Should You Consider Equity Release To Pay For Live-in Care?

Published on: 21 January 2021 Last Updated on: 24 December 2024
Equity Release

Although it seems like equity release plans have been around forever, this sector of finance has only been regulated since 2004. However, this has not dented their popularity among over 55s wishing to free up a sum of money rather than leaving it tied up in their property.

Many have used the money to fund home DIY projects, help a child onto the housing ladder, or simply for a blowout holiday or new car. Increasingly though many are seeing equity release as a good way to pay for care in their own home in old age. Equity is the value of your home minus any loans or mortgages secured against it which haven’t been fully paid off.

If you’re wondering whether this would be right for you read our advice on the advantages and pitfalls of equity release and how the equity in your home could pay for a comfortable old age.

What is Equity Release and How Does it Work?

Equity Release

This is a method for releasing some of the untapped wealth tied up in your home. Being able to unlock the value of your home and turn this into cash is a way to remain in a much-loved family home. There are two main types of equity release – a lifetime mortgage or a home reversion plan, which is the sale of part or all of the property.

A lifetime mortgage is a loan against the value of your home which is not repaid until either the homeowner dies or goes into long-term care, or the property is sold. If you decide to go down this route you must choose carefully between the two types of lifetime mortgage which are:

  • The interest roll-up mortgage, which is the most popular option. With this, you receive either a lump sum or regular amounts, and interest is added to the loan at a fixed or capped rate.
  • An interest-paying mortgage is similar to a standard mortgage in that you pay monthly or ad-hoc payments, and some plans allow you to pay off the capital, to reduce the sum owed at the end.

The home reversion plan is only available to those aged at least 65. With this, you can sell all or a percentage of your home to a provider at below the market value and you become a rent-free tenant in your home. You can even sell percentages of the home at off-set intervals.

Another, less well known and potentially more risky option is the sale and rent back scheme where you sell your home, at a discount and become a rent-paying tenant in your home.

Points to Consider

Home care services are increasingly seen as preferable to standard nursing home care for many reasons, not least among them being able to carry on living in your own home being looked after by a trusted live-in carer who becomes your friend.

Lifetime mortgages are considered the most popular option for equity release because it allows you to retain full ownership of your property and some come with an option of paying back some of the loans over time in order to reduce the build-up of interest and retain as much of the value of your property to benefit your estate when you die.

You can only apply for equity release once you are over 55 and the amount you receive is dependent upon the value of your home (minimum value £70,000) as well as your age. Your property must be in the UK.

Benefits of Equity Release

Equity Release

For today’s older homeowners who have seen the value of their homes rise significantly over recent years and with the added benefit of current low-interest rates, equity release gives you an amount of cash to spend now or to put towards a live-in care plan.

Risks and Pitfalls of Equity Release

The biggest problem with equity release is that you do not receive the full market value for your home, indeed the amount you can access would be much less than you would get by selling your home on the open market in the traditional way. Another disadvantage is that any inheritance your beneficiaries expect to receive would be reduced.

The upfront costs and fees involved in setting up an equity release plan could be as much as £3000.

If you opt for a lifetime mortgage there is a real risk that when the time comes for your home to be sold the amount owed may be more than you borrowed because of the compound interest charged on the mortgage, unless you can pay off some of the debt as you go along. So, if you want to leave a decent inheritance for your family you need to act with caution.

Be aware that if you have a substantial amount of cash in the bank this could affect any means-tested benefits you may be entitled to. The upper threshold is currently £16,000 so above this you are ineligible for means-tested benefits. Your tax situation could be impacted.

If you choose to pay off the whole of the lifetime mortgage early you could incur penalties.

Risks of Home Reversion Scheme

You may only receive between 30-60% of the market value of your home and there may be a clause in your contract which forbids you from moving home. Distressingly, once you die the property usually has to be vacated within one month which causes unnecessary upset to the family at a distressing time.

Protections from the Equity Release Council

You should look for an equity release provider who is a member of the Equity Release Council to ensure that any lifetime mortgage you take out will never exceed the total value of your property. You are also assured that:

  • You can remain in your home until the end of the mortgage term
  • You are provided with an independent solicitor who explains everything clearly to you
  • Interest rates must be fixed or capped and the product must have a ‘no negative equity guarantee’.

