Your safer guide to equity release

Whether you want to fund your financial future, help children get onto the property ladder or need to pay for care, equity release could release cash from your home to provide some financial flexibility. Here are five rules to stick to...

1. USE AN APPROVED PROVIDER

Any proposal should include a ‘no-negative equity’ guarantee and the assurance that you will maintain ownership of your property for life – these are standard with an Equity Release Council-approved provider – so don’t be sold these safeguards as added-on extras.

2. ASK FOR A LIFETIME MORTGAGE

It’s a long-term loan secured against your property and can provide a number of flexible options to suit you.

3. KNOW YOUR GOALS

Think about what you want to achieve with your money and know the costs involved.

4. PROTECT YOUR EQUITY

Some plans will allow you to put aside some of the equity release for you to dip into at a later stage.

5. ALWAYS GET EXPERT ADVICE

Equity release is not something you should say yes to online or over the phone. It’s vital you talk to an adviser and go through a qualified advice process. You should be able to talk to an adviser on a no-obligation basis, so get as much information as possible.

To find out how much you could receive, or to request a FREE guide to equity release, visit responsible.org. uk/housebeautiful or call 0808 281 9396, quoting reference codeHSB01213This article is in association with Responsible Equity Release. A lifetime mortgage may reduce the value of your estate and affect your entitlement to means-tested state benefits. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. Responsible Equity Release is a trading style of Responsible Life Limited.Only if your case completes will Responsible Life Limited charge an advice fee, currently £1,295.