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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

I am very happy with the service provided by Equity Release Supermarket. Many thanks to Sue for all the work she did to find... READ MORE

Mr P - Failsworth, Manchester

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

Mr & Mrs Barrett - East Sussex

The service I received was extermely professional. The process was uncomplicated & well informed. I would recommend Equity... READ MORE

Miss W - Lewes, East Sussex

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

First class service from Tara, thank you.

Mrs M - Saltburn, North Yorkshire

All very helpful. What I really like is that they always respond quickly to any question you may have and nothing is too... READ MORE

Miss K - Liskeard, Cornwall

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

Ms B - Forest of Dean

Mark,Thank you so much for arranging the Just Retirement Lifetime Mortgage for me. When you see yourself running out of... READ MORE

Mr M - Worthing, Sussex

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

Really good to talk with people who are understanding and not pressurising.

Mr & Mrs R - Coventry, West Midlands

Our experience was trouble free from the outset, in a friendly, considerate manner. Our adviser guided us through the process... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs H - Thornton Cleveleys, Lancs

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

A very caring & professional service. Always helpful & professional. Kind caring & considerate to all issues. Easy to contact... READ MORE

Mr M - Southampton, Hampshire

Stuart was very clear about how equity release might benefit me, but at the same time he explained there were other ways... READ MORE

Mrs B - Edinburgh

Anna was friendly, helpful, patient with our endless questions and made everything easy, including the legal stuff.

Ms C - Devon

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

Mrs D - Camberley, Surrey

I cannot recommend Sara highly enough – dealt with her for the last 10 years. She is not only a fantastic person to partner... READ MORE

Mr and Mrs M - London

Daniel was really informative and didn’t put any pressure on us to make a decision

Mr & Mrs S - Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Compared to Age Partnership who we spoke to first re equity release, Simon's advice turned out much better. I feel Simon... READ MORE

Mr H - Stafford, West Midlands

I am so pleased I chose Equity Release Supermarket, as the decision turned out to be the right one. Professional from the... READ MORE

Mr H - Hamilton, Scotland

I had an excellent experience using Gareth as he explained everything in easy to understand manner. Gareth & his online... READ MORE

Mrs P - Merseyside

Before actually ringing, I was very concerned about how stressful the whole procedure would be. Marc made it clear from... READ MORE

Mrs C - Exmouth, Devon

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

Mrs F - Camberley, Surrey

Gary was very clear with his explanations and helped us understand all our options. Everyone involved was very helpful and... READ MORE

Mr and Mrs R - Canterbury

The reason I chose this company was their clear & informative website. It was the only one I could find that gave examples... READ MORE

Ms C - Guildford, Surrey

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

Superb advice right from the start. Our wishes & concerns were taken fully into account when selecting the best product.... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs P - Fareham, Hampshire

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.

Expert advice, whenever you need it