Did you know that some financial institutions specialise only in later-life lending options? Key Later Life Finance (previously called Key Equity Release) is one of them.

The company rebranded in 2022 to enhance retirees’ understanding of the later-life lending market and its benefits for retirement planning.¹

The big question is, which equity release broker would be right for you, and do you want to consider a larger bank or an equity release specialist?

The EveryInvestor team aims to help readers plan their retirement by reviewing leading industry providers and brokers. This article offers insights into the options provided by Key Later Life Finance for later-life lending.

EveryInvestor presents findings to readers without relying on AI. Our articles prioritise integrity and helpfulness while employing SEO best practices to enhance discoverability.

Before publishing our findings, our content is also audited in a three part process, including re-checking facts and other strict quality checks. We update our articles regularly to ensure the information presented is current.

So what exactly does Key offer?

Therefore:

NOTE: EveryInvestor is an impartial and unconnected third-party information provider via this website, and the details replicated in this commentary represent the opinions of EveryInvestor only and may not reflect the views or opinions of Key Later Life Finance. This article must not be interpreted as advice, nor is it a solicitation to conduct transactions in any financial product provided by Key Later Life Finance.

Who Are the Key Players in the UK Equity Release Market?

Key, among others, stands prominently in the UK’s equity release market, offering a range of later life finance solutions.

Who Is Key in the UK’s Equity Release Market?

Key, a prominent name in the UK equity release sector, specializes in offering equity release products to homeowners over 55.

They provide tailored solutions, helping clients unlock the value in their homes for various financial needs.

As industry leaders, Key stands out for their extensive experience and commitment to customer education.

They focus on ensuring clients understand all aspects of equity release, reflecting their dedication to informed decision-making.

What Products Does Key Offer in Later Life Finance?

Key Later Life Finance offers a range of retirement products, such as equity release, mortgages, wills, lasting powers of attorney (LPAs), and estate planning.

Although it advises on and serves as a broker for a wide range of products, Key does not offer all of these products themselves. 

With regards to equity release, the only products it offers are lifetime mortgages.

Learn About Other Adviser: New Life Mortgages Equity Release

What Is Equity Release and How Does It Work in the UK?

Equity release in the UK allows homeowners over 55 to unlock the value of their property, providing financial flexibility without moving.

What Exactly Are Equity Release Mortgages In The UK?

Equity release is a plan for homeowners aged 55 and above to access their property’s value without selling.

It is a way to release funds tied up in your home, offering financial flexibility in retirement.

The unique aspect of equity release is its loan repayment structure.

The amount borrowed, along with interest, is repaid from the property’s sale, typically after the homeowner’s death or when they move into care.

Homeowners looking for reputable options may explore reviews and ratings to identify the top 10 equity release firms in the industry.

How Do Key Later Life Mortgages Work in the UK?

Key Equity Release is a financial tool available to homeowners aged 55 and above in the UK.

It allows them to unlock the wealth tied up in their property without having to sell or move out, providing a lump sum or steady income for retirement.

As specialists in the industry, they understand the nuances of this process, including the two main types: lifetime mortgage and home reversion.

Lifetime mortgages, the most common form, involve taking out a loan against your property, while retaining ownership.

The loan, plus accrued interest, is only paid back when you pass away or move into long-term care.

The home reversion scheme, on the other hand, involves selling a part or all of your property to a reversion company, who then grants you a lifetime lease, allowing you to live there rent-free until you pass away.

They ensure you understand these processes fully, highlighting the importance of considering interest rates, potential impact on state benefits, and your family’s inheritance.

Key’s Alternative Solutions for Retirement Finance

Apart from advising on and offering certain equity release products, Key also offers other retirement financial solutions such as advice on retirement mortgages and estate planning services. 

A closer look:

Key Later Life Retirement Mortgage Solutions

Key provides advice on retirement repayment mortgages, which are available to individuals aged 50 and above.²

This is like a traditional mortgage where interest and capital are repaid monthly, except that the loan term is tailored to your individual needs and typically has a higher age limit.

Key’s Estate Planning Services for Later Life

You may think that “estate planning” and having a will are the same, but they are not. 

Key provides comprehensive estate planning services to assist you in defining the security of your assets. Drafting a will is just one component of this multifaceted process. 

Other estate planning services offered are:

• Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA): This allows you to delegate the power to manage your affairs to someone else in case you become unable to do so.
• Trusts: Setting up a trust within your will ensures that your estate will be managed the way you want it after you pass away, with assets being distributed to specific people at specified times. Trusts protect beneficiaries of a will against things like divorce settlements and bankruptcy; they can also mitigate inheritance tax liability and provide for disabled or otherwise impaired beneficiaries.³
• Living wills: This document allows you to specify what care you want in a life-or-death situation. For instance, you can detail whether you would like to receive life-sustaining treatments.

Key’s Expert Guidance on Later Life Finance Products

The certified advisors are ready to assist you in making informed decisions about equity release and other later-life financial solutions.

