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Equity Release
What is Equity Release?
Equity Release, often referred to as Later Life Borrowing or a Lifetime Mortgage, offers a way for older homeowners to access tax-free cash from their homes. With a Lifetime Mortgage, you retain full ownership of your home, so there’s no need to worry about giving up your property. Unlike other financial products, you don’t have to commit to monthly repayments. Instead, interest’s charged on the amount you borrow, with rates that usually stay fixed for life. If you decide not to make repayments during the loan period, the total borrowed plus interest is just settled at the end, often by selling the home.
You might be wondering if this is the best option or if there are better options and rates out there. It’s always a good idea to shop around for the best equity release rates to ensure you get the most out of your home’s value and we can certainly help on this front. Remember, having the flexibility to choose whether or not to make payments can be especially useful, providing peace of mind for homeowners looking to enjoy their retirement without financial worries.
Of course we are experts in later life borrowing, especially when it comes to equity release. You will get full run down of all the pros and cons, ensuring you have a complete picture. We know everyone has different needs and we will break down how this will work for you and your family, so you can be confident that you are making the right choices for you and your family.
At Integrity Mortgage Solutions we will always explore all the alternatives available to you prior to applying for equity release or a lifetime mortgages to ensure that you have all the information you need to make the right decision
Curious about the best equity release rates? We’ve got that covered too. We aim to give you the confidence and clarity needed to make the best decision for your loved ones. Have questions? Don’t hold back; we’re here to help.
Some equity release lenders now let clients pay the interest on their loan, keeping rates lower from the start. This “interest serviced” option means you pay interest regularly instead of letting it build up. You can stop paying the interest whenever you want, but the rate will then jump to where it would’ve been without the initial discount. Once you’ve stopped, you won’t get to go back to paying the interest, so it’s important to think carefully about leaving this plan
If you want to enjoy your later years with fewer financial strings attached, equity release might just be a suitable choice.
Do you already have a lifetime mortgage?
You may already have an equity release product that needs to be reviewed to ensure that you are still on a suitable plan and that you have the best possible interest rate for your circumstance, so if you’re interested to find out if your plan is still the right option get in touch with an adviser from Integrity Mortgage Solutions for a full assessment.
Talking to an Adviser
Our advisers are based in Leicester, but they are ready to help with any property matters across England. We offer straightforward advice and uphold integrity, helping you fully grasp the product and the impacts of borrowing in later years. We aim to maximise your retirement benefits while safeguarding your wealth, ensuring any financial steps are taken responsibly and sensibly.
What can the money be used for?
There are many different things you can choose to do with the money released with your Lifetime Mortgage.
Here are some of the things our customers have done with theirs which you might consider:
‘Topping up’ your retirement income to make life more comfortable.
Paying off an outstanding mortgage, including the shortfall on an interest-only mortgage.
Renovating or refurnishing your home
Enjoying your retirement by buying a new car, taking a holiday or funding hobbies.
Managing your estate, wealth and inheritance tax planning.
Helping children and grandchildren with house deposits, student fees, weddings, and other major life events.
Adapting your home so you can live independently.
Paying for health care, from one-off private medical bills to ongoing care in the home.
Gill & Pete's Story
Gill and Pete had all their money tied up in property.
They chose a Lifetime Mortgage with a drawdown facility, releasing an initial lump sum to start their retirement plans plus creating a rainy-day fund to call on in the future.
Get a copy of our FREE Guide to Equity Release
If you’d like to know more about equity release then please submit your details below to get a FREE copy of our Guide to Equity Release
Get in touch with an Integrity Equity Release Adviser
Equity Release Process
Equity Release Process
Step 1: Seek Financial Advice
Before diving in, it’s crucial to talk to a financial adviser. They will help you understand if equity release is right for you by reviewing your financial situation. They’ll consider aspects like other income sources, your future financial needs, and any alternative options you might have.
Questions to Ask Your Adviser:
- What are the fees involved?
- How will this affect my inheritance?
- Are there better alternatives for my situation?
Step 2: Choose Your Equity Release Plan
You’ll typically choose between two types of equity release plans a Lifetime Mortgage and a Home Reversion Plan, we do not advise on home reversion plans:
- Lifetime Mortgage: You borrow against your home’s value. Interest is added but isn’t usually paid until you die or move into long-term care.
