A lifetime mortgage is a loan that is secured against your property and is not repaid until you pass away or go into long-term care. Essentially, a lifetime mortgage can be a smart way to free up a significant amount of cash that is tied up in your property while still allowing you to live there. As you might imagine, this is not always the easiest decision to make and you need to take your time with it.
Free Up Wealth
A lifetime mortgage can make a big difference to your life whether you are looking to improve your financial health, planning on building an extension, going travelling or simply improving your lifestyle. One of the main considerations, though, is that it will affect what you leave as inheritance so you will need to think about your kids if you have any. When it comes to equity release, many people use the funds to do up their home which could add value to the property, so in this case it could work out well for your children and/or anyone else that you need to consider.
Types of Lifetime Mortgage
There are two types of lifetime mortgages to consider and it is important to take the time to decide which is best for you. An interest roll-up mortgage involves either receiving a regular amount or a lump sum with interest added to the loan, which would mean that the interest is paid at the end of the mortgage term. An interest-paying lifetime mortgage, meanwhile, involves getting a lump sum and paying either ad-hoc or monthly interest payments.
Use a Calculator
Another important decision to make when it comes to lifetime mortgages is how much you want to borrow. You might find that it is helpful to use an online equity release calculator, which can provide instant results for a lifetime mortgage based on the property value and your age/the age of the youngest applicant. This will give you an idea of how much you could borrow but you can always speak to a specialist if you have further questions.
Speak to an Adviser
Following this point, it is always a good idea to speak to an adviser when considering a lifetime mortgage. They will be able to listen and provide expert advice based on your individual circumstances and help to determine whether or not this is the right financial move to make, what any alternatives are and help to get you the best lifetime mortgage as well as answer any questions or concerns that you might have.
A lifetime mortgage can be an intelligent way to free up cash and improve your financial situation, but it is also a decision that should not be made lightly and you will need to weigh up your options.
