Equity Release Quote
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What Is Equity Release?
Equity release is a financial term for a group of products that allow you to unlock the capital1 invested in your home.
It can be either a lifetime mortgage product or a home reversion scheme.
The lump-sum amount released is tax-free.
Equity Release Quotes: 4 Factors Influencing Your Quote in 2024
- Last Updated: 14 Sep 2024
- Fact Checked Our team recently fact checked this article for accuracy. However, things do change, so please do your own research.
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Did you know that obtaining an equity release quote, which allows comparison across a spectrum of interest rates, features, and providers, could be a beneficial step in your equity release process?
Each year, thousands of UK homeowners aged 55 and older use equity release to tap into the wealth tied up in their homes.1
Because of market fluctuations, the equity release market experienced a subdued period in the first quarter of 2023, with total lending as recorded by the Equity Release Council reaching £699mln, the lowest that figure has been since the second quarter of 2020 during the pandemic.2
Nevertheless, there are signs that the equity release industry is on the uptick again as interest rates decrease, according to the Chair of the Equity Release Council.3
In This Article, You Will Discover:
In this article, the EveryInvestor team aims to simplify the concept of an equity release quote and it’s role in financial planning for retirement.
You can request equity release quotes to explore options for unlocking the value of your home.
Our goal is to provide a bite-size summary of how these quotes work so you can be in a better position to make informed decisions.
At EveryInvestor, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Our researchers have spent hundreds of hours analysing the latest equity release news, and our editorial team reviews, fact-checks, and updates all our content to ensure it remains current, relevant, and undergoes extensive quality checks.
This content is intended to provide informational and educational resources and should not be considered financial advice. Always seek advice from a professional financial advisor or broker before making any decisions.
Therefore:
Your key to making an informed decision about accessing the value tied up in your property.
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Are You Looking For an Equity Release Quote in 2024?
If you are looking for an equity release quote in 2024, one of the free calculators offered by most lenders, advisors, and comparison sites would be a good starting point.
Just remember that these results represent the most basic of ballpark figures when it comes to how much equity you are able to access.
Why?
Free online calculators normally present you with a result by using only the most basic information, such as your age and the value of your house.
What is the solution?
A conversation with a qualified equity release broker or advisor should help you uncover any specific needs or circumstances that may affect a quote but could easily be missed by an online calculator.
Where to Get Equity Release Quotes
You can get equity release quotes from a number of sources, including by contacting a specialist broker or by using an online calculator.
What to look out for with each:
- Many equity release providers offer quotes through online calculators. Online calculators will provide the most rudimentary equity release quote without taking any of your personal circumstances into consideration. Try a few for comparison purposes, but keep in mind that you will not be able to apply directly to a provider.4
- Equity release advisors will take the hard work out of the process for you, as they have access to a wide range of providers and can offer tailored advice based on your circumstances.
- Comparison websites such as UK Care Guide5 and The Times Money Mentor6 allow you to compare different offers in one place.
Remember, while getting quotes is important, it is equally vital to understand the implications of equity release for your finances and estate.
Can You Get a Free Quote to Take Out Equity Release?
Yes, you can get a free quote to take out equity release, either by using an online calculator or by contacting an equity release advisor.
Many lenders and equity release specialists offer a quotation service at no cost to help you explore your options.
These free quotes are instrumental in assisting you to gauge how much equity you could potentially unlock from your home.
Most sites also provide a free callback service from independent advisory firms for more personalised estimates.
What is the catch?
There is no catch when it comes to these free quotes, but if you proceed with an application with the advisory firm you obtain a free quote from, you will probably be charged a fixed fee when your case completes.7
Factors That Could Influence Your Equity Release Quote
Factors that could influence your equity release quote include your age and health and your property’s value and location.
While an online quote will give you a rough idea of how much equity you could access, these factors will be the things that will narrow down your equity release quote.
#1. Age and Health
Age and health play a significant role in equity release quotes.
That is because, generally, older individuals can borrow more against their property.
Certain providers offer enhanced plans for those with specific health conditions or lifestyle factors like smoking, allowing access to more equity.
How does that work?
A shorter life expectancy means the provider may be able to recoup the loan amount sooner.
#2. Property Value and Location
Property value and location are crucial in determining your accessible equity.
Higher property values usually result in higher potential equity release loans in the UK.
