• Fixed rate of interest is paid on the loan each month – as with a standard fixed mortgage.
• Cash lump sum received – as with a roll-up mortgage.
• Capital repayments may be made – usually up to 10 per cent offered by some providers.
• Only repay amount originally borrowed when your home is sold.
Lifetime Mortgages – what you also need to know
Inheritance – the amount you pass on may be reduced. Your beneficiaries (those to whom you leave your estate) may have to sell your home in order to repay the lifetime mortgage.
Change of circumstances – schemes can be inflexible if your situation at home changes. You may need to seek the provider’s permission if someone else, such as a relative, carer or new partner moves in to live with
you.
Entitlement to benefits – the scheme might affect the assessment of your income and capital as a result of any money you raise through equity release.
Legal fees – as well as Valuation and Arrangement fees might need to be paid.
Downsizing – moving to a smaller property might mean you are prevented from transferring all of the debt.