What additional costs should you take into account when requesting an equity release and when do you need to pay? Mark Gregory has all the answers in our latest Q&A
Question
I’m planning to apply for an equity release mortgage, but I’m wondering if you can advise if there are any hidden costs, please? I realize there’s interest – but what else should I budget for and when should I pay for any additional costs?
Mark’s answer
Thank you for your question. The simple answer is that there should be no hidden costs Release stockprovided that you obtain advice from a suitably qualified advisor in the entire market who explains all fees, charges and costs of the product before deciding to proceed.
together Flexible Lifetime Mortgagethe Main costs The budget is usually as follows.
-
Financial advice fees
You should obtain specialist advice about a share issue before applying. in Supermarket stock issueOur consultants are qualified, experienced, market specialists and independent.
Our fixed advice fee is £1,495, but is only payable once your plan is complete, you have obtained independent legal advice, and you are perfectly happy to move forward. You can pay this amount from your own savings, or if you prefer, it can usually be paid from funds that are released upon completion.
-
Attorney’s fees
You will also need to obtain independent legal advice from your own solicitor. They will explain the legal implications of the plan and the documents you sign, so you are fully informed before finalizing.
If you do not already have access to an equity release lawyer, we can introduce you to a trusted panel of independent legal experts. The typical fixed fee is £795 plus VAT and charges, so it’s reasonable to budget for around £1,000 in total.
This cost can be higher in some circumstances, for example if the property is not registered with the Land Registry, if there are issues with the title, or if an equity release is used to purchase a new home.
-
Lender’s application or arrangement fee
Some lenders charge an application or arrangement fee, although many plans do not. In some cases, paying a lender’s fees can secure a lower fixed interest rate, which can be beneficial in the long run.
Your advisor will compare options and explain whether a plan with fees offers better value than a plan without fees. You can then decide if you are comfortable continuing.
-
Evaluation fees
Many providers currently offer free assessments, although this may vary by lender and may change over time. Your advisor will confirm the position before applying.
-
interest
The biggest cost in the long run is usually the interest. With a lifetime mortgage, the interest rate is fixed for life once the plan is completed. You can choose to make no payments, make partial payments, or service interest if the plan allows it. If you don’t make any payments, interest will accrue and compound, which will reduce the value of your property over time.
When are these costs paid?
In most cases, major advice and legal costs are paid on completion, rather than upfront. It can usually be paid from savings or deducted from released funds, depending on your preference.
At this stage, the best approach is to get independent advice, ask as many questions as you need to, and make sure you get a clear diagram outlining all the costs before making any decision.
You can find a stock issuance specialist here:
Or call Equity Release Supermarket on 0800 802 1051. There is no obligation, and you will only be charged an advice fee if the recommended plan is completed and you are completely happy.
Meet our expert…
Mark Gregory, Founder and CEO Supermarket stock issuehere to answer your questions. Mark is himself a consultant with over 20 years of equity issuance experience.
He launched Equity Release Supermarket 10 years ago and has developed into one of the UK’s leading equity release specialists.
Email kate.saines@emap.com to ask a question
Helps