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Gordon Blair Mortgage & Insurance Brokers
Mortgage & Protection Brokers - Norbury & Streatham
Equity Release
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What is Equity Release?
Equity release allows you to access the money tied up in your home without having to sell it or move out. It’s a popular solution for those looking to improve retirement income, fund home improvements, or support family members financially.
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4 Key Points of Equity Release
Eligibility
Equity release is only available to homeowners aged 55 or older. The amount you can release typically increases the older you are.
Stay at Home
Equity release allows you to remain in your home for as long as you live, or until you move into care. You don’t have to sell or move out.
Cash from Home Value
Equity release uses your home’s value to provide cash, so expert advice is essential to find the right plan for you.
No Monthly Repayments
Most lifetime mortgages don’t require monthly repayments — the loan and interest are repaid when you pass away or move into long-term care.
Why You Need a Broker for Equity Release
Expert Guidance Through Complex Options
Equity release products—such as lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans—can be confusing. A qualified broker explains the details, including how interest works, inheritance implications, and the overall cost.
Access to the Whole Market
Going directly to a lender limits your options. A broker searches the entire market to find the most competitive plan tailored to your needs, with better rates and more flexibility.
Protecting Your Interests
Brokers are FCA-regulated and must recommend plans that suit your situation, considering your income, future plans, and whether alternatives might be better.
Negotiating Better Deals
Brokers often have access to exclusive offers that aren’t available when you approach lenders directly, helping you save money over time.
Ongoing Support & Peace of Mind
Your circumstances may change. A good broker provides continuous support, helping you review your plan if you need to release more funds or adjust your arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Equity Release
What is equity release?
Equity release is a way for homeowners aged 55 and over to unlock the value of their property and receive it as cash, while still living in their home. There are two main types: lifetime mortgages, where you borrow against your property and interest is rolled up until repayment, and home reversion plans, where you sell a share of your home in exchange for a lump sum or regular income.
Who can apply for equity release?
You must be a homeowner aged 55 or older. The property must typically be your main residence, and the amount you can release depends on your age, property value, and the plan chosen.
Do I have to move out of my home?
No. Most equity release plans allow you to continue living in your home for the rest of your life, or until you move into long-term care. You retain the right to live there, and you don’t have to sell or relocate.
Will my family inherit less?
Yes, equity release reduces the value of your estate because the loan and interest must be repaid when the property is sold after your death or move into long-term care. A broker can help you understand how different plans might impact your inheritance and suggest ways to mitigate the effect.
Are monthly repayments required?
Most lifetime mortgages don’t require monthly repayments. The interest is typically added to the loan and repaid in full when the property is sold after your death or move into long-term care. Some flexible plans may allow voluntary repayments to reduce the total interest.
Do I need a broker?
Working with a regulated broker ensures you get professional advice and access to the whole market. Brokers help you understand the costs, risks, and benefits of each plan, recommend suitable options, and provide ongoing support if your circumstances change.
How much can I release?
The amount you can release depends on factors such as your age, property value, and the type of plan chosen. Older homeowners can generally release a higher proportion of their home’s value. A broker can run calculations to find the optimal plan for your needs.
What are the risks of equity release?
Risks include reducing the inheritance left to your family, the accumulation of interest over time, and the possibility that your needs may change in the future. Using a broker and regulated products helps minimise these risks and ensures you make an informed decision.
Can I make changes later?
Some plans allow flexibility, such as partial repayments or releasing additional funds later. A broker can advise on options if your circumstances change and help adjust your plan responsibly.
Is equity release safe?
Equity release is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and using a regulated broker provides protection and guidance. It is important to fully understand the plan and its implications before proceeding, which is why expert advice is essential.
Why Choose Gordon Blair
Whole-of-Market Access
We search the entire equity release market to find the most suitable plan for your circumstances. This ensures competitive rates, the best features, and a solution tailored to your needs.
Expert, Regulated Advice
Our advisers are fully FCA-regulated and experienced. They provide tailored recommendations and explain the benefits, risks, and costs of each option so you can make an informed decision.
Personalised Service
We take the time to understand your individual situation, goals, and future plans. This allows us to recommend the most appropriate equity release solution for you.
Ongoing Support
Our relationship doesn’t end once your plan is set up. We provide ongoing guidance and support to help you manage your equity release over time and adjust to any changes in your circumstances.
Peace of Mind
By working with Gordon Blair, you can be confident that your equity release plan is safe, regulated, and carefully chosen to suit your long-term needs and protect your interests.