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How does equity release work?

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Checked for accuracy and updated on 27 June 2023

Equity release allows homeowners over the age of 55 to unlock the value of their property without the need to sell or downsize.

In principle, equity release schemes come in two formats:

Lifetime mortgages are a type of mortgage secured on your property which can be your main residence, second home or even a holiday home.

Homeowners continue to own their home and can choose either a single cash lump sum, income or take smaller chunks of money over time – known as drawdown. All the money released is tax-free and the homeowners get to stay in their property until they die or go into long-term care.

The money raised from any equity release scheme can be used for any legal purpose: from home improvements to clearing existing debts or mortgages.

And if it’s just some extra funds needed to buy a new car or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, that’s fine too – we never tell you what to do with your money.

Or

Home reversion plans allow you sell a percentage of the value of your property in return for a tax-free cash lump sum, or series of capital amounts. The home reversion provider offers a lifetime tenancy to the homeowners, enabling them to live rent free in their home for the rest of their lives.

Although home reversion has a minor role in today's equity release market, they still provide peace of mind as a way of releasing tax-free cash AND guaranteeing an inheritance for your beneficiaries.

What’s the equity release application process?

At Equity Release Supermarket, we provide a transparent and customised service which sees our experienced and friendly advisers guide you through the whole application process. From initial research to the successful release of funds at completion, you can rely on our team to explain everything in a language that’s easy to understand.

Here is a guide to explain the equity release application process:

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1 Advice and recommendation

The first part in the equity release process is to have a free initial consultation with one of our advisers. They will provide you with a personalised suitability report based on your circumstances and products currently available in the market.

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2 Application

Following acceptance of our recommendation, your equity release adviser will complete an application form, collecting supporting documentation and identification. Our new business team will then forward your file onto the equity release provider.

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3 Valuation report

Upon receipt of your application, the lender will instruct a local independent surveyor to contact you and arrange a mutually convenient valuation of your property. The surveyor will conduct a market appraisal, advising its current value and condition for security purposes. The outcome of this report will determine how much equity can be released.

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4 Conveyancing and legal

Your appointed equity release solicitor will be responsible for dealing with the legal process. They will liaise with the lenders’ solicitor and fill out an initial questionnaire about you and your property. You will then receive an offer from the lender, along with a Solicitor's Certificate.

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5 Offer made

Once the lender deems the surveyor’s valuation report satisfactory, you will be sent an equity release offer. This confirms the terms and conditions of the mortgage, including the rate, charges and amount borrowed. The original offer is sent to your solicitor, requiring a signature in the presence of your solicitor during a face-to-face meeting.

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6 Completion

Finally, when the lender’s solicitors have completed their final checks of all the legal paperwork, they will set a completion date. The funds released are sent to your solicitor initially with any charges deducted. Dependent upon your preferences, the net amount will then be forwarded to your nominated bank account or posted via cheque.

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7 Enjoy the proceeds!

With the funds released, you are now free to spend the equity release proceeds in whatever way you wish. Equity Release Supermarket prides itself on service, so we will always try to check-in on an annual basis to make sure the plan remains competitive.

What our happy customers have to say about our equity release advisers

Your adviser, Hannah Boxshall, was the only one who actually visited me to discuss equity release details. She gave me outstanding... READ MORE

Mr L - High Halstow, Kent

It was a pleasure to deal with someone who tells you what will happen, and it actually happened and was so quick and straightforward.... READ MORE

Mrs C - Colchester

‘In these uncertain times, John's support and extensive knowledge have been outstanding. My husband and I have previously... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs J - Cardiff, Wales

I want to say thanks for the excellent service I received, Jo gave me help and advice with a smile.

Mrs F - Camberley, Surrey

Simply fabulous service. I would say that the help and advice I got from Claire was superb. Every effort was made to ensure... READ MORE

Mrs B - Fareham, Hampshire

Excellent, friendly & not pushy at all. Service from my local representative couldn't be bettered. Whole process was surprisingly... READ MORE

Mrs P - Paignton, Devon

I really felt like I was dealing with a professional who knew what I wanted and needed. My options were clearly explained... READ MORE

Mrs A - East Lothian

Our adviser - Paul Newsome went way beyond the call of duty to get us our money and we can only be really thankful to him... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs S - Louth, Lincolnshire

I have nothing but praise for the excellent service that ERSupermarket has given me. The process of getting an equity release... READ MORE

Mr L - Portstewart

Stuart Young was efficient in the way he explained the numerous options available to me. I never felt under pressure and... READ MORE

Mrs T - Winchester, Hampshire

Haydn was very professional, he identified an appropriate solution rather than trying to sell a product.

Mr & Mrs H - Ashford, Surrey

I have enjoyed speaking to Gareth. He is a very nice and friendly person and he is an asset to your company. The whole... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs B - Stockport, Cheshire

Adam is very knowledgeable on the matter we raised, and his explanations were very clear and easy to understand.

Mr & Mrs G - London

Marc Cookson was very knowledgeable & provided us with excellent service. He was a delight to deal with. My comments are... READ MORE

Mr B - Chesterfield, Derbyshire

Sue appreciated that we had carried out extensive research ourselves so was able to aim our discussions at the appropriate... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs H - Morecambe, Lancashire

Anna was superb in helping us through the minefield of equity release. I would seriously recommend her to anyone who wants... READ MORE

Mr N - Suffolk

A huge thank you to Paul and Collete for their hard work, patience, and regular contact during the process of obtaining equity... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs S - Hull

Derek was very professional & efficient. He was able to sucessfully deal with our idiosyncrasies.

Mr & Mrs B - Fleet, Hampshire

Dan was very polite and professional. He took his time to really understand what we were looking to do and took onboard any... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs F - Skipton, North Yorkshire

Excellent Service. Mark was very helpful & always returned calls very quickly if unavailable. We were always kept upto date... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs W - Redditch, Worcestershire

A clear straightforward and quick process knowing exactly what costs were involved through set fees rather than %. Our thanks... READ MORE

Ms W - Irvine, North Ayrshire

The service provided & information available was excellent which allied to a very informed & personable advisor made the... READ MORE

Mr S - Moreton In Marsh

The whole process was very easy and I felt informed all through the purchase of a new-build house.

Mrs D - Camberley, Surrey

From first to last we were very impressed by your service & pleasantly surprised by how quick completion was, considering... READ MORE

Mr S - Hastings, East Sussex

Sara has recently helped us with an equity release on my mum’s property. Not only was she professional & thorough, but... READ MORE

Mrs K - Brentwood, Essex

Nothing is 100%, but boy this was close! This is a first class professional unit. They explained, outlined & covered all... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs C - Beckenham, Kent

Tara was an exemplary advisor in my case every step of the way. She spoke with clarity using language I could understand... READ MORE

Mrs D - West Sussex

How long does the equity release application process take?

A lifetime mortgage scheme usually takes somewhere between 4 to 6 weeks to complete, while a home reversion plan is more like 8 to 10 weeks, assuming the title on the house is clear. How long this takes will also depend largely on how efficient and experienced your solicitor is.

Applying for equity release involves legal work, which should be handled by a solicitor with expertise in equity release. This can help to avoid any potential delays in your application.

Equity Release Supermarket can provide a panel of qualified equity release solicitors to choose from, who can handle your application. All these solicitors offer a home visit if required and a competitive pricing structure, backed up by a 'no completion, no fee' guarantee.

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