Paying off your existing mortgage

Can I pay off my existing mortgage with equity release?

With more people now discovering that their retirement will be longer and more expensive than they’d originally anticipated, many are looking at ways to make their home work harder for them without needing to sell up and move.

One of the options that you could explore as a way to pay off your mortgage in retirement is by using some of the equity that has built up in your property over the years with an equity release plan.

A lifetime mortgage is the most popular form of equity release. Available to homeowners aged 55 and above, with a lifetime mortgage there are typically no monthly repayments as the loan, plus roll up interest, is repaid when the plan comes to an end.

Although people choose to release equity for a variety of reasons, by using a lifetime mortgage to clear an existing mortgage, homeowners could reduce their monthly outgoings and use their income to help fund a more comfortable retirement.
 

Downsizing vs equity release

In the past, many felt the only way to access the value from their home was by downsizing. However, aside from the costs that come with downsizing such as conveyancing, surveys, solicitors and moving fees, there are also the obvious emotional repercussions of leaving a home you love to consider. With a lifetime mortgage, the most popular form of equity release, you could release up to 55% of the value of your property while staying in the home you love and remaining the home owner. It’s proved a timely solution for some retirees who find themselves cash poor, whilst living in an asset worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Is equity release right for you?

Equity release is a way for homeowners over 55 to release some of the tax-free cash from their property to spend on a variety of uses. However, it’s not right for everyone.  

At Key Equity Release, our specialist equity release advisers will discuss your needs and ensure you consider all your options, and their expert advice is available over the phone, via video appointment or face-to-face, whichever is right for you.

All our equity release advice relates to our range of Key branded products only, and our fixed advice fee of £599 is only payable on completion, so you can find out if it's right for you without it costing you a penny. 
 
And, if equity release isn’t right for you – we’ll tell you.

Things to consider

Your specialist equity release adviser will explain:

• It's a Financial Conduct Authority requirement you receive specialist advice from a qualified equity release expert before releasing tax-free cash from your home. Please read all our information and make sure it's right for you
• Key Equity Release offer lifetime mortgages only, which is a loan secured against your home. It will reduce the value of your estate and may affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits
• All of our plans meet the Equity Release Council standards and come with several protections, including the no negative equity guarantee, which means you’ll never owe more than your home’s value
• All our equity release advice relates to our range of Key branded products only, and our fixed advice fee of £599 is only payable on completion
• You should always think carefully before securing a loan against your home