Equity Release
Access the wealth tied up in your home — specialist advice for homeowners aged 55 and over.
Equity release allows homeowners aged 55 and over to access the value tied up in their property without having to sell or move. The money released can be taken as a lump sum, in smaller amounts over time, or as a combination of both.
Equity release is a significant financial decision with long-term implications. It is essential to take specialist independent advice before proceeding. Our advisers will explain all the options clearly, discuss the potential impact on your estate and benefits entitlement, and help you decide whether equity release is right for your circumstances.
Types of Equity Release
Lifetime Mortgage
The most common form of equity release. You take out a mortgage secured on your home while retaining ownership. Interest can be rolled up (added to the loan) or paid monthly. The loan is repaid when you die or move into long-term care.
Home Reversion Plan
You sell a share (or all) of your property to a reversion provider in exchange for a lump sum or regular income, while retaining the right to live in the property rent-free for the rest of your life. Less common than lifetime mortgages.
How Can the Money Be Used?
There are no restrictions on how you use the money released from your home. Common uses include:
- ✓Supplement retirement income
- ✓Fund home improvements or adaptations
- ✓Help family members with a deposit or other financial needs
- ✓Pay off an existing mortgage or other debts
- ✓Cover care costs
- ✓Fund travel, holidays or other lifestyle goals
Important Considerations
Impact on Inheritance
Equity release reduces the value of your estate and the amount you can leave to beneficiaries. It is important to discuss this with your family before proceeding.
Compound Interest
With a roll-up lifetime mortgage, interest compounds over time and the total amount owed can grow significantly. We will show you projections so you understand the long-term impact.
Means-Tested Benefits
Releasing equity may affect your entitlement to means-tested state benefits. We will help you understand the implications before you proceed.
No Negative Equity Guarantee
All Equity Release Council-approved products include a no negative equity guarantee — meaning you will never owe more than the value of your home.
Eligibility
To be eligible for equity release, you must typically be aged 55 or over (some products require age 60 or 65), own a property in the UK worth at least £70,000–£100,000, and the property must be your main residence.
If you have an existing mortgage, it will usually need to be repaid from the equity released. We will assess your eligibility and explain the options available to you.
SBC Financial is a trading style of Steven John O'Neill, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA reference number: 997666. Equity release is a lifetime mortgage or home reversion plan. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. Equity release may affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits and will reduce the value of your estate. A no negative equity guarantee means you will never owe more than the value of your home, provided you comply with the terms of your plan.
Find out whether equity release could work for you — speak to one of our independent advisers today.
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