If you have a family member considering buying a house, due to attend university or you just want to spread your investments in property then here’s more than a few cents worth of knowledge you might want to consider when thinking about the best use of your property wealth.
- New Government Initiatives:The Government has a new scheme in place whereby first time buyers under 40 can buy property with 20% discount[1]. Perhaps you can help your children or grandchildren get on the property ladder earlier using the equity stored in your property.
- House Price Increase:You might also want to consider that house prices are speculated to increase by 6% on average in 2016[2]. In relation to releasing equity from your property, this allows some of the interest that accrues with a Lifetime Mortgage to be offset slightly should you choose to make repayments during your lifetime.
- Inflation:Historically, mortgage interest rates tend to rise parallel with the Bank of England, and the Bank of England’s quarterly Inflation Report (November 5, 2015) captured market predictions, suggesting an interest rate of 1.1% by the end of 2016, 1.7% by the end of 2017 and 2.3% by the end of 2018[3]. Thus, it is likely more beneficial to buy property or release equity now whilst interest rates are low.
- Scrapping Students Grants:From 2016/17, the Government will replace maintenance grants with loans for new students[4]. The house hold income cut-off point qualifying students for a grant has reduced from: £42,620 to £25,000[5]. Being proactive with equity release now could help give your grandchildren the opportunity to fulfil their potential and earn more in the future.
Be Proactive: Access Your Property Value
By using a Lifetime Mortgage, you can access your property wealth, tax free, with no monthly repayments. Be proactive and find out all the info you need to know to make an educated decision regarding your equity. We offer a no obligation face to face service. Call us on: 0800 652 2955 for more information.
This is a Lifetime Mortgage and will reduce the value of your estate and can affect your entitlement to means tested State Benefits. To understand the features and risk, ask for a personalised Illustration.
[1]Wilson, W & Blow, L. (2015).
[3] The Telegraph. (2016).
[4] BBC News. (2015).
[5] Grice, A. (2015).