Always get the best independent adviser who is regulated by the FCA and discuss things with your family before signing on the dotted line.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Why Exchanges Need To Improve User Experience For More Adoption

Why Exchanges Need To Improve User Experience For More Adoption

You might have thought, what is the reason behind Cryptocurrency adoption taking so long? It has already been a decade since the first-ever Cryptocurrency Bitcoin was launched. Still, people are hesitant when it comes to Cryptocurrency Adoption. Now the question is why? As the reason is, many investors have pointed out the not-so-cool user-friendliness of exchanges. On the other hand, some excellent bitcoin revolution login platforms are considered one of the best Crypto trading platforms. If you are a Crypto Trader, you should answer the following questions. While making a trade, what problem do you usually face? Do you have a proper understanding of the price fluctuation of the market? For overviewing of the market, are there any tools that help you with that? The answers to all these questions are related to the user experience offered by the Crypto Trading platforms. For accelerating Crypto trading, there have to be more Crypto exchanges like Bitcoin Revolutions, which will offer quality guidance. Why Exchanges Need To Improve User Experience For More Adoption Whenever you talk about any of the digital devices in this digital world, the first thing to be considered and checked is the user experience. With the advancement of technology, things are becoming simpler in a complicated way. In order to get access to those simpler things, you first need to learn the complicated way in which they are being operated. For example, online money transfer has made our life easier and saves a lot of time. But in order to transfer money online, you will need to know how to operate the platform, using which you will transfer your money. The same goes for more Cryptocurrency. This is why user experience has to improve for better adoption. 1. Functionality A good user interface has to be always created by keeping the user in mind. The users can be anyone, from a beginner of the Crypto world to an experienced old investor when it comes to the Cryptocurrency world. The user interface of the exchange has to be clean and user-friendly. Only then a beginner trader will be able to understand everything properly. Some features, such as filtering and sorting, are not at all common for most software or tools. It restricts the user from getting to know the market properly. 2. Ease Of Use The best way of understanding the whole user experience thing is how comfortably you are interacting with the help of any device or website. Along with this, you also have to keep track of the feasibility, speed of the platform, easily understand the application, and smooth navigation. We are living in a world where everything has become digital or shifted to the online world. Many businesses are providing their customers with services or products online. It means you have to be really efficient and also fast in grabbing whatever opportunity you are getting. 3. Credibility Whenever we meet a new person, it usually takes around 0.1 seconds to leave a good impression on that individual. But when it comes to a website, the time reduces to half, i.e., 0.05 seconds. So, the website’s user interface must be easy to understand. Whenever you find a website that has created a good impression on you, you will start navigating the website to see what other things it has to offer you. Just the same way a website works, the Cryptocurrency trading platforms or exchanges also work the same way. User Experience Is All While developing a Cryptocurrency exchange, a developer has to keep all these things in mind. The professional has to consider the requirements of a beginner and also of an experienced trader and combine them in the right way to present a reliable and efficient solution for all types of users. So, by improving the user experience, the adoption rate of Cryptocurrency can be accelerated. Read Also:  Is 2021 The Most Critical Year For Bitcoin And Other Cryptocurrencies? Most Common Bitcoin Trading Blunders - You Must Avoid What to Expect When You Become a Forex Trader

READ MOREDetails
Pax 3

Is Pax 3 Worth the Money?

