I was reading Passage to India by E.M. Forster the other day, which is a classic book by anyone’s standards. A quote jumped up at me as it has a particular application in the world of equity release. The quote went as follows

“Give, do not leave. For when you are dead who will thank you.”

I believe this is the direction equity release is heading and the reason why it will grow to be so big as an industry. With the global recession, many people are releasing equity in order to help out their families in times of financial hardship. Rather than leave a full inheritance, older homeowners are deciding that the money would be best put to use now rather than in 20 years when the future is uncertain. At least now the need is great and sure.