Does equity release really work? Here’s what customers say

THE best way to discover how equity release can change people’s lives is to ask plan holders who’ve already tried it. People like 70-year-old Jill, from North Yorkshire, who was told about equity release by a friend – and who is now telling everyone she knows about it as well.

‘I was struggling to make ends meet and thought I might have to downsize and take out a bank loan to consolidate my debts,’ she says. But after taking her friend’s advice to call Key she had a no-obligation home visit. ‘My adviser explained everything in full. There was no pressure and I went away to think about it.’ She discussed her plans with her son and he agreed it would help, so she signed up. Since then Jill has paid off her debts, upgraded her kitchen and booked a dream trip to India to see the Taj Mahal.

Time to see the world

Other fans include Carol and Keith from Middlesex. They found out about equity release after seeing an advert in a newspaper – and have never looked back. After meeting a local adviser and learning more, the couple discussed equity release with their children. ‘Although it would affect their inheritance, they were keen for us to go ahead,’ says Carol. ‘We had made sure they were financially secure in the past and they wanted us to enjoy our hard-earned cash.’ And that’s just what the couple are doing. After taking a tax-free payment, they are seeing the world in style.

‘We’ve just come back from Thailand with the money and plan to visit America next. I’m a big Elvis fan and want to see his house in Memphis. My other big hobby is art and the money has let me have my very own art room. We’ve also made some home improvements to make things more comfortable, including a lovely patio to sit out on. We’ve had an exceptional experience with Key and equity release has made a big difference to our retirement.’