We now have the freedom to relax and enjoy our retirement

Don and Susan Barker didn’t want to have to move house at the age of 74, but wanted the freedom to really enjoy their retirement, worry-free.

The retired homeowners from Alton, Hampshire, knew that their home was worth a substantial amount, and were able to release almost a third of its value with help from an equity release adviser from Key.

Former business owner Don said: ‘It has made our day-to-day life so much easier. We can now go abroad if we want to without having to worry about the finances. It has given us so much more freedom to relax and enjoy our retirement.’ Equity release paid off all the Barkers’ existing mortgage, and has enabled them to travel, upgrade their car and renovate their home.

Having been in charge of a successful business for many years, Don was well

versed in financial matters, and understood the basics of equity release.

But the couple knew they needed to get advice from an expert before making such an important decision. Don contacted Key after seeing an advert on television.

‘An adviser came here to see us, and my two sons were involved, too,’ said Don. ‘He was very professional, and went through everything really clearly. There was no pressure to do anything at all, just to go away with the information and think about it.

‘They were not pushy and there was no hard sell. They explained everything very well, along with all the consequences, and they even helped us organise our lasting power of attorney documents.’

The adviser from Key helped to answer all of Don’s detailed questions about interest rates and what would happen long term.

‘We went through the recommendation they gave us, and we understood the interest rate will stay fixed, so we know exactly how the debt will grow.’

Don and Susan’s children have comfortable lifestyles and were keen for their parents to take the decision that was right for them. One son had dealt with Key before, and had been impressed with the company. The family came to a decision together.

‘We knew exactly what we were doing when we signed to go ahead, said Don. ‘It was all good to go.’

For the Barkers, the decision meant that they no longer had to worry about moving house or making ends meet. It’s also offered freedom to travel when they want, without fretting over the cost.

Don says he would endorse Key Equity Release’s services to anyone: ‘I would absolutely recommend them. We were very happy with them and the service they provided.’

If you are interested in speaking to a Key Equity Release adviser, call 0808 156 9019 or go to keyadvice.co.uk/dailymail.