For high-net-worth individuals, wealth isn’t just about numbers - it’s about freedom, flexibility, and strategic financial management. But what happens when your capital is tied up in property, and traditional lenders hesitate to provide solutions that match your needs?
This is exactly what one of our expert brokers, Carly Cheeseman, encountered with a recent client.
“I worked with a client who was approaching retirement. They had built their own home, and the mortgage term had ended, but the property was unique and traditionally challenging to finance. Despite this, we were able to pay off the mortgage and release additional equity for the client’s lifestyle change through an equity release product.
“Equity release not only allowed the client to stay in their dream home, but it meant they also never had to worry about reviewing an interest-only mortgage or undergo affordability checks again. No monthly payments are due on the product either, so they can retire with peace of mind.”
So, what is equity release? Carly explains, “Equity release is a specialist product that requires careful consideration. It’s designed for those over 55, helping to release funds from property without the usual mortgage application process. The product offers benefits such as no repayments until death or an earlier life event, a fixed rate for the life of the mortgage, and no affordability assessments.”
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“At Enness, we tailor the product to each individual’s situation - always meeting with clients and relevant parties to ensure it fits them correctly.”
Enness Global specialises in Lifetime Mortgages, a high-value equity release product that is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Lifetime Mortgages helps thousands of homeowners every year tap into their housing wealth without having to worry about regular reviews of their personal circumstances.
Types of Equity Release
A Lifetime Mortgage is a type of mortgage that does not require monthly repayments. You retain ownership of your home and interest on the loan is compounded. The loan with its compounded interest will be repaid by your estate when you either die or move into long-term care. If you have a partner, the repayment is not made until the remaining person living in the home either dies or moves into care, meaning that you are both free to live in your home for the rest of your lives.
Carly tells us, “Equity release has evolved significantly in the last decade. Key benefits now include fixed early repayment charges (previously linked to GILT rates), the ability to make overpayments or pay off the mortgage after a fixed period without charge, and higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratios. Clients can also borrow more while remaining within the negative equity guarantee, with options for further borrowing after the initial loan.”
There are many options available, and it is important that your current and future needs are matched with the right type of equity release plan. An equity release qualified adviser, like Enness Global, can help you with this. We can also help you see how the plan may affect your tax position, your eligibility for means-tested benefits or your ability to move or sell your property. There are advantages and disadvantages in all equity release options so it is important to find out as much as you can; to get qualified advice and to talk it over with your family so you can choose the plan that best fits your needs.
The Vital Role of the Equity Release Council
A go-to resource for anyone considering an equity release plan is the Equity Release Council (ERC)- a non-profit, consumer-centric trade body that promotes high standards in the equity release sector.
Carly says: “Enness Global recently joined the UK’s Equity Release Council who work to protect homeowner’s interests by ensuring that equity release products come with important guarantees and safeguards. Clients considering equity release should ensure their adviser is a member, as the Council only recommends brokers and lenders that meet strict guidelines. As members, we’re kept updated on industry news, regulations, and events to provide our clients with the best service and advice.”
Bespoke Financial Solutions Through Wealth Management Solutions
Equity release provides liquidity for immediate and future goals, while preserving the foundation of your long-term wealth. High-net-worth individuals can utilise liquidity from equity release to provide financial support to family members or establish educational funds, amongst many other personal uses.
Though an inherently versatile product, navigating its complexities requires expert guidance. Finding the right broker to provide insight into current market trends, verify compliance with financial regulations, and tailor wealth management solutions to your needs is important.
At Enness Global, our experienced advisers can simplify the process for you. We can create bespoke equity release solutions and secure favourable terms like competitive interest rates and tailored repayment schedules. We can help you structure your equity release to reach your broader financial goals and facilitate liquidity. Thorough planning through wealth management solutions can make equity release a strategic tool rather than a temporary fix.
Speak to a broker at Enness Global for high-value equity release solutions today. Their expertise will help you secure the best terms and seamlessly incorporate equity release into your broader wealth management strategy.
The views and opinions expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not constitute advise or a recommendation. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Enness and are not intended to indicate any market or industry viewpoints, or those of other industry professionals.