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Equity Release

Understanding the Drawdown Lifetime Mortgage

Taking equity from one’s property has been slowly gaining a lot of popularity over the years as the recession has hit most households. This is since a release of equity offers a chance for a person to get cash from the bricks and mortar within their property. In addition, the interest rates that one pays on the capital sum borrowed are usually reasonable compared to those of conventional mortgage rates. There are a number of schemes available when it comes to equity release like drawdown lifetime mortgage. Lenders will always insist on people obtaining equity release advice before letting them decide on the scheme they want.

However, today there has been a surge of interest in one of the more flexible equity release schemes known as the drawdown lifetime mortgage plan. This is an option that is popular in the field of lifetime mortgages and it has features that other plans do not offer. For instance with a drawdown lifetime mortgage it is possible for you to withdraw a bulk amount which can be lower than the maximum available. This still leaves a surplus of tax free cash held by the lender. This is the cash reserve facility that one can draw upon whenever further funds are required.

This is a feature that other plans do not have, and that is why there has been a growing interest in the Drawdown Lifetime Mortgage. In fact, at the moment this facility offers the best retirement solutions for many people looking to take equity from their property. So, it would be advisable to research and consider the option of the drawdown scheme.

Other features that make this financial product really popular is that it is flexible as you are usually charged lower interest rates, for instance Aviva currently offers their flexi lifetime mortgage at just 5.92% with companies such as Equity Release Supermarket. Therefore, there are many features that have propelled this plan to be one of the most popular by home owners looking for equity releases. Another benefit of the drawdown lifetime mortgage is you are only charged interest on what has actually been withdrawn.

Quick View of Drawdown Benefits
1. Interest rates are usually lower than standard mortgages.
2. You are only charged interest on the sum you withdraw from your credit account versus the amount available to you.
3. You can take out this mortgage at age 55 or up.
4. You can take a lump sum and then smaller payments or take small payments as you need them.

You have other lifetime mortgage options such as enhanced lifetime mortgage. Enhanced mortgages are for individuals that suffer from health issues that may reduce their life expectancy. Like the drawdown option this enhanced version does not work for every home owner. It is meant to give a large lump sum for the person’s expected lifetime versus the possibility of more years and retirement needs.

There is also the standard option which is a lump sum payment or instalment choice after you receive a lump sum. In this standard lifetime mortgage you do not pay interest until the end, but you do accrue interest on the lump sum you have taken or the instalments you intend on taking.

The last option is an interest-only lifetime mortgage, which allows you to make monthly payments of interest leaving only the principle balance in the end. For those with reserve income it might be the best option to ensuring an inheritance is left for your family members.

Family should be a part of your decision making process on any lifetime mortgage including drawdown lifetime mortgage plans. Your family or beneficiaries will be left to deal with your debts when you die and may be needed when someone goes into a retirement facility. Leaving a burden of debts that requires the family home to be sold may not be what your family desires.

Before entering into any contract understand the disadvantages of these schemes too. This helps you and your family make a decision, as well as, helps you understand the financial advice you received from an agent.

Drawdown Lifetime Mortgage is popular and for good reason. However, if you are looking for the best plan, it is best to get the advice of an equity release adviser so that you may know the best choice to make. Taking equity on your home is a big deal, and it is best that you take your time and do the right equity release.

Equity Release

Beat the Taxman Today

Lifetime mortgages can help many people and one of the many ways that they are beneficial is how they give you a lump sum of cash. If you are over the age of 55, lifetime mortgages are potentially available for you. There are several types of lifetime mortgages such as interest only, drawdown lifetime mortgage and the general lump sum schemes. Lifetime mortgages provide you tax free cash, which helps you get the money you need without paying extra to the taxman.

Drawdown lifetime mortgage schemes are a good option for people who want to release cash from their home, especially if nearing the end of their existing mortgage agreement. It is essentially a drip fed mortgage which means that you do not have to take all of the cash offered to you at the beginning. Instead, you can take a small amount initially and then withdraw the remaining reserve facility as and when you require it.

It is important to seek independent equity release advice about drawdown mortgages to see if they are right for you. For example, unexpected emergencies could change your needs and you might find that a drawdown mortgage could work because you can use from the pool of cash that you got for the first instalment.

Another popular type of mortgage that helps people beat the taxman is the lump sum mortgages. These are fantastic, especially if you want to do any extra DIY or renovations on your home. The lump sum mortgage that you can apply for gives you the scope to get your hands on the cash you need to do so. Projects can vary far and wide from simple kitchen improvements to full blown extensions and conservatories, in many cases changing people’s lives.

One important aspect to remember about lifetime mortgages is the fact that they are not on a fixed term. Interest is added onto your loan monthly or annually and this is something you need to be aware about. This is especially important if you are taking out a mortgage as a couple, because you both need to know the ins and outs of the finances required for a lifetime mortgage if either of you dies or needs to move to a long term care facility.

Top tip: Look into your lifetime mortgage contract to check if there is any negative equity built into your contract. It is important to know that you have the right to be protected against negative equity if your lifetime mortgage loan is bigger than the actual value of your property. This is to ensure consumers are protected at all times when taking on a financial risk such as a mortgage. Any company who is a member of SHIP (Safe Home Income Plans) must have this included.

Drawdown Mortgage Benefits
A lifetime mortgages have benefits; however, there are some special aspects of a drawdown lifetime mortgage that might better fit your lifestyle.

1. Interest accrues only on the amount you have withdrawn from your lifetime mortgage account. You may have £100,000 in equity in your account; however, if you only take out £10,000 during your lifetime then you pay interest that accrues on the smaller amount. Regular lifetime mortgages are not the same.
2. You can take an initial lump sum in a drawdown mortgage and then take monthly, quarterly, or other withdrawals.
3. The cash you withdraw is tax-free.
4. You can use this method to provide monthly income to cover expenses while you are alive, go on holiday, or improve your home.
5. You have an option of restructuring your drawdown lifetime mortgage after 5 years if your housing value has changed or you wish to increase the amount available in your account.
6. There is a negative equity clause with SHIP lenders ensuring your safety. You will not owe anything if your home is sold and it does not cover the entire lifetime mortgage and interest accrued.

When shopping for lifetime mortgages and gaining money that is tax-free, remember that each lifetime mortgage plan will have benefits. Even the regular lifetime mortgage is tax-free and can include the negative equity clause. Always speak with an advisor and your family before you consider taking out one of these mortgages. There are some disadvantages regarding inheritance.

Your home may need to be sold to pay for the mortgage, which does not leave it for your family. If you have a lower value in your home than the mortgage amount owed, your family will receive nothing. This is why the drawdown lifetime mortgage can be beneficial as you have a potential option of leaving an inheritance.