Is Equity Release Suitable For You?
Before considering an Equity Release scheme you should ask yourself the following questions:
Firstly, 'are you prepared to use the value (equity) locked up in your home?'
If the answer is yes you should also ask yourself, 'have you considered the alternatives to equity release?'
There are 4 main alternatives to an Equity Release Scheme...
- Move to a cheaper property and use the released funds to meet your needs.
- Use existing resources, such as investments.
- Use assistance from family, grants or unclaimed State Benefits.
- Do nothing and pass on the value of your home when you die, less inheritance tax (40% on anything over £312,000 in 2008-09)
Having considered the alternatives, the next question is 'have you gathered sufficient information to enable you to make a decision that you and your family, are happy with?'
Finally, - if you've got this far you may well ask yourself - 'why didn't I do this sooner?'
Whilst an equity release plan can provide you with benefits it is not suitable for everyone. Is some cases there can be drawbacks which outweigh the benefits. For this reason, we advise you to get impartial advice from a specialist adviser first.
We believe that obtaining impartial advice from a specialist equity release adviser is crucial if you are to make a decision on the right type of equity release plan and avoid making a mistake that you may regret for life.