residential property, receiving a lump sum or recurring payments that can be used to supplement retirement income, pay off an existing mortgage, or even pay for long-term care.

Table of Contents

Understanding Equity Release

A financial product known as equity release enables you to access the equity or value of your home without having to relocate. Lifetime mortgages and home reversion are the two main varieties of equity release. 

While the latter entails selling a portion of your home, the former enables you to borrow money against your house.

The most prevalent kind of equity release product is a lifetime mortgage. They allow homeowners to withdraw money from the value of their property tax-free. 

When a homeowner passes away or enters long-term care, the loan secured by the property may be repaid by selling the house. On the other hand, home reversion is an equity release plan in which you sell all or a portion of your property to a home reversion business. 

In return, you get a guaranteed lifetime lease with no monthly payments and a tax-free lump sum or monthly payments.

The no negative equity guarantee, which guarantees you’ll never owe more than your home’s market value, is one thing to remember. Equity release is guaranteed to be secure and governed by this guarantee, supported by the Equity Release Council.

Eligibility for Equity Release in Gillingham

Like the rest of the UK, Gillingham has specific eligibility requirements for equity release. Equity release companies consider many important factors, including the homeowner’s age, property value, and property type. 

The residential property must meet the lender’s strict criteria, and the homeowner must be at least 55. 

Any outstanding loans or mortgages on the property must be paid off using the money from the equity release. Doing this allows you to borrow less money and pay off your mortgage.

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.

Types of Equity Release Schemes

Lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans are the two available equity release options. With a lifetime mortgage, you can take out a loan against your house and keep ownership. You can pay back the interest over time or make monthly payments. 

The loan balance and any accrued interest are repaid when you pass away or enter long-term care. Home reversion entails selling all or a portion of your residence. 

The right to live in your home without paying rent for the rest of your life can be obtained as a lump sum or regular payments. However, any increase in property value will only partially benefit you.

Equity Release in Gillingham

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.  

Advantages of Equity Release

Numerous advantages come with equity release. Without moving, you can access tax-free money held in your property. You can use this money to increase your retirement income, make home improvements, or buy a new property.

No monthly payments are required; the interest can be rolled up with a lifetime mortgage. 

The majority of lifetime mortgages include a guarantee against negative equity. Additionally, you can navigate the process more confidently and make wise decisions with the help of professional equity release advice.

Disadvantages and Risks

Despite the benefits, there are some possible drawbacks to taking equity out of your house. A sizable lump sum may impact your tax situation and your eligibility for means-tested benefits.

If you pay off your plan early, early repayment fees might be assessed, and compound interest can cause your debt to balloon. Therefore, seeking unbiased financial advice before making a choice is crucial.

Role of Financial Advisors

A financial advisor may be essential to your equity release process. They can give you specific advice, explain the benefits and risks of equity release, and assist you in reaching a well-informed decision. 

They can also help you look into other possibilities, like downsizing or using savings.

Equity Release Regulation in UK

The Financial Conduct Authority regulates equity release products, always ensuring your protection. The Equity Release Council members must also follow a strict code of conduct to protect consumers further.

Alternatives to Equity Release

Consider your options before deciding to release equity from your house. You could downsize to a smaller home or look into possibilities like taking money out of your pension, renting out a room in your home, or asking family for assistance. 

It’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each choice and seek professional guidance.

Equity Release Costs and Charges

Considering the associated costs when considering an equity release mortgage is critical. 

These fees could include early repayment penalties if you pay off the loan before the agreed-upon date, advice fees for your financial advisor’s services, and lender arrangement fees. 

Legal costs might also be involved because you’ll require independent legal counsel to comprehend the agreement fully. Another essential factor to take into account is the interest rate. 

Lifetime mortgages, in particular, are a typical example of equity release products with fixed interest rates. These rates, however, might be higher than standard mortgage rates, which might cause your debt to grow if the interest is rolled up. 

Additionally, some products might have expensive early repayment penalties. These fees can make paying off your equity release plan early costly and inflexible.

Managing Your Equity Release

Making a significant financial decision, like releasing equity from your home, requires careful management. To determine how much you could remove from your home, an equity release calculator can be a helpful tool.

But it’s essential to remember that your circumstances, including your age, health, and the market value of your property, will determine how much you can release. 

It is advisable to seek professional advice on equity release from a licenced financial adviser who can offer a more accurate estimate based on your circumstances. Some equity-release products enable regular payments instead of a lump sum for those who desire it. 

Understanding the terms of the product is crucial, as well as how interest is calculated and whether there are options for making monthly repayments to control the interest accumulated.

Equity Release and Your Financial Situation

Your financial situation may be impacted by equity release in several ways. For instance, releasing significant equity from your home could affect your entitlement if you receive means-tested benefits. 

Therefore, before choosing an equity release, it’s imperative to consider your present and future financial needs. Your tax situation might also change. While the money you release is tax-free, you might have to pay taxes on the gains if you invest it and earn interest.

Last but not least, keep in mind that releasing equity lowers the value of your estate. This might impact the inheritance you leave behind. As a result, it is advisable to consult your family about your plans and consider their opinions.

About Gillingham

In the South East of England, in the county of Kent, is the exciting town of Gillingham. The city is a part of the Medway Towns with Chatham, Rochester, and Strood. 

It has a rich maritime and military history, and the Royal Engineers Museum features a fantastic collection of military engineering artefacts.

The residents of Gillingham can reach the more prominent Kent and Medway regions using the area code 01634. Gillingham’s primary postcode districts, which serve a range of residential and commercial properties, are ME7, ME8, and portions of ME4.

Gillingham is home to many beautiful landscapes, including the lovely conservation area known as Riverside Country Park. Additionally, it serves as the base of operations for the prestigious English Football League team Gillingham Football Club.

The town has a bustling high street, numerous schools and colleges, and a combination of modern conveniences and historic charm. Additionally, it has excellent transport options, including quick access to the M2 motorway and direct trains to London.

Despite its burgeoning urbanisation, Gillingham still has a strong sense of community. The community holds an annual festival featuring activities, exhibits, and performances to honour local culture.

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) Brompton

2) Hempstead

3) Rainham

4) Parkwood

5) Wigmore

6) Twydall

7) Luton

8) Lower Rainham

9) Capstone

10) Darland

11) Moor Street

12) Medway City Estate

13) Strood

14) Chatham

15) Rochester

16) Borstal

17) High Halstow

18) Cliffe

19) Gravesend

20) Aylesford

21) Maidstone

22) Sittingbourne

23) Sheerness

24) Faversham

25) Canterbury.

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

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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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