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Is equity release safe?

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Checked for accuracy and updated on 27 June 2023

We appreciate that taking out an equity release plan is a big step. After all, our home is our sanctuary, our haven of safety, and, for many, our biggest asset.

That’s why our patient and experienced advisers provide quality advice from the whole of the market, with no pressure. If we don’t think an equity release plan is right for you, we will say so. It’s that simple.

As quality advice is central to Equity Release Supermarket, you can be certain that you won’t be forced into making any decisions that aren’t right for you or your family.

Let’s explore some of these safeguards.

Equity Release is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

The FCA, the financial services watchdog and regulator in the UK, oversees the equity release market.

In the equity release market, this means that all lenders, brokers and advisers must have the permission (authorisation) of the FCA to lend and/or give financial advice. They must also follow the FCA’s strict codes of conduct. In addition, being regulated by the FCA means that consumers have adequate and appropriate protections in place.

The Equity Release Council

    The Equity Release Council is the industry’s governing body and, as such, it insists that its members follow a strict code of conduct which is designed to protect consumers. These safeguards include:
  • You must receive financial and legal advice.
  • That all products must have a ‘no negative equity guarantee’ – which means that your loved ones will never repay more than the value of your home.
  • That you can stay in your home for life.
  • That all those taking out equity release have at least one face-to-face meeting with an independent solicitor.

So, if you are considering equity release, make sure that your lender or broker is a member of the Equity Release Council; which Equity Release Supermarket has been for many years.

You must receive financial advice

Equity release is an advised financial product, which simply means that you cannot take out a plan without having taken appropriate financial advice from a suitably qualified professional.

Advisers must have taken special qualifications to become equity release advisers and if you are unsure if your adviser is one of them, the Equity Release Council has a member’s directory on its website where you can check.

Rest assured that all the Equity Release Supermarket’s advisers are listed as qualified members of the Equity Release Council.

Your solicitor is involved

As mentioned above, you must see an independent solicitor at least once during the equity release process.

While they cannot give you financial advice, your solicitor will ensure that all your paperwork is in order and aim to ensure that the process runs smoothly and there for your protection.

The flexibility of equity release

Equity release offers safeguards that traditional mortgages don’t. Most plans don’t require repayments and, as such, you cannot get into arrears, default or have your home repossessed for non-payment.

    As the market evolves, many of the latest products offer greater flexibility and choice, such as:
  • Plans with fixed interest rates for life, meaning you'll always know how much you must repay in the future.
  • Fixed early repayment charges, knowing exactly what the penalty may be, if you wish to repay your plan early.
  • Plans allowing you to make ad-hoc voluntary payments which could help to manage the future balance.
  • Compassionate early repayment charge, allowing penalty-free repayment of a plan within three years of a partner dying or moving into long-term care.
  • Downsizing protection features ensure you can repay your equity release scheme penalty free if you move home after 5 years from inception of the plan.

What are the pitfalls of equity release?

While equity release has helped many people to enjoy financial freedom, there are downsides which you should be aware of.

Equity release will reduce your estate to pass onto your loved ones as an inheritance, but this can be minimised in different ways.

With so many plans and options available, it’s vital that you speak to an impartial, expert adviser, who will search the whole of the market to find the plan that meets your individual needs. Get in touch with Equity Release Supermarket today and we can do just that.

Download our factsheet to find out more about the ways that you are protected.



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

Daniel, thank you so much for making this whole journey a pleasure. You were so understanding and thoughtful throughout and... READ MORE
Mr & Mrs N - Rhyl, North Wales
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 want to say thanks for the excellent service I received, Jo gave me help and advice with a smile.
Mrs F - Camberley, Surrey
Andrew was very friendly & professional. He provided a clear explanation of the process. His advice was succinct & considered.... READ MORE
Mr W - Dartmouth, Devon
Really good to talk with people who are understanding and not pressurising.
Mr & Mrs R - Coventry, West Midlands
A well-oiled service! Very professional and good service. My adviser was always there when I needed information and help. ... READ MORE
Mr H - Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire
Hannah Boxshall was very friendly & approachable & more importantly very thorough & professional. Overall we were very satisfied... READ MORE
Mr & Mrs G - Bexley, Kent
Adam is very knowledgeable on the matter we raised, and his explanations were very clear and easy to understand.
Mr & Mrs G - London
I cannot recommend Paul highly enough and would have no problem recommending him if someone is considering equity release.... READ MORE
Mr J - Ely, Cambridgeshire
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
I liked the fact there is a system where the customer can keep track of their application. I got the feeling the smaller... READ MORE
Mr & Mrs M - Sutton Coldfield
Derek was very professional & efficient. He was able to sucessfully deal with our idiosyncrasies.
Mr & Mrs B - Fleet, Hampshire
Anna was friendly, helpful, patient with our endless questions and made everything easy, including the legal stuff.
Ms C - Devon
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
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
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
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
We were very happy with Marc's advice. He rang us when he said he would and kept us informed of the progress all the way... READ MORE
Mr & Mrs W - Castleford, West Yorkshire
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
The service provided & information available was excellent which allied to a very informed & personable advisor made the... READ MORE
Mr S - Moreton In Marsh
Our adviser - Sue Eastham was fantastic. Always available and nothing was too much trouble.
Mr & Mrs F - Bredbury, Gtr Manchester
Hayley was magnificent in keeping us not only informed, but getting us a product that matched our needs.
Mr S - Kent
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
David was excellent with his advice & knowledge. We were kept well informed by David & Boyd Legal were 1st class.
Mr & Mrs F - Broxburn, West Lothian
Mark was brilliant! He kept me informed every step of the way. So, a big, big thank you Mark.
Mrs H - Nottingham