Equity Release in Scarborough

Equity Release In Scarborough | December 2023

For homeowners looking to release money from their property’s lien, equity release has become a well-known option in Scarborough. With the help of this financial product, homeowners can access the value of their property while still living there. 

The released equity can be put to various uses, including debt relief, home renovations, and retirement income supplementation.

Table of Contents

Understanding Equity Release

The process of releasing equity from your home without moving is called equity release. 

These secured loans for older homeowners—often lifetime mortgages—are known as equity release products. The amount of equity you can release depends heavily on the value of your home.

The Financial Conduct Authority regulates the equity release market, ensuring that equity release products adhere to predetermined standards. 

Most lifetime mortgages will include a no negative equity guarantee shielding borrowers from owing more than their homes are worth. 

The Equity Release Council, a trade group that ensures secure equity release products, established this guarantee as a standard. When thinking about it, it’s critical to comprehend the costs associated with equity release. 

The amount you eventually owe will depend on the interest rate charged on the loan backed by your property. Equity release is a significant financial commitment because of the potentially high interest rate. 

Monthly payments are an option with some equity release products, which can help control the growth of interest over time. However, not all products come with this as a standard feature.

Early repayment penalties could also be associated with equity release. 

If you repay the loan earlier than specified in the equity release agreement, you will be charged these fees. Typically, this is when property owners decide to sell it or pass away. 

Before signing a contract, knowing these fees is essential because they differ between equity release providers.

Eligibility for Equity Release

The value of your property, any outstanding mortgages, and your eligibility for equity release are typically all influenced by your age. 

In Scarborough and the rest of the United Kingdom, most equity release providers demand that homeowners be over a certain age, typically 55 or 60. 

To determine how much equity you can release, the value of your property will be evaluated, typically by an independent property valuation. If you already have a mortgage on your home, you must pay it off before or when you take out the equity release. 

The lump sum from the equity release or other savings can be used for this. Before moving forward, it is essential to obtain professional equity release advice. Lifetime mortgages and equity release products are secured loans. 

This means that, like a conventional mortgage, the loan is backed by the market value of your house. 

Although many products come with a negative equity guarantee, if the value of your home decreases, it may impact the amount that can be borrowed or even result in negative equity.

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 Plans

Homeowners can release tax-free cash from their property through one of two popular equity release plans. These are home reversion plans and lifetime mortgages. Your best equity release plan will depend on your situation and financial objectives.

Most equity releases take the form of lifetime mortgages. It entails borrowing money secured by your house while keeping the right to live there. The proceeds can be given to you in a single payment or over time. 

The loan’s principal and accrued interest are paid back in full when you die or enter long-term care. On the other hand, home reversion plans entail selling all or a portion of your home to a reversion company in exchange for a one-time or ongoing payment. 

The amount of the home you sold will belong to the reversion company when you pass away or enter long-term care, but you will still be able to live there rent-free for the rest of your life.

Before making a choice, it’s important to get unbiased financial advice because each type of equity release plan has advantages and disadvantages.

Equity Release in Scarborough

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.  

Pros and Cons of Equity Release

Equity release has benefits and drawbacks, just like every other financial product. One of the main benefits is the ability to release tax-free funds from your home without moving. 

You can receive the money in a tax-free lump sum, regular payments, or a combination of both, depending on the kind of equity release plan you select. Another benefit is the guarantee against negative equity provided by most lifetime mortgages. 

This guarantees that even if the housing market declines, you will never owe more than the value of your home. The Equity Release Council mandated this guarantee to give homeowners peace of mind. The drawback of equity release is that it can be expensive. 

Lifetime mortgage interest rates are typically higher than standard mortgage interest rates, and if the interest is compounded over the loan’s life, it can add up quickly. If you repay the loan earlier than expected, early repayment fees might also be charged.

Your tax situation and eligibility for means-tested benefits may be impacted by equity release. Selling your house for a large lump sum might put you in a higher tax bracket or make you ineligible for benefits like Council Tax Support or Pension Credit. 

Therefore, it is imperative to get independent legal counsel before moving forward.

Impact of Equity Release on Welfare Benefits

Your state benefits may be significantly impacted by equity release. A cash lump sum or recurring payments could affect your ability to receive means-tested benefits. 

Council tax and other state benefits may be reduced or even eliminated if your income or savings exceed certain limits. 

Consider how much equity you want to release and how that might impact your benefits. You can get unbiased financial advice on this topic from a financial advisor. You can learn from them how equity release might affect your tax situation and eligibility for government benefits.

It is crucial to get impartial legal counsel before making a choice. The legal aspects of an equity release agreement can be understood with the help of legal counsel. 