Choosing the right plan can depend on your age, health, and long-term financial goals.
Step 3: Application Process
Once you’ve decided on a plan, the application process begins. Here’s what you can generally expect:
- Fill Out Forms: With your adviser’s help, complete the necessary forms for your selected plan.
- Property Valuation: A surveyor will assess your property to establish its market value. This is a key step as it determines how much equity you can release.
- Legal Checks: A solicitor will be necessary to handle the legal aspects. They ensure you understand all terms and conditions.
Step 4: Finalising the Agreement
After valuations and checks are completed, your provider will send an offer. Your solicitor will discuss this with you, ensuring all is understood before proceeding.
Think About:
- Are the terms clear and understood?
- Have all fees been explained?
- Is this offer in your best interest?
Step 5: Receiving Your Funds
After you sign the agreement, funds are usually transferred directly to your bank account. This is often done in two stages — a completion of the paperwork and transfer of funds, which typically takes around
Our Promise to You
We want to make sure you are comfortable and confident when making your decision.
So we make these promises to you:-
Provide no-obligation consultation to discuss your needs, priorities & preferences
Work at your pace - you'll never be pushed or under any obligation to proceed.
You will have one dedicated adviser who will work with you throughout your journey
We will lay out plans clearly and talk to you about alternative options
All our recommendations are pre-verified by our compliance team to ensure we are giving you good advice and the best possible outcome.
We only charge a fee if you proceed with our recommendations
We are members of the Equity Release Council
We are specialist members of the Equity Release Council which means we have agreed to abide by the Council rules and have signed up to their Statement of Principles
A Few FAQs
Equity release lets you access cash from the value of your home without having to sell or move. It’s mainly available to those aged 55 or over.
You can either take a lump sum or regular smaller amounts. The loan is repaid when you die or move into long-term care, usually by selling the property.
You need to be at least 55 and own a UK property worth a minimum of £70,000. It should be your main residence.
You can stay in your home until you die or move into permanent care, even if the loan exceeds property value, thanks to the no negative equity guarantee.
Taking out a Lifetime Mortgage does not involve selling your home. You retain complete ownership throughout your lifetime.
Equity release products are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It’s crucial to get independent legal advice.
We only work with lenders that offer a no negative equity guarantee, ensuring you never owe more than your home is worth. In fact you can ring-fence a portion of your home’s value as guaranteed inheritance for your family. All the mortgages we recommend are part of the Equity Release Council.
Yes, you can release equity if you have an existing mortgage but you must pay the outstanding balance off. Many people chose to use their released equity to do just that , lifting the pressure of monthly mortgage repayments in retirement.
There are Lifetime Mortgage plans that allow you to make voluntary repayments, there are no commitments and you can stop whenever you wish to. Talk to your adviser in more detail about this.
Yes, you will need a solicitor. We have links with specialist Equity Release solicitors who are experienced in this type of work.
No, the funds are yours to use as you see fit – from home improvements to holidays or supplementing income.
The money you release isn’t taxed. However, it might impact your entitlement to means-tested benefits.
Yes, many plans are portable, but your new home must meet the lender’s criteria. Fees may apply when moving.
Yes, releasing equity reduces the amount of inheritance. Some plans offer options to protect a portion of your home’s value.
Expect to pay for advice, property valuation, and legal fees. Interest rates are usually higher than standard mortgages.
Early repayments may incur charges, so check the terms of your plan. Some plans allow partial repayments without penalty.
Like mortgages equity release rates are subject to change but we will offer you the most suitable rate to fit your requirements, circumstances and eligibility
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Important Stuff
A Lifetime Mortgage will reduce the value of your estate and may affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits and tax status.
The impact of not servicing monthly interest payments on a Lifetime Mortgage is that the outstanding debt can grow rapidly, thus reducing the value of your estate.
For example, if the interest rate was 7% a year, a £50,000 loan would double to £100,000 after 10 years assuming no repayments are made.
This is an example for illustrative purposes only and personalised advice and recommendations should be sought from a qualified professional. You are strongly advised to register a lasting power of atorney. This will allow your affairs to be managed by somebody else if your mental abilities significantly decline.
There will be a fee for lifetime mortgage advice. The amount will depend upon your circumstances. A typical fee would be £995 but could be up to £1495.