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What Is The Average Interest Rate On Equity Release

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If you are asking, what is the average equity release percentage? The answer is that the over-55 age group is eligible for equity release, which gives them access to the value of their home to help fund retirement, home improvements, and early inheritances. Equity release has gained popularity over the past few years as interest rates have decreased and deals have become more flexible.  The average interest rate on equity releases has recently reached 5.63 percent. This represents an increase of more than 1.5 percentage points since the beginning of the year.

In January 2022, the average equity release customer was only paying 4.10 percent interest. 

Let’s delve into some facts and figures around equity release before we go any further.

  • In January 2022, the average equity release customer was only paying 4.10 percent interest. 
  • Equity interest rates are at their highest for six years.
  • Properties with an appraised value of less than £70,000 are ineligible for consideration by the vast majority of financial institutions.
  • You must be over 55 to take advantage of equity release. The minimum age requirement must be met by the younger of the two people if the home is owned by a couple.
  • Over 99% of equity release plans purchased are lifetime mortgages; if you get a lifetime mortgage, you keep 100% ownership. 
  • The majority of equity release providers who offer a lifetime mortgage work off of a maximum loan to value (LTV) ratio of 60%. This means that the maximum amount of equity you can release from your home in an ideal scenario is approximately 60% of the total value of your home.

What is equity release?

Homeowners who take out equity release loans are able to access a portion of the value that has been accrued in their homes in a tax-free manner.

They make it possible for homeowners over the age of 55 to obtain a loan secured on their home at a loan-to-value ratio that is lower than that of standard mortgages, all while retaining sole ownership of the property.

They are free to spend the money on whatever they please once it has been returned to them. Generally speaking, it is utilised to assist in funding retirement, pay for home improvements, or even give early inheritances.

You must be over 55 to take advantage of equity release.

When the last surviving borrower passes away or moves into a facility for long-term care, the loan and any interest that has accrued will be repaid through the sale of the property.

On the other hand, as interest accrues, it can become a sizable portion of the value of a home. Consequently, certain deals provide the option to pay off interest in order to safeguard inheritances.

Drawdown options are also available with contemporary equity release loans. This gives borrowers the ability to only withdraw cash and begin paying interest when they actually require it.

Before taking out an equity release, it is essential to get the opinion of a financial professional, investigate the various interest rates on the market, and think about various other options such as downsizing.

Over 99% of equity release plans purchased are lifetime mortgages

What are some potential uses of equity release?

Your choices regarding the use of your cash are entirely up to you. Equity release is frequently used to:

  • A pension supplement 
  • Purchase a new vehicle
  • Make improvements to one’s home, or completely remodel one’s home. 
  • Go on holiday
  • Gift to family members – perhaps helping children or grandchildren get onto the property ladder.

What are the best equity release interest rates?

So, with all this in mind, what is the average equity release percentage? The lowest possible interest rates on equity release loans are typically the best option, though they can be any that are currently available. At the time of this writing, if you are able to secure an interest rate that is close to 5%, this is likely to be one of the very best equity release interest rates that are currently available on the market. Obviously, this is subject to transformation as more time passes.

However, even if you get a lifetime mortgage with one of the lowest interest rates, it could end up costing you a lot of money if you keep the mortgage open for at least ten years or longer.

Properties with an appraised value of less than £70,000 are ineligible for consideration by the vast majority of financial institutions.

Who is the most reputable provider of equity release services?

There is no one single equity release provider that is considered to be the best option. This is due to the fact that each of them, in addition to the interest rate, offers terms and conditions that need to be carefully considered in light of individual requirements.

For instance, you might be interested in getting a lifetime mortgage right now, but in the not-too-distant future, you might envision yourself moving to a smaller home in the country. In this scenario, you will need to find a provider of equity release services that offers a downsizing clause. This provision will enable you to reduce the value of your home, pay off a portion of your mortgage, and avoid incurring fees associated with early loan repayment.

This is just one illustration of the importance of taking into account the unique requirements of each client and the fact that there is no one equity release provider that is ideal for all clients. You should think about choosing a lender who is a member of the Equity Release Council if at all possible. 

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Scott Nelson is a renowned debt expert who supports people in debt with debt management and debt solution resources.