Lifetime Mortgage

How does it work?

A lifetime mortgage is a form of equity release scheme whereby a loan is secured against your property, providing you with a tax-free cash lump sum or a regular income to spend as you wish, typically with no monthly repayments to make.

Interest is added to the lifetime mortgage loan throughout your lifetime, accruing at a fixed or variable rate. The loan plus interest is eventually paid back when the home is sold which could be when you move into long term care, or when you and your partner die. Subject to your age you can typically release between 18-50% of the value of your home with a lifetime mortgage.

ADVANTAGES

1. Choose a cash lump sum or regular income, typically with no monthly repayments to meet
2. You still own your home so all growth in the value (if any, of course) belongs to you
3. 'No negative equity' guarantee
4. Some plans enable you to guarantee an inheritance for your family
5. Plans can be taken out as young as 55

DISADVANTAGES

1. Inheritance amount will be reduced
2. Interest rates may be higher than for normal mortgages due to the long-term nature of the loan.
3. The amount owed on the loan can mount up quickly.
4. Early repayment charges may apply
5. You could raise a larger amount with a reversion plan, especially at a younger age

Lifetime mortgage can quickly erode the remaining equity and as a result there may be no value left to pass on.

'Equity Release' includes home reversion plans and lifetime mortgages. To understand the features and risks please ask for a personalised illustration.