The Pax 3 is currently available in two kits, the Basic and the Complete, and if you plan to vaporize wax from time to time, you can switch to the Complete Kit. If you predominantly use dry herbal steam and do not contain concentrate inserts or wax, then the basic set is fine. The complete kits also include a half pack of oven lids that you will probably use most of the time. Pax 2: What you need to know about it?    Although the Pax 3 vaporizer has undoubtedly improved the design of the Pax 2, there are still a number of dry herb vaporizers that can withstand the next generation of the Pax vaporizer. If you want to spend the money, you should definitely choose the PAX 3, as it is a high-quality portable evaporator. For the price you paid for the Pax 2 Vaporizer, even with the latest and best technology, you will find almost nothing that comes close to the performance. What is the Role of the Conductor Heater?   There is a conductor heater that provides the best and most consistent blow when steaming around. If you are looking for a very good evaporator at the price you can get to Pax 3, this is the best evaporator for you. You can view all other Pax Vaporizer reviews as well as our Pax 2 review by following the links below in each section. If you want to use concentrate in your PAX, you must have the concentrate insert, and as far as I know, it will be interchangeable with Pax 2. If you already own a PAX 2 and are thinking of buying a Pax 3 instead of the PAX 3, this is a great upgrade. Is Pax 3 the Best High-Quality Vape in the Market? If you are looking for a high-quality vape that will deliver amazing results, then the PAX 3 is definitely worth your time and money. One might shy away from this device because of the cost, but it has a lot to offer and is worth the price. Not only do you get a lot for your money, but can you forget about the sale and the good price? The price is one of the main reasons why more and more people are choosing PAX 3 and why it is becoming more popular. It is also worth mentioning that the purchase of a PAX 3 vaporizer comes with a generous 10-year warranty. Since the Pax 2 Vaporizer and its predecessor, the PAX 2, came onto the market, many buyers have asked me if it is still worth buying. The Pax 3 has been mentioned as one of the best evaporators ever, and it has only improved since its original release. Pax 2: Reasons why people still like it The main reason why the Pax 2 vaporizer is still worth the effort is simple: it is still one of the best portable vaporizers on the market and a great vaporizer in its class. Although there are some improvements over PAX 2, it is still a fantastic product that surpasses the latest portable vapes. If you don't mind the non-removable battery and are looking for a high-quality vapor, the Pax-Vaporizer is worth the money. There is also an element of comfort associated with the purchase, which is particularly impressive in the case of the PAX 3. Pax 2 Versus Pax 3: What you should know If you're looking for a portable vape that lasts long and has a long battery life, then get the Pax 2. If you're looking for a little more budget, check out our recommendations for the best vapes. Try one of the more affordable portable evaporators available on the market today and try the PAX 3, which will certainly not disappoint. The Pax-Vaporizer PAX-3 with its high-quality steam is a good vapor and definitely worth the money. Note that the Pax 2 is only suitable for dry herbs and if you have the right equipment, it will not be sufficient for steam or liquid. The Pax 3 is a steam device that allows a considerably longer battery life than its predecessor and is, therefore, a good choice for long-term use. Not much has changed with the Pax 3, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but after talking to our customers we have learned that many vapers are starting to use other materials for steaming, such as herbs. Our vaporizer kit contains a variety of materials that no longer taste the same after two or three draws, so you don't have to worry that your material doesn't "taste" the same every two, three, or more. The Final Word While we like to flaunt our shiny new technology, the design of the vaporizer is a win for us, and to be honest, it doesn't look much like a conventional vaporizer. It is completely portable and small enough to fit in your pocket or wallet, absolutely slim and discreet. Read Also: 7 Things You Should Know About Owning a Vape Need A New Vape Pen? Everything You Need To Know About The Boundless CF Vaporizer How to Solve Some Problems of The Vapes Top 5 Best Types of Vape Juice