The location of your home is also important, as property values can vary significantly across regions.
Some lenders even have restrictions on offering equity release products in certain geographic areas.8
#3. Outstanding Mortgage or Debt
An outstanding mortgage or debt secured against your home could also influence the real value of the loan amount offered to you on the quotes you receive.
If there is an existing mortgage or secured debt on your property, this must be paid off when the equity release is made, either from the equity release proceeds or other sources.
This will, of course, reduce the net amount of cash you receive.
#4. Interest Rates
The interest rates offered by the providers you receive quotes from will impact the overall cost of the respective equity release loans.
The rate may be fixed or variable, and a lower rate will mean there may be less to repay in the future.
What Do I Need to Get an Equity Release Quote?
To get an equity release quote, you will need to provide your broker or advisor with certain information.
When requesting an equity release quote, provide the following information:
- Personal details: Name, contact information, and address.
- Age: The minimum age is typically 55, but requirements may vary, and the borrowing amount often increases with age.9
- Property value: The approximate current value of your home.
- Outstanding mortgage or loan details: The amount remaining on any existing mortgage or loan secured on the property.
- Property location: Your postcode will be required to assess property value and local market conditions.
- Health details: Certain health conditions or lifestyle factors may qualify for an Enhanced Lifetime Mortgage.
Having all necessary information ready when contacting an equity release broker or advisor can save time.
Is It Important to Compare Equity Release Providers?
Yes, it is important to compare equity release providers in order to allow for a more comprehensive perspective of potential offers, helping you make an informed decision.
Just as you would compare mortgage or insurance providers, comparing equity release providers can offer numerous advantages.
The benefits of comparing equity release providers:
- It provides an opportunity to find the most competitive rates, which could result in significant savings over time.
- Different providers offer varied equity release plans, each with their unique features, benefits, and terms.
- Comparing allows you to gauge the reputation and customer service quality of different providers, ensuring a smooth and positive experience.
It is always wise to seek independent financial advice before making a decision.
Key Comparison Points and Considerations When Considering Equity Release Quotes
When considering equity release quotes, key comparison points and considerations include interest rates and Loan-to-Value ratios, among other factors.
A brief explanation of each of these factors:
- Interest rates: Lower rates mean less to repay over time.
- Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio: This determines the maximum borrowing amount against your home’s value.
- Early repayment charges (ERCs): These are fees for repaying the loan early, and they vary among lenders.10
- Product features: Assess repayment options, flexibility to move the plan, and make sure a No Negative Equity Guarantee’s included.11
- Reputation and reliability: Check independent reviews to gauge reliability and customer service.
- Flexibility: Decide whether you need a plan with a drawdown option for flexible access to funds.
- Regulation: Ensure the provider is authorised and regulated in the UK by the FCA and is a member of the Equity Release Council for consumer protection.
Assessing providers based on these criteria may help you find a suitable plan.
Remember:
Consulting an equity release broker or advisor is crucial for navigating complexities and understanding the agreement.
Consider:
Market conditions, changes to the Bank of England base rate, and lenders’ business models also affect interest rates.
What is more, products with flexible features may have higher interest rates.
Common Questions
What Is an Equity Release Quote?
An equity release quote is an estimate of the amount of money you may be able to release from the value of your home using an equity release scheme.
It takes into account various factors such as your age, property value, and health condition to calculate the potential amount you can access.
The quote provides an initial understanding of how much cash you could receive from an equity release plan, helping you make an informed decision about whether it suits your financial needs.
How Can I Get an Equity Release Quote in the UK?
To get an equity release quote in the UK, you can reach out to equity release providers or use online platforms that offer quote calculators.
These calculators require you to provide some basic information, such as your age, property value, and outstanding mortgage, if any. By inputting this data, you can quickly receive an estimate of the amount you may be eligible to release.
However, it’s important to note that the quote is not a guaranteed offer, but rather an approximation to give you an idea of what might be possible.
What Information Do I Need for an Equity Release Quote?
To obtain an equity release quote, you typically need to provide certain details. These include your age, the value of your property, the outstanding mortgage balance (if applicable), and any health conditions you may have.
The age and property value are crucial factors in determining the maximum amount you can release.
Health conditions may also be taken into account as some providers offer enhanced plans for individuals with certain medical conditions.
By having this information ready, you can ensure a smoother process while obtaining an accurate quote.
