Equity Release Legal Advice

At Rowlinsons Solicitors, we understand that later life planning is about making confident decisions that support your financial wellbeing and family goals.

If you’re considering releasing some of the value tied up in your home, our Equity Release Solicitors are here to guide you through the process with clear, practical advice you can trust.

Whether you’re looking to supplement your retirement income, repay an existing mortgage, help family onto the property ladder, or simply enjoy more financial freedom, equity release can be a valuable solution. But it’s also a major financial commitment with long-term implications. That’s why it’s essential to receive independent legal advice before proceeding.

Our experienced team will help you understand your options, explain the legal documentation, and ensure that your interests are protected at every stage. We offer fixed-fee transparency, a personal service, and support tailored to your circumstances so you can make the right choice with confidence.

What is Equity Release?

Equity release is a way for homeowners aged 55 or over to access some of the money tied up in the value of their home, without having to move out or sell the property. It can provide either a lump sum or a series of payments, helping to supplement retirement income, manage debt, or fund larger expenses such as home improvements or care needs.

The equity in your home refers to its market value minus any outstanding mortgage or secured loans. By entering into an equity release scheme, you can unlock a portion of that value while continuing to live in your property. This allows you to benefit from your investment in your home, often at a time when your income may be limited.

There are two main types of equity release products: lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans. With a lifetime mortgage, you borrow against your property and repay the loan, plus interest, when your home is sold after death or if you move into long-term care. With a home reversion plan, you sell part or all of your property to a provider in exchange for a lump sum or regular income, while retaining the right to live in your home rent-free for the rest of your life.

Both types of equity release are regulated financial products, and each comes with its own risks, costs and implications for your estate. That’s why it’s vital to speak to both a qualified financial adviser and a specialist equity release solicitor before making any decisions.

At Rowlinsons, we’ll explain the legal implications of any equity release offer you receive, guide you through the documentation, and help ensure that you and your family understand what the agreement means for your future.

Who can Equity Release help?

Equity release may be suitable for a variety of individuals and couples who are looking to make the most of the capital tied up in their home. Typically, it is considered by homeowners aged 55 or over who meet the eligibility criteria and want to access funds without selling or downsizing.

Common scenarios where equity release may help include:

Supplementing Retirement Income

Many clients find that their pension income or savings don’t stretch as far as they once did, particularly with the rising cost of living. Equity release can provide a tax-free lump sum or regular payments to top up your income, giving you greater financial freedom and peace of mind. It can help you maintain your lifestyle without needing to downsize or cut back unnecessarily.

Paying Off an Existing Mortgage or Other Debts

Equity release allows you to repay outstanding borrowing in full, removing monthly repayments and easing the financial burden. This can make a meaningful difference to your cash flow and help you feel more in control of your finances as you move into later life.

Funding Home Improvements or Adaptations

As we get older, our homes may need to adapt to our changing needs. Equity release can provide the funds to carry out essential repairs, install stairlifts or walk-in showers, or future-proof your home for long-term comfort and safety. It can also enable you to make the most of your space with projects to enhance quality of life and add value to your home.

Providing Financial Support to Children or Grandchildren

Equity release can be used to offer ‘living inheritance’, supporting your loved ones at a time when they need