Professional Advice on Equity Release Options

With several different equity release products available on the market, an advisor will help you consider all aspects of your personal situation to decide which, if any, of these products will best serve your needs. 

Each product comes with inherent benefits and risks, and the advisors at Key Later Life Finance are experts in helping you weigh them up to choose the product and service that will ensure you are looked after in later life.

Exploring Alternative Financial Solutions

Part of considering equity release is looking at alternative ways to secure later-life finance.

An advisor will help you do this and may suggest that you consider downsizing, help you find out if there are any state benefits you are eligible to claim, consider whether you have got any other assets you can sell to fund your later-life needs, and more.

Customised Recommendations Based on Client Needs

Each person’s (or couple’s) situation is unique, and what works in some circumstances will not work in others. 

Key advisors are cognisant of this. They will evaluate your financial circumstances, take into account your health and future financial goals, and guide you in making decisions that align with your best interests.

Is There a Key Equity Release Calculator Available?

Yes, Key’s website features an equity release calculator you can access.

Key Later Life Equity Release Costs

Apart from paying interest on equity release loans, other fees are also involved.

The details:

Key Equity Release Interest Rates

Based on the latest data from Key⁴, it may be possible to access an annual interest rate from 5.65% to 5.85% AER* on a lifetime mortgage, fixed for life. 

*While we regularly review our rates, these may have changed since our last update.

Key Equity Release Fees

The average fee for obtaining equity release with Key totals approximately £1,850. However, application costs can differ.⁵

If Key brokers your deal with another provider, the provider could waive some fees.

The following fees are typical with equity release applications:

• Surveyor’s valuation: This is the fee you pay to have your home valued by an independent surveyor. The value of your home will dictate how much equity you can release, if any. This fee is usually paid together with your equity release application fee.
• Solicitor’s fee: Once you have agreed on a product with your financial advisor, the solicitor will carry out all legal paperwork on your behalf and check that everything is in order. You will typically pay the solicitor once you receive the cash from your equity release loan.
• Lender’s application fee: This fee covers the costs incurred by your chosen provider to set up the equity release loan. You will typically pay this fee once your equity release plan begins.
• Advice fee: You only pay an advice fee to Key once you decide to take out a lifetime mortgage with them.

Is Equity Release with Key Safe and Regulated?

Yes, Key equity release products are safe and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Equity Release Council (ERC). 

Therefore:

Key’s Regulatory Compliance with the FCA in the UK

Key is authorised and regulated in the UK by the FCA, and its reference number is 224987 which can be confirmed on the FCA’s website.¹³

The FCA is a regulatory body overseeing financial services companies to ensure they operate fairly and transparently.

The FCA’s regulation of Key Later Life Finance has far-reaching implications, subjecting them to rigorous rules and regulations governing their business practices, all aimed at safeguarding customers.

These regulations encompass clear and transparent communication with customers, fair pricing practices, and proper handling of customer complaints and disputes.

Considering the Consumer Duty regulation recently implemented by the FCA¹⁴, there will be more scrutiny of financial institutions to ensure they do not exploit vulnerable customers. 

As previously mentioned, Key has proactively responded to this challenge with its innovative tool that enables advisors to precisely and consistently assess customer vulnerability.

Key’s Membership in the Equity Release Council (ERC)

Key is also a member of the ERC which can be confirmed on the ERC’s website.

The Equity Release Council is a trade body for the equity release industry, which sets standards and guidelines¹⁵ for member companies to follow.

The Council’s standards include measures like a no-negative-equity guarantee¹⁶, which ensures that borrowers will never owe more than the value of their property, even if the property’s value falls below the loan amount.

Pros and Cons of Using Key for Later Life Equity Release

Releasing equity with Key Later Life Finance has some unique advantages and disadvantages.

Therefore:

Advantages of Using Key’s Products and Services in Later Life

There are a few distinct advantages when you obtain equity release with Key.

For example:

• It has been offering equity release for over twenty years and could possibly be regarded as one of the best equity release companies in the UK. While it has experience, it is essential to assess if its offerings match your individual needs.
• Key’s equity release products can offer you some of the industry’s most affordable interest rates. However, it is essential to compare these rates with other providers to ensure your are obtaining the best deal.

Further advantages worth noting are:

• The money you secure through equity release is tax-free. However, what you do with the money once you have it may result in a tax liability, so consult your advisor.
• A lifetime mortgage allows you to retain home ownership and allows you to move subject to the lender’s criteria.
• Equity release plans for providers registered with the ERC include a no-negative equity guarantee so that your loan total will never exceed the value of your home.

Potential Drawbacks of Key’s Equity Release Solutions

The drawbacks of equity release should always be compared to the advantages. 

Some drawbacks to equity release applying particularly to Key:

• Unlike other providers, Key does not waive fees related to its equity release products. The only instance where fees may be waived is when it acts as your broker and the product provider opts not to charge advice fees.
• Although Key is required to provide impartial financial advice when you engage its services and will broker a deal with a different provider if its products do not suit your needs, it currently only offers lifetime mortgages when it comes to equity release. Home reversion plans are not an available option.

