Lifetime Mortgage: What are Your Options?
The type of lifetime mortgage most suitable to your needs will be mainly down to the flexibility you require and your specific financial circumstances.
In this article
What is a Lifetime Mortgage?
Different Types of Lifetime Mortgage
Lump Sum Lifetime Mortgage
Taking a Series of Smaller Lump Sums
Lifetime Mortgage Regulatory Protection
Why Choose Fluent Money
What is a Lifetime Mortgage?
A lifetime mortgage is a type of equity release plan that allows you to release equity from your home without having to sell it or move out. It is a type of loan that is secured against the value of your home. The loan is typically repaid (along with the interest for taking out the loan) when your home is eventually sold, or you go into long term care.
One of the key features is that you don’t have to make any repayments during your lifetime, this can be a suitable option if you want to supplement your retirement income. It is also important to note that with a lifetime mortgage you cannot go into negative equity which means that you cannot owe the lender more than the value of your home.
A lifetime mortgage could enable you to spend money now that would otherwise be locked away in your home. This means that you can supplement your retirement income and have more flexibility on what you spend your money on.
The amount that can be borrowed is determined by the value of your home, your age, and the interest rate charged by the lender. The interest is added to the loan balance, which means that the total amount will grow over time, potentially reducing the amount of inheritance that can be passed on.
What are the Different Types of Lifetime Mortgage?
There are several different types of lifetime mortgages. Each variation can cater to different needs and preferences so the most suitable option for you will depend on your circumstances. Here are some common types:
Roll-up lifetime mortgage: This is the most common type. With a roll-up mortgage, you borrow a lump sum or receive regular payments, and no monthly repayments are required. Instead, the interest accumulates over time and is added to the loan balance. The loan and interest are repaid when your home is sold, typically when you pass away or move into long-term care.
Drawdown lifetime mortgage: With this option, you have access to a pre-approved cash reserve that you can withdraw as and when needed. You are only charged interest on the amount you actually borrow, not the entire reserve. This type provides flexibility and can help manage interest costs.
Enhanced lifetime mortgage: An enhanced lifetime mortgage takes into account your health and lifestyle factors to potentially offer a higher loan amount or a lower interest rate. If you have certain health conditions or a shorter life expectancy, you may qualify for enhanced terms.
Interest payment lifetime mortgage: With this option, you have the option to make monthly interest payments to prevent the interest from rolling up and increasing the loan balance.
Inheritance protection lifetime mortgage: This type allows you to ring-fence a portion of your home’s value as an inheritance for your beneficiaries. The ring-fenced amount is guaranteed to be passed on to your heirs, preserving some of the property’s value.
It’s important to note that the availability of these different types of lifetime mortgages may vary among lenders. Additionally, the terms and conditions associated with each type can differ, so it’s important to carefully review the details, and compare offers before making a decision.
Fluent Money are specialist equity release brokers and will be able to talk you through all your available options.
A Lifetime Mortgage Can Be Taken as a Lump Sum or Regular Lump Sum Payments
You can choose to receive the loan amount as a lump sum upfront or opt for regular, smaller lump sum payments over time, depending on your preference and the options offered by the lender.
Why Would You Take Out a Lump Sum Lifetime Mortgage?
There are several reasons why you might consider taking out a lump sum lifetime mortgage:
Large one-time expense: You may have a specific, significant expense to cover, such as paying off an existing mortgage, funding a home renovation, or assisting with a family member’s financial needs. In these instances, a lump sum lifetime mortgage could provide you with the necessary funds upfront.
Debt consolidation: You may choose a lump sum option to consolidate multiple debts into a single loan. By paying off high-interest debts, such as credit cards or personal loans, you could simplify your finances and potentially reduce your monthly financial obligations.
Retirement planning: A lump sum option can help bolster your retirement savings or potentially provide you with a financial safety net. You could consider using the lump sum to supplement your retirement income, cover medical expenses, or address unexpected financial challenges during your retirement years.
Inheritance planning: You may opt for a lump sum lifetime mortgage to release equity from your home and then gift or invest it for the benefit of your heirs during your lifetime. This can be a strategic approach to transferring wealth and providing financial support to loved ones.
Why Would You Take Out a Lifetime Mortgage in a Series of Smaller Lump Sums?
Taking out a lifetime mortgage that consists of a series of smaller lump sums can offer several advantages and may be suitable for specific financial needs and preferences you may have. Here are some reasons why you might consider this approach:
Flexibility: A drawdown option provides flexibility in accessing funds. Rather than taking a single lump sum, you would have the option to withdraw smaller amounts from a pre-approved cash reserve as and when needed. This can potentially enable you to manage your finances more effectively and only borrow what you require at a given time.
Cost management: By accessing funds in smaller increments, you could potentially reduce the overall interest charges. Since interest accrues on the amount actually borrowed, rather than the entire reserve, you might be able to mitigate the impact of compounding interest by minimising the initial loan amount.
Get Lifetime Mortgage Advice
Our Lifetime Mortgage Specialists are here to discuss your circumstances and find you a Lifetime Mortgage that will suit your personal needs.
Are You Protected if You Take Out a Lifetime Mortgage?
Yes, there are several protections in place for individuals who take out a lifetime mortgage in the UK. These protections aim to ensure fair treatment, transparency, and consumer safeguards. Here are some key forms of protection:
Regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Lifetime mortgages are regulated by the FCA, which sets rules and standards for lenders and advisers in the equity release market. The FCA’s regulations are designed to protect consumers and promote fair practices.
Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS): If a lender or adviser providing lifetime mortgages is authorised by the FCA and becomes insolvent, the FSCS may provide protection. The FSCS can compensate eligible individuals up to certain limits, helping to safeguard their money and rights.
Equity Release Council (ERC) standards: The ERC is a trade body representing the equity release sector. Many reputable lenders are members of the ERC and adhere to its standards and code of conduct. These standards include important consumer protections such as the “no negative equity guarantee” and the option for borrowers to remain in their homes for life.
The “no negative equity guarantee” is an important safeguard provided by most reputable lifetime mortgage lenders. It ensures that you or your beneficiaries will never owe more than the value of the property, even if the outstanding loan exceeds the property’s worth.
Independent legal advice: Before proceeding with a lifetime mortgage, it is a legal requirement to seek independent legal advice from a solicitor or conveyancer who specialises in equity release. This ensures that you fully understand the terms and implications of the mortgage and helps protect your interests.
Cooling-off period: Once you’ve taken out a lifetime mortgage, you have a cooling-off period during which you can change your mind and cancel the mortgage without penalty. This period is typically 14 days from the date you receive your offer documentation.
It’s important to note that while these protections exist, it’s still crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions of any lifetime mortgage and understand the potential risks and implications before making a decision.
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Speak to our dedicated Lifetime Mortgage specialists who will be able to help with any questions you may have.