How to Release equity release from a mortgage in 2024?
Key Takeaways…
- This financial solution can be used to clear an existing mortgage, freeing up your monthly income for other uses.
- Risks include potentially higher interest rates, reduced inheritance for heirs, and the risk of negative equity if property values fall.
- In the UK, this arrangement affects your heirs, potentially reducing the amount available for your use or your heirs.
Are you considering releasing equity from your home or property, but unsure if it is possible with an existing mortgage?
According to a study done by LV=, 12% of older homeowners in the UK say they still had outstanding mortgage debt when they retired.1
If you are in this position, could equity release offer the desired financial relief?
In This Article, You Will Discover:
EveryInvestor’s team of experts has explored everything you need to know about equity release with an existing mortgage, including the advantages, disadvantages, and alternatives you should consider.
Join us as we navigate the world of equity release and how it works with an existing mortgage in place.
Your key to making an informed decision about accessing the value tied up in your property.
What You'll Learn in the Masterclass
- 6 Dynamic Modules - From Basics to Expert Insights
- 10 Free Downloads & Checklists - from what questions to ask, to avoiding scams!
- And more...
What Is Equity Release and How Does It Work With Existing Mortgages in the UK?
Equity release loans provide cash based on home equity, while existing mortgages are current loans secured against the same property.
So, what is equity release?
What’s An Equity Release Loan In The UK?
Equity release mortgage, available to those over 55, provides a way to access the value in your home.
How do I go about releasing equity in my house?
Releasing equity in your home is a useful option for managing living expenses or for funding home modifications to enhance accessibility and comfort in later life.
In property equity release, there are mainly two products: Lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans.
The equity release process involves unlocking the value tied up in your home to access funds, effectively releasing a loan secured by your property, allows you to benefit from your home’s value without having to move out.
Home reversion plans allow you to sell a share of your home in exchange for a cash payout or regular income, while continuing to live there.
An alternative to the traditional equity release option could be downsizing to a smaller property.
What Defines An Existing Mortgage?
An existing mortgage is a loan that a homeowner is currently repaying, secured against their property.
It is a financial commitment that typically spans several years, involving regular payments towards both the principal amount and interest.
How to Release Equity from Your Home: Step-by-Step Guide
Releasing equity from your home involves choosing the right product, applying through a provider, and getting your property valued.
Start by exploring equity release options, such as lifetime mortgages or home reversion plans, to decide which best suits your needs. Then, contact an adviser to guide you through the application process and ensure everything aligns with your financial goals.
Once you’ve chosen a provider, they’ll arrange for a valuation of your property to determine how much equity you can release. After the paperwork is finalised, you’ll receive the funds, which can be used for anything from home improvements to supplementing your pension.
Is Releasing Equity From Your Mortgage the Right Choice for You?
It depends on personal financial needs, estate planning goals, and willingness to reduce inheritance for heirs.
Equity Release Pros and Cons With an Existing Mortgage
The pros and cons of equity release with an existing mortgage include that it can provide additional funds and reduce the inheritance to leave to your heirs.
Considering the pros and cons is essential to the decision-making process.
Benefits of Releasing Equity With an Existing Mortgage
The advantages of equity release with an existing mortgage include eradicating compulsory monthly mortgage repayments.
Three potential advantages of equity release with an existing mortgage may include:
- It allows you to access additional funds, which you can use to settle your existing mortgage.
- The interest rates on equity release could potentially be lower than those on your existing mortgage.
- You can use the released equity for any purpose, such as home and garden improvements or supplementing your income.
Downsides of Equity Release With an Existing Mortgage
The disadvantages of equity release with an existing mortgage include that some of the funds you are eligible to unlock will need to be used to repay your mortgage.
Consider these three additional disadvantages…
- Equity can be an expensive form of borrowing.
- If left unpaid, it can result in increased debt due to accruing interest on the new mortgage.
- It would reduce the inheritance you leave behind for your loved ones.
Is Releasing Equity With an Existing Mortgage Suitable for You?
If you want to find out if equity release with an existing mortgage is right for you, you will need to consider all aspects of your financial situation and run through your options with a financial advisor or equity release broker.
Alternatives to Releasing Equity With an Existing Mortgage
Some alternatives to equity release with an existing mortgage include downsizing to a smaller property, refinancing your mortgage, or taking out a loan.
It is essential to consider the pros and cons of each option and consult with a financial advisor to determine which alternative is best suited to your individual circumstances.
Who Qualifies and How Do You Apply for Equity Release with an Existing Mortgage?
Homeowners over 55 with sufficient home equity can qualify, applying through a financial advisor after meeting specific lender criteria.
Who Is Eligible for Equity Release with an Existing Mortgage?
To be eligible for equity release with an existing mortgage, you must own a home in the UK and typically be over the age of 55.
The amount of outstanding mortgage you have can affect your eligibility.
Most lenders will require you to clear your existing mortgage with the funds released, either in part or in full.
How Can You Obtain Equity Release With an Existing Mortgage?
