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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

Gary was very persistent and helped us get the best rate where others had failed. The case had a few obstacles and the service... READ MORE

Mr and Mrs M - Kings Lynn

‘John’s patience and clear explanations provided us with the reassurance that we had made the right decisions’

Mr & Mrs Barrett - East Sussex

Excellent, professional service, everything was done in a timely manner. calls happened when promised.

Ms B - Forest of Dean

This is my 2nd equity release programme & so I was basically familiar with the procedure. UYour adviser Andrew Ross was excellent... READ MORE

Mr R - Plymouth, Devon

Steve Sykes was very professional about giving us advice in a way we understood, patiently and step-by-step.

Mr O - Lound, Suffolk

We approached several companies and found yours to be quick, informative and very professional throughout.

Mr & Mrs N - Louth, Lincolnshire

All options very well explained, and Adam was very patient.

Mr & Mrs B - Hailsham, East Sussex

Deciding who to trust with such an important financial decision is daunting. Rebecca looked after us from our first enquiry... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs M - Leeds

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

A total pleasure to deal with, thank you so much for finding us the perfect product! Nothing but complete professionalism... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs T - London

Sara Whitbread provided an excellent service. She enables us to find the perfect offer & the whole process was handled swiftly,... READ MORE

Mrs A - Hereford, Herefordshire

First class service from Tara, thank you.

Mrs M - Saltburn, North Yorkshire

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

Mr S - Moreton In Marsh

Equity release was something I had looked into and Gareth provided a clear service. I had contacted Key Retirement, however... READ MORE

Miss S - Birmingham, Midlands

We found the whole process easy to deal with. There was no pressure on us to take out the lifetime mortgage. We were kept... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs R - Regents Park, Hampshire

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

Mrs F - Camberley, Surrey

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

Great service with a customer focus - quick responses, comprehensive information and clear action plans carried through with... READ MORE

Mr D - Coulsdon, London

The process was made very easy and went through so quickly. We were very impressed as any worries we had, were quickly covered. ... READ MORE

Mr W - Broxburn, West Lothian

Derek Wren was professional and gave sound good advice without any pressure or hassle.

Mr & Mrs G - Godalming, Surrey,

Full & comprehensive information provided together with close contact throughout the process. Very prompt turnaround following... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs T - Carnforth, Lancashire

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

Excellent and professional service. Stuart Young was very helpful and explained everything in a knowledgeable and friendly... READ MORE

Mr P - Newby Bridge, Cumbria

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

Paul knew his products and in my opinion advised us on the best product for our circumstances. He was easily contacted and... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs B - Driffield, East Riding of Yorkshire

The service was excellent right through the process, Paul kept updated at all times, everything was explained, and independent... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs B - Norwich

My wife & I were very concerned that we would not be able to understand all that came with this equity release & had to rely... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs P - Braintree, Essex

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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