Equity release

Equity release is about allowing you to release some of the value of a major asset to help you pay for your retirement or for a major expense. If you own an asset such as a home or other property, and you either can't or don't want to raise cash by actually selling it, some form of equity release may be a suitable way to make money available so you can use it for other things. This section looks at the different types of equity release, and helps you decide whether it's the best option for you.

In this section, you'll find the following information:

• Introducing equity release
  Find out more about equity release and the Retirement Commissioner's views on such products.
• Main types of equity release
  Information about common equity release products, including reverse mortgage, rates deferral and reverse annuity mortgages.
• Other types of equity release
  An introduction to some other equity release products, including reversion plan, loan reinvestment, sale/leaseback and shared appreciation mortgage.
• DIY options
  If you don't like the sound of equity release, other options include renting, subdividing, trading down or selling to your family.
• Is equity release for you?
  Get help deciding whether equity release is for you and what type of equity release would best suit your situation.
• Costs
  Find out all about the costs involved with equity release, including those associated with buying and selling, interest rates and getting advice.
• Impact on government benefits
  Find out which government-provided benefits can be reduced if you have other income under equity release.
• Other things to consider
  You'll need to consider other factors, including the flexibility of the product, the security of the provider and the associated risks.
• Checklists
  Our handy checklists let you know what to expect from your adviser, and offer questions to ask providers when you're considering equity release.