Why More Choice Means Equity Release Scheme Advice is Essential

    LEEDS, ENGLAND, October 20, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- As SimplyBiz Mortgages, the UK based provider of financial compliance services training and support, launches a UK equity release proposal for its members, TheRetirementCentre.com looks at some of the benefits of equity release as an increasingly viable alternative to dwindling pension and annuity returns.

The Mortgage Biz club's chief executive officer, Martin Reynolds is quoted in Mortgage Strategy as saying:

"With pensions shortfalls equity release schemes are moving into the next stage of development. Where borrowers have no repayment vehicle in place, or a potential shortfall, moving to a lifetime mortgage may be their only option."

As interest rates are maintained at record low levels, savings and investments aren't yielding great returns, so savers and those nearing retirement age are losing out. The situation for many nearing retirement is uncertain, so many UK equity release scheme providers are stepping in to fill the gap with a bigger and better range of options. Now is a great time to look at equity release, as there is growing competition in the market and some great deals to be had for those prepared to do their research.

Many people are already seeing the benefits of equity release schemes as they use their properties to subsidise their income in retirement. For homeowners aged over 55 in the UK, equity release can be the best option for allowing some financial freedom and an enjoyable retirement.

The benefits of an equity release scheme include:

- Repaying your mortgage
- Being able to maintain or improve your pre-retirement standard of living
- Helping out family members (many are using some of their payout to support children or grandchildren through university or in buying their first home)
- Finally completing home improvements and setting up a home to be fully accessible and comfortable for later in life.

But with more options available, now more than ever before, it is important to get independent financial advice and to ask for a personlised illustration, before signing up for any kind of equity release scheme.

TheRetirementCentre.com is an independent online advice service for over 50s. The website's financial advice section covers equity release and annuities, as well as an online calculator to compare different policies. Visit the website for more information at: http://theretirementcentre.com/product/equity-release.

The Retirement Centre is an independent company, designed to help people aged over 50 to make the right financial decisions and enjoy their retirement. To compare equity release schemes and find the best deal for you, visit The Retirement Centre website: http://theretirementcentre.com/product/equity-release

For more information, call Dominic Fraser-Smith on 0113 320 5595 or email [email protected]

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