When it comes to retirement planning, there are a lot of different options to choose from. One option that is growing in popularity is the equity release and home reversion equity release plan. This type of retirement plan allows you to access the money tied up in your home without having to sell it. But what are the pros and cons of equity release? Here’s a look at some of the key factors to consider.
Here are some of the key advantages of equity release:
With equity release, you don’t have to sell your home in order to access the money tied up in it. You can stay in your home and enjoy your retirement years there.
The money from equity release can be used for anything you want. Whether you want to travel the world or make some home improvements, it’s up to you. This can be a great way to make your retirement years more enjoyable.
If you have children, one of the big advantages of equity release is that it can help you avoid paying inheritance tax. With this type of retirement plan, the money does not form part of your estate when you die, so your family will not have to pay any tax on it.
With equity release, the amount you owe can never exceed the value of your home. So, even if property prices fall, you will not end up owing more than your home is worth.
With equity release, you remain the owner of your home. This means that you can still pass it on to your family when you die.
Here are some of the potential drawbacks of equity release:
With equity release, the money you borrow plus any interest will need to be repaid when your home is sold, either when you die or go into long-term care. This means that the debt can increase over time, leaving less money for your heirs.
There are typically fees involved with equity release, including an arrangement fee and valuation fees. These can add up, so it’s important to factor them into your overall costs.
If you decide to repay your equity release loan early, you may have to pay early repayment charges. This is something to be aware of if you think you might want to downsize or move house at some point in the future.
If you need to borrow more money later on in life, you won’t be able to use your home as collateral with an equity release loan. You would need to take out a separate loan, which may not be possible if you’re retired.
If you’re claiming benefits, equity release could affect your entitlement. It’s important to speak to a benefits advisor before taking out a home reversion equity release plan.
If you have an equity release plan in place, you may not be able to move house. This is because the loan needs to be repaid when your home is sold.
If property prices fall and you need to sell your home, you could end up owing more than the property is worth. This would mean that your heirs would have to make up the difference.
Equity release is a big decision, and it’s not suitable for everyone. It’s important to speak to a financial advisor to make sure it’s the right option for you.
Equity release can be a great way to access the money tied up in your home without having to sell it. But there are some things to consider before taking out an equity release plan. Make sure you understand the pros and cons before making a decision.
Equity release can be a great way to access the money tied up in your home without having to sell it. But there are some things to consider before taking out an equity release plan. Make sure you understand the pros and cons before making a decision.
Contact us today to get a free, no-obligation quote for equity release. We can help you understand the pros and cons and find the right equity release plan for you. If you need advice, our experts are on hand to answer any of your questions.