What is equity release?

Equity release is where you can release tax free cash from your property without having to move or sell your house. Depending on the type of plan to suit your needs, you can access your funds as an initial lump sum or set up a draw down facility, which means you are able to access your funds as and when required. 

With a lifetime mortgage, there are no monthly repayments, the interest rolls up and is usually payable when the property is sold, unless the plan is repaid earlier.

Alternatively, you may elect to service all or part of the interest in order to prevent interest rolling up.

The equity release market is growing year on year, which has encouraged providers to adapt to customer needs. You can include many different features on your plan to suit your circumstances, including protecting a percentage of your property for the benefit of your beneficiaries.

We are proud to have been recognized as the Best Equity Release Provider in the North West at the prestigious SME Finance Awards. With a proven track record of trust and excellence, this award underscores our dedication to helping clients make informed, confident decisions about their financial futures.

Why choose Smart Equity Release?

Our experienced equity release specialists take the time to explain all the advantages and disadvantages of each type of plan. We conduct a minimum of two appointments in order to give you time to think about our discussions.

We are able to research and advise on the whole market in order to get the right plan for you.

It is a big decision, so we will always recommend that you have an independent representative present, such as a family member or close friend.

Smart Equity Release do not charge any upfront fees for the advice. In fact, you do not pay any fees until your equity release completes and you have received your funds in your bank account. You will not pay an advice fee upfront and will only be charged when your lifetime mortgage completes - this advice fee is fixed at £1,500. We will receive commission from the lender, this is shown on your illustration.

Arrange your FREE no-obligation consultation in the comfort of your own home with your local Equity Release Specialist. Please call 0151 673 1782 to arrange your free face to face, telephone or video appointment. We would recommend that you invite someone you trust along to the appointment as well, whether this be a friend or family member, so any queries can be answered. However,  we understand everyones situation is different, so will leave this decision down to you.​

Smart Equity Release advise on lifetime mortgages and home reversion schemes. To understand the features and risks, please ask for a personalised illustration. Check that the scheme will meet your needs if you want to move or sell your home or you want your family to inherit. If you are in any doubt, seek independent advice.

Our team is proudly certified with the LIBF Later Life Lending Credential, further demonstrating our expertise and commitment to providing reliable, knowledgeable advice in the equity release market.

How can I use my tax-free cash?

There are many reasons for releasing equity from your home and here are just a few of them:

  • Holiday home purchase

  • To supplement your pension income to cover living expenses.

  • To settle a repayment mortgage or clear the balance on an interest-only mortgage.

  • To improve your standard of living.

  • To gift to your family, so that you can see them benefit from the money now, whilst you are still alive.

  • Depending on the size of your estate, releasing the cash now to spend or gift, could also help reduce your inheritance tax liability.

  • To carry out some home improvements.

  • To take that holiday of a lifetime.

  • To help your children onto the property ladder.

  • To pay off other outstanding debts and lower your monthly outgoings.

Whatever the reason, be comfortable in knowing the equity release advice (lifetime mortgage advice) you will receive will always be made with your best interests in mind.

What are the different scheme options?

Although there are many different plans available, they can all be split into four main categories of equity release schemes.  


Lifetime Mortgage

You release a lump sum from the value of your property, whilst maintaining 100% ownership of your home. This amount, plus any interest accrued, is repaid from the sale of your property when you pass away or move into long-term care.  

Drawdown Lifetime Mortgage

This works similarly to Lifetime Mortgage but with a regular cash reserve/draw down option allowing you to withdraw amounts at a frequency you choose up to a specified amount of years, or until the cash reserve has been used up.  


Home Reversion Plan

Here, you sell some or all of your property in exchange for a lump sum of money, whilst maintaining the right to remain living in your home, rent free, for as long as you live.  

Equity release may involve a lifetime mortgage which is secured against your property or a home reversion plan which requires the sale of property for a discounted price. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. You only continue to own your own home with a lifetime mortgage. Equity release may impact the size of your estate and it could affect your entitlement to current and future means-tested benefits.

For more information please visit Smart Equity Release’s website by clicking the image below

Smart Equity Release is a trading name of Smart Independent Financial Advice Ltd.

Equity release may involve a lifetime mortgage which is secured against your property or a home reversion plan which requires the sale of property for a discounted price. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. You only continue to own your own home with a lifetime mortgage.

Equity release may impact the size of your estate and it could affect your entitlement to current and future means-tested benefits.