Considering Equity Release? Here's a Breakdown of the Costs Involved
Equity release can be a helpful financial tool, but it's important to understand the fees involved before moving forward. This guide will explain the different costs associated with each step of the process.
Financial Advice
Financial advice is mandatory essential for equity release plans. However, how much you pay can vary greatly. Some brokers charge a percentage of the amount you borrow, which CompareRelease.com believes is unfair. Their reasoning is that the work involved in advising and processing an application is similar regardless of the loan amount. To save you money, CompareRelease.com offers a fixed fee of £1495, guaranteed to be competitive compared to other major brokers in the market. We also don't charge any upfront application fees. You only pay once your plan is completed and the fee can be included within the new mortgage.
Transparency in Fees
CompareRelease.com prides itself on being open and honest about all the fees involved in equity release. They We will clearly explain everything to you through our Initial Disclosure Document in your Client Agreement and the lenders Key Facts Illustration before any application is submitted you apply. This way, there are no surprises later on.
Lender's Charges
Similar to a regular mortgage, equity release lenders may charge an application fee to cover their administrative and legal costs. In a competitive market, many equity release products come with no fees and if there is a lender fee the product may come with other advantages e.g. interest rate pricing. Any fee is unlikely to be more than £999. You can choose to pay this upfront or add it to your loan amount. Be aware that adding it to the loan will result in compound interest being charged on the fee.
Property Valuation/Survey Fee
Just like with a traditional mortgage, lenders require an independent valuation of your property for equity release plans. This serves two purposes:
- Determining Loan Amount: The valuation helps the lender determine the current market value of your property based on similar recent sales in your area. This value is used to calculate how much equity you can release.
- Ensuring Property Suitability as security: The valuation also assesses the property's location, condition, liability to flood etc. If there are significant issues, the lender may decline or restrict your application or require repairs before or after the mortgage completes.
- Any valuation fees will likely be on a scale according to estimated property value but often plan applications are without fee.
Solicitor's Fees
The Equity Release Council (ERC) mandates that you use a solicitor independent of the lender's solicitor. Additionally, ERC rules require at least one face-to-face meeting with your solicitor.
CompareRelease.com recommends using one of their trusted solicitors to expedite the process and get your money faster. These solicitors offer competitive fixed fees of around £950 including VAT and disbursements. Dedicated case handlers (a qualified solicitor with preferred panel firm) ensure prompt resolution of any issues that may arise and the quickest turnaround to completion.
For your convenience, these solicitors can meet with you at your home or at any of their local offices, whichever you prefer.
Our equity release calculator is designed to provide real-time information for all the equity release plans you may be eligible for. Visit our dedicated calculator page to learn more. The information provided will give you a general idea, but interest rates and available products change daily. Also, what you search, and the results you see, may not be what is right for you in your circumstances. To get a more accurate solution that reflects your specific needs and circumstances, as well as advice on the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of a lifetime mortgage, please Contact us for a personalised illustration.
CompareRelease.com recommends using one of their trusted solicitors to expedite the process and get your money faster. These solicitors offer competitive fixed fees of around £950 including VAT and disbursements. Dedicated case handlers (a qualified solicitor with preferred panel firm) ensure prompt resolution of any issues that may arise and the quickest turnaround to completion.
For your convenience, these solicitors can meet with you at your home or at any of their local offices, whichever you prefer.
Our equity release calculator is designed to provide real-time information for all the equity release plans you may be eligible for. Visit our dedicated calculator page to learn more. The information provided will give you a general idea, but interest rates and available products change daily. Also, what you search, and the results you see, may not be what is right for you in your circumstances. To get a more accurate solution that reflects your specific needs and circumstances, as well as advice on the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of a lifetime mortgage, please Contact us for a personalised illustration.