READ MOREDetails
SMSF

SMSF And Lifestyle Planning: Tailoring Your Fund For Your Dream Retirement

The journey towards a fulfilling retirement is unique for everyone, and self-managed superannuation funds (SMSF Australia) are becoming a pivotal tool in achieving personalized retirement goals. This article delves into how you can align your SMSF with your individual lifestyle aspirations, ensuring that your retirement years are not just financially secure but also align with your vision of an ideal lifestyle. What Is a Self-Managed Super Fund? A self-managed super fund is a private super fund you generally manage yourself. The SMSMs are different, and they vary according to the diverse industry. When you manage your own fund, you put the money you normally would keep in retail.  What Are The Benefits Of The SMSFs The SMSFs can help you offer diverse options, including direct property, physical gold, managed portfolios, and collectibles like the artworks. Most superannuation funds allow you to invest assets like fixed interest, shares, and property via managed funds. However, we provide a range of benefits the SMSFs can offer you here. Estate Planning  With the help of the SMSFs, you have far greater flexibility when acquiring and selling investments. This particular hands-on approach can mean the market conditions can change if you can respond by adjusting the portfolio of investments. Pooling Your Super Another prime benefit you can reap with the SMSFs' help is the ability to pool your resources with three members. This increased pool may enable you to get diverse opportunities for investments, which may not be available with your SMSF.  Effective Management Of Tax With the help of the SMSF, you have far greater control over your investment decisions. It may enable you to manage the tax position. You may already know how important it is to effectively carry on with tax management. For instance, the current tax rate on the earnings from the superannuation funds is close to 15%. But there is no payable of tax within the funds as the assets wholly support an income stream like the pension. Aligning Financial Goals with Personal Aspirations Explore the critical steps to tailor your SMSF to reflect your personal aspirations, including income needs, travel dreams, healthcare considerations, and hobbies. We'll guide you through integrating these elements into a comprehensive SMSF strategy that supports your retirement vision. Identifying and Achieving Your Retirement Goals Understanding and clearly defining your retirement goals is the first step towards a satisfying retirement. In this section, we discuss how to align your SMSF with your unique retirement vision, emphasizing the need for a strategy that not only ensures financial security but also personal fulfillment. Mapping Your Ideal Retirement Lifestyle Discover how to effectively map out your ideal retirement lifestyle, considering factors like desired income, hobbies, and travel plans. We provide insights on how to adjust your SMSF investments to support these lifestyle choices, ensuring a retirement that is both financially stable and personally rewarding. Building a Robust Financial Foundation: SMSF Wealth Accumulation Strategies To achieve your retirement dreams, it's essential to build a solid financial foundation through effective SMSF wealth accumulation strategies. This section focuses on creating a strong financial base within your SMSF, exploring strategies that balance growth and security to support your long-term lifestyle goals. Tailoring Investments to Support Your Lifestyle Dreams Dive into the specifics of tailoring your SMSF investments to build a portfolio that not only grows wealth but also aligns with your lifestyle aspirations. From selecting the right asset mix to understanding market dynamics, we guide you through creating an investment strategy that supports your vision for retirement. What Is To Be Done Before Setting Up An SMSF? If you want to set up an SFSF, ensure it does a few things. Comparing The SMSFs with Other funds When accessing an SMSF or any other monetary benefit scheme, you must thoroughly compare it.  Members And Trustees  Firstly, the SMSFs possess a maximum of six members. All the members must be the trustee's directors. It also means that the members can have control and management over that of the SMSFs. But with the other super fund, there is no limit to the members. Generally, the licensed trustees are held responsible for managing the funds.  The trustees work to develop and implement the fund's investment strategy and make the investment decision. But with the other SMSFs, most allow you control over the risks.  Insurance  In the SMSFs, usually, the trustees must consider whether or not to purchase the insurance for their members. The premium of insurance may be higher than that of teh other funds for insurance. On the other hand, most insurance costs are lower. This is because the large funds get discounted premiums.  Considering the Cost, Time, And Skill Needed You need to possess teh time and also the skills so that you can manage the funds. As a trustee of the SMSF, you will be held accountable. You will have to make all the decisions linked with the investment.  Yes, it costs some money to build and, after that, run the SMSFs. Not only this, but the SMSFs' fees are higher than those of the other funds. What you need is to give shape to your investment strategy and thereafter review and update it on a regular interval. Therefore, you will have to bear all the expenditures relating to the audits.  With most SMSFs, you get facilities like legal fees, financial help, SMSF assets’ valuation, insurance for the members, and others.  Implementing Your Custom SMSF Strategy: Bringing Your Retirement Vision to Life Bringing your retirement vision to life requires a bespoke SMSF strategy that encompasses all aspects of your dream retirement. This final section offers practical advice on implementing your tailored SMSF plan, ensuring that it is adaptable, compliant, and aligned with your evolving life goals. Here, we outline the practical steps to implement your customized SMSF strategy, including considerations for healthcare needs, travel aspirations, and lifestyle choices. We also emphasize the importance of professional guidance in navigating the complexities of SMSF management to bring your retirement dream to fruition. Read Also: 3 Great Things About Living In Retirement Villages 4 Fun Jobs After Retirement That Offer You a Monthly Income The Importance Of Bond Insurance In Financial Planning

READ MOREDetails