Other disadvantages of equity release include:

• Equity Release can be a considerably high-cost form of borrowing if interest accrues due to compounding. However, all new plans allow you to make repayments to control the interest accrual.¹⁷
• Once you have taken out an equity release plan, it is not possible to secure any additional borrowing using your home as collateral.
• You may want to discuss the equity release option with your loved ones as it has the potential to impact the inheritance you intend to pass on.

Key’s Commitment to Customer Satisfaction in Later Life Finance

Key confirms its commitment to serving its customers with excellence and integrity in various ways.

More information:

Key’s Transparent and Fair Practices in Equity Release

Key Later Life Finance communicates clearly and transparently with customers at every stage of the equity release process, from initial consultations to the completion of the loan. 

It ensures that customers fully understand the Terms and Conditions of the loan, including but not limited to:

• Cost implications
• Tax implications
• How changes in your house value may affect your plan
• What the implications are if you wish to move to another property, and how it wll work
• Any potential risks associated with equity release

In partnership with MorganAsh in 2022, Key developed a tool that makes it easier for advisors to assess potential customers’ vulnerability. This enables them to effectively tailor solutions where customers are protected while meeting their individual needs.⁶

This is especially significant with the current cost-of-living crisis and Key’s finding that divorced women use equity release three times more than men.⁷

Key’s Award-Winning Customer Service in Equity Release

The advisors at Key Later Life Finance provide exceptional service to customers. 

The company and its qualified advisors have been voted for over eighty industry awards, including:⁸

• Best Later Life Broker by the Financial Reporter in 2022
• Best Equity Release Adviser by the Personal Finance Awards in 2022
• Best Equity Release Broker by Money Age in 2021

Key Equity Release Reviews

Key Equity Release has received an impressive score on Trustpilot,⁸ which is testimony to the quality of service and products it offers.

Of the few customers who have submitted grievances on Trustpilot, examples of complaints include a lack of clarity concerning the reasons for property valuations and a lengthy application process.⁹

Positive Testimonials for Key’s Equity Release

Thousands of customers have written positive testimonials confirming that Key offers excellent products and services. 

Impressive start-to-finish experiences with expert case managers, quick turnaround times, and clear explanations of their products and services are just some examples of the reasons customers have said they like working with Key.¹⁰

Handling of Complaints in Key’s Equity Release Services

If you are unhappy with your experience, the most straightforward approach to making a complaint is following the instructions provided on their website.

Key is concerned about clients’ needs and will refer you to the appropriate department.

Alternatively, you can submit a review on sites like Trustpilot¹¹ or Feefo¹², and it will swiftly contact you to assist.

Can Key Provide Expert Equity Release Advice?

Key’s team of experts can provide comprehensive equity release advice, helping homeowners navigate the complexities of later life finance.

Where Are Key’s Later Life Finance Offices Located?

Key’s later life finance offices are strategically positioned across the UK to offer accessible services to all clients.

Areas in the UK Serviced by Key

Key remotely serves customers all over the UK, although some areas may have exceptions.

It is best to consult them directly to confirm if their services are offered in your area.

Key’s Branch Locations in the UK

Key does not have branches, and it’s head office is in Preston, England. Its advisors are located all over the UK.

Address of Key’s Head Office for Equity Release

Baines House, 4, Midgery Court, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9ZH, United Kingdom

Does Key Offer Advice on Equity Release and Lifetime Mortgages?

Yes, Key does advise on equity release. 

The Key Group is a financial services company that provides products and services for the later-life lending market. 

As such, it also serves as an equity release broker and offers advice on equity release mortgage products, including lifetime mortgages and retirement interest-only mortgages (RIOs).

How to Contact Key for Equity Release Inquiries

You can contact someone at Key using the following information:

Key’s Email Address for Equity Release Queries

info@krgroup.co.uk

Customer Support Services Offered by Key

The fastest way to obtain customer support is by phoning Key between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday on 0800 2943 144.

Common Questions About Key’s Equity Release Services

Final Insights on Key’s Equity Release and Retirement Solutions

Key Later Life Finance is one of the leading providers of later-life finance products and services, including equity release products and advice, in the UK.

If you are in the market for equity release, Key offers competitive rates and flexible options for lifetime mortgages. However, remember it does not offer home reversion plans.

With regulation by the FCA and ERC, you can trust Key (formerly Key Equity Release) to act impartially and in your best interests, even if that involves collaborating with another provider or advising against equity release.

The features mentioned and the amounts raised, are subject to the lender’s criteria, terms and conditions. These may take into account age, health, and lifestyle factors to provide an enhanced amount.

The features mentioned and the amounts raised, are subject to the lender’s criteria, terms and conditions. These may take into account the age, health and lifestyle factors in order to provide an enhanced amount. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration.