Pages

Wednesday, 6 February 2013

Take equity release as last available option



If you are fifty years of age or above and under financial cloud, equity release allows you to encash your property to lead a comfortable monetary life. Money received from the scheme help you to carry out home improvement plans, wedding of a family member, buying a new car, holidays plans, or simply enthuse the much needed cash flow in your post retirement life.
Unlike downsizing and selling off, under this scheme you are allowed to live in your home for lifetime and also gain income from the property that have been built up over the years. 
                                                 image courtesy: http://goo.gl/0d6Y1
Proper diligence before asking for equity release scheme

However, while making a choice with the scheme, one needs to be cautious and mull over every aspect that it might make an impact. Equity release market has been in criticism in the past years in lieu of being expensive and inappropriate for many homeowners.
Basically, equity release scheme is divided into two parts: Lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans. The qualifying age to avail any of these schemes is fifty years but it is said that the older you are, better is the chance to benefit more. 

Lifetime mortgages are also called as roll-up mortgage that is a home loan taken against your property. The limit on percentage value varies with age and interest rate is applicable to the amount that is borrowed. Usually the interest is rolled up if you die, decide to sell the property or go into the care house.
People, above the sixty five years of age can go for Home Reversion scheme. According to this scheme, you are required to either sell the entire property or part of it to the equity release company at lower than market value. You do not have to pay the interest rate and remain living in the house till the time you die or decide to move to long term care. 

State benefits are curtailed

When you avail such schemes, state benefit entitlement are reduced, including medical care. Higher interest rate is charged if you compare it with other standard home loans. So, if you have other options, equity release might not be all beneficial for you. You can use your cash savings, down size the property, or may ask for financial support from family members. 

Equity release reduces the worth of property and family members get lesser inheritance. So, under such circumstances, you can talk to your family members, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of your property. Let them know about your decisions to avoid misunderstanding in the future.
Seeking advice from financial experts might prove to be of great help as you can compare equity release schemes with other existing plans and pick the best suitable option available in the market.


0 comments:

Post a Comment