This entails comprehending the function of the financial ombudsperson service, your rights and obligations, and any associated risks.

Equity Release Providers in Scarborough

In Scarborough, there are numerous equity release companies. These include well-known businesses like General Capital, Age Partnership, and Pure Retirement. 

Various equity release products with multiple interest rates, loan amounts, and features are available from these providers. Some providers might provide more adaptable choices, such as making monthly payments or a guarantee against negative equity.

Market research and comparison shopping is essential before selecting an equity release provider. You can use an equity release calculator as a helpful tool to determine how much you can release. 

A mortgage broker with knowledge of the equity release market can also be beneficial. They can offer knowledgeable advice on equity release, assisting you in considering your options and locating the product that best meets your needs.

Completing the equity release process may seem complicated, especially given the legal considerations. So, it’s wise to get legal counsel before signing an agreement. 

The terms and conditions of the equity release agreement, such as the early repayment penalties, legal fees, and advice fees, can be better understood with the assistance of an attorney.

Equity Release and Property Value

The property value significantly impacts how much equity you can release from your home. You can release more equity if your property’s market value rises. The amount you can borrow might be restricted if the value of the property drops.

The value of your home backs lifetime mortgages and other equity release plans. Before the equity release, any outstanding mortgage on the property must be settled. You could do this using the initial lump sum from the equity release or some other type of funding.

Remember that equity release is a loan secured by your home, even though it can offer a lump sum or regular payments. If you don’t make monthly payments, the interest accumulates and is added to the loan balance. 

Usually, when the house is sold after your death or when you enter long-term care, the loan and rolled-up interest are paid back. 

Retirement Planning and Equity Release

Retirement planning may benefit from using equity release as a tool. You can use the equity in your home while you’re still residing there to get additional cash to supplement your retirement income. 

The ability to maintain your lifestyle or pay for care expenses may result from this, making you more comfortable in later life. Equity release is a significant financial commitment that should not be taken lightly. 

It is recommended to consult with financial advisors who thoroughly understand equity release’s workings, its potential effects on your tax situation, and how it might affect your estate.

In case you forgot, the equity release market is governed by the Financial Conduct Authority. To provide some level of protection, providers must adhere to specific standards. However, seeking financial advice is essential before determining whether equity release is a good option.

Property Ownership and Equity Release

You acquire home ownership when you take out an equity release product. This indicates that subject to the terms and conditions of your equity release agreement, you can reside in your home for as long as you like. 

The most popular equity release option, the lifetime mortgage, ensures your house remains yours until you pass away or enter long-term care.

On the other hand, a home reversion plan involves selling all or a portion of your property to a reversion company as part of the equity release process. You won’t own the area of your old house, even though you can continue living there without paying rent.

It’s crucial to comprehend the repercussions before deciding to release equity from your home. To ensure that you make an informed decision, speak with a financial advisor and obtain independent legal counsel.

About Scarborough

The vibrant town of Scarborough, located in the British county of North Yorkshire, is well-known for its extensive history and breathtaking natural beauty. It’s a well-liked vacation spot with stunning beaches, old castles, and many outdoor activities. 

Scarborough’s primary postcode areas are YO11, YO12, and YO13; its area code is 01723.

The largest vacation destination on the Yorkshire coast is Scarborough. 

The first seaside resort in England was founded in the 1600s and has been a popular tourist destination ever since. With its imposing Victorian architecture and contemporary amenities, this coastal town offers a charming fusion of old and new. 

The annual Scarborough Fair, a customary fair with roots in the Middle Ages, is another reason Scarborough is well-known. The fair is so important that it inspired a famous ballad many musicians have since covered.

Scarborough also has a thriving arts community. It is the location of the Stephen Joseph Theatre, where many of the plays by renowned playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn had their world premieres. 

Additionally, the community hosts the annual Scarborough Jazz Festival, which draws jazz fans nationwide. Scarborough is a unique location for marine biology because of its geographic location. 

The town is close to Flamborough Head, a stretch of coast renowned for its variety of marine life. A marine biology field station at the University of Hull conducts critical studies on marine ecosystems.

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) Barrowcliff

2) Cayton

3) Eastfield

4) Falsgrave Park

5) Newby

6) North Bay

7) Northstead

8) Scalby

9) South Bay

10) Weapons

11) Woodlands

And here are towns, villages and boroughs within 10 miles of Scarborough:

1) Burniston

2) Cloughton

3) Staxton

4) Seamer

5) Irton

6) East Ayton

7) West Ayton

8) Cayton Bay

9) Osgodby

10) Filey

11) Hunmanby

12) Primrose Valley

13) Gristhorpe

14) Lebberston

15) Speeton

16) Reighton

17) Bempton

18) Flamborough.

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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