How Reliable Are Online Equity Release Quotes?
Online equity release quotes can provide a useful starting point, but their reliability depends on the accuracy of the information you input.
While these calculators use algorithms based on prevailing market conditions, they cannot take into account the specific circumstances of each individual.
Therefore, it’s advisable to consider online quotes as indicative figures rather than firm offers.
It’s always recommended to consult with an equity release specialist who can assess your situation comprehensively and provide more accurate and tailored advice.
What Factors Can Influence the Amount of my Equity Release Quote?
Several factors can influence the amount of your equity release quote. The main ones include your age, property value, outstanding mortgage balance, and any health conditions you might have.
Typically, the older you are and the higher the value of your property, the more you may be able to release.
Having a lower amount of outstanding mortgage debt may also increase the potential release amount.
Additionally, some providers offer enhanced plans for individuals with certain medical conditions, allowing them to access higher sums.
Can I Change My Equity Release Quote After Receiving It?
Yes, you can typically change your equity release quote after receiving it.
The initial quote is an estimate based on provided information and can be adjusted if circumstances or information change.
Remember, your quote is not final; the actual amount, interest rate, and terms are confirmed after a full application and assessment.
Consulting an equity release specialist is recommended before making decisions.
Are There Any Hidden Fees in Equity Release Quotes?
No, there are not any hidden fees in equity release quotes, as these quotes are estimates of what you could borrow.
However, there are other charges that may apply if you proceed with an equity release plan.
These include Early Repayment Charges, financial advisor fees, and solicitor’s fees.
It is important to consider all associated costs, not just the interest rate, to determine the true cost of the plan.
Seeking independent advice from a financial advisor is recommended to understand all the costs and implications involved before proceeding with equity release.
How Reliable Are Online Equity Release Calculators?
Online equity release calculators are reliable to a certain extent as they offer a general idea of your available equity.
However, it is important to note that not all calculators include all providers in the market.
Some calculators may only cover a limited selection of providers, and the deals they display may not be the most favourable for your situation.
These calculators should be used as a guide rather than a definitive answer.
For a more accurate and personalised quote, it is advisable to consult with a specialist equity release advisor.
Can I Renegotiate My Equity Release Quote?
Yes, you can renegotiate your equity release quote depending on the stage of the process.
Requesting a revised quote is possible if your circumstances change, and discussing alternatives is an option if you are dissatisfied with the initial terms.
However, once you have accepted the quote and finalised the process, changing the terms becomes more challenging.
Remember
Interest rates are typically set by the lender and may not be negotiable.
It is advisable to seek advice from a financial advisor or equity release specialist before accepting any quote to ensure suitability and explore alternative options.
What Should I Do if I Am Not Satisfied With My Equity Release Quote?
If you are not satisfied with your equity release quote, obtain quotes from other providers and discuss specific concerns with the provider or your advisor.
Consider alternative options like downsizing, different loans, or government support.
Ensure you are comfortable with the terms before proceeding by seeking advice and exploring all options.
What Are the Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Reviewing Equity Release Quotes?
The common pitfalls to avoid when reviewing equity release quotes are focusing only on the interest rate, overlooking the effects of compound interest, ignoring ERCs and the impact on inheritance, not exploring alternatives, not seeking advice and, worst of all, accepting the first quote.
How Much Money Do You Really Get From Equity Release?
How much money you get from equity release depends on your age, health, lifestyle, property value, and chosen plan.
The amount varies between individuals and providers: Generally, a 55-year-old may release 20-30% of their property’s value, while an 85-year-old could release up to 50%.13
It is important to note that equity release reduces your estate’s value and may impact means-tested benefits.14
In Conclusion
Understanding equity release quotes is crucial for navigating the process and securing favourable terms.
Factors such as age, property value, outstanding mortgage, property type, location, and health status influence the amount you can release.
Comparing providers can potentially lead to competitive rates and favourable conditions.
Equity release is a significant decision impacting your financial future and inheritance, so seek professional advice before proceeding.
Always ensure you fully understand the terms, conditions, and long-term implications of your equity release quote before making a commitment.
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- It's Fast & Easy to Use
- Rated 'Excellent'
- Instant, online results
- No obligations
- Just fill in a few details and we'll do the sums for you
- See the maximum amount you could borrow
See How Much You Can Release in 3 Quick Steps