Yes, it is possible to obtain equity release with an existing mortgage.2
However, you will need to repay your outstanding mortgage with the proceeds from the loan before you can access the remaining money.
Additionally, your equity release eligibility will depend on various factors such as your age, property value, and mortgage balance.
How to Calculate Equity Release with an Existing Mortgage
The amount you can release will depend on your age, the value of your property, and the amount of equity you have accrued.
Equity release providers typically offer up to 60% of the property’s value3 as a lump sum or regular payments.
Applying for an Equity Release With an Existing Mortgage
To apply for equity release with an existing mortgage, you will need to speak with an equity release provider or a financial advisor or broker specialising in equity release.
They will assess your eligibility and help you understand the terms and conditions of the equity release product.
How Does Equity Release Interact with Your Existing Mortgage?
Equity release can be used to repay an existing mortgage, often requiring the mortgage to be cleared as a condition of release.
How Can Equity Release Repay an Existing Mortgage?
Yes, you can repay your existing mortgage with equity release.
The equity release provider will repay your existing mortgage balance using the proceeds from the equity release loan, and the remaining funds will be passed onto you.
How Equity Release Works With an Existing Mortgage
How equity release with an existing mortgage works is not usually too complicated for the homeowner because you will have professional support throughout.
You will pay off your existing mortgage with the funds you receive from the equity release provider, which will occur in a single transaction.
This means that the amount you can release will depend on the equity you have in your property after your current mortgage has been paid off.
What Happens to Your Mortgage When You Release Equity?
When you take out equity release, you will receive a lump sum or opt for a drawdown facility based on your property’s available equity.
Your existing mortgage must be fully settled as part of the equity release process.
Equity release providers require that they are the first charge on your property, leaving no room for additional or outstanding loans against your home.
What Impact Does Equity Release Have on Your Existing Mortgage and Future Financing Options?
Equity release can repay your existing mortgage, leading to a debt-free home ownership; however, it reduces the amount of inheritance you can leave and may affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits.
Future financing options could be limited, as taking out an equity release plan reduces the equity left in your home.
What Happens If Equity Release Doesn’t Fully Repay Your Mortgage?
If you can not cover your existing mortgage using equity release, you will need to consider alternative options, such as refinancing your mortgage or downsizing to a smaller property.
Another option could be negotiating with your existing mortgage lender for a more favourable payment plan that fits your budget.
Speak with a financial advisor or broker to explore all available options and make an informed decision.
What Happens to My Existing Mortgage When I Take Out Equity Release?
Can I release equity from my house with a mortgage?
When you take out equity release, your existing mortgage is typically repaid first.
The process involves the equity release provider settling your current mortgage, effectively replacing it by releasing equity in your house.
This means that your monthly repayments would cease, providing you with more disposable income.
However, the debt is not erased, it is simply transferred to the equity release scheme and will still need to be repaid in the future.
The funds from the equity release scheme are often sufficient to cover the remaining balance of your mortgage and potentially provide additional funds for other uses.
It is crucial to obtain professional advice to understand the implications.
How Much Equity Can I Release from My Property? Key Factors to Consider
The amount of equity you can release depends on your age, the value of your home, and the type of equity release plan you choose. Typically, the older you are, the more equity you can unlock, with most providers offering higher percentages to those in their late 70s and 80s.
Your home’s current market value also plays a significant role. A property valuation will determine how much is available to release, with higher-value homes offering more equity. Factors such as your health may also increase the amount you can access through some plans.
Commonly Asked Questions About Equity Release with an Existing Mortgage
This section answers prevalent queries, helping homeowners understand the nuances of combining equity release with existing mortgages.
Is Equity Release Possible With a Fixed-Rate Mortgage?
How Can You Remortgage to Release Equity?
How Can You Calculate Equity Release With an Existing Mortgage?
Is Equity Release Feasible With Negative Equity?
Is It Possible to Obtain Equity Release Without an Existing Mortgage?
How Does Using Equity Release to Repay Your Mortgage Work?
Can I Borrow More With an Existing Equity Release Lifetime Mortgage?
Can I Obtain Equity Release With an Existing Mortgage?
What Happens to My Existing Mortgage When I Obtain Equity Release?
Can Equity Release Pay Off My Existing Mortgage?
What Are the Risks of Equity Release With an Existing Mortgage?
How Does Equity Release Affect My Existing Mortgage in the UK?
How Do Lifetime Mortgages Work? A Comprehensive Guide
Final Thoughts on Equity Release With an Existing Mortgage
Before deciding, it is essential to consider the advantages, disadvantages, and alternatives to equity release with an existing mortgage.
Working with a financial advisor or specialised broker can help you understand the implications and make an informed decision that meets your individual needs and financial goals.
With the correct information and guidance, you can unlock the value of your home and enjoy a more comfortable retirement.
Equity release with an existing mortgage can be a complex financial decision. Still, it can also provide a valuable source of income in retirement or help you meet unexpected expenses.
Receiving equity release advice from a reputable source can provide clarity on the potential risks and rewards associated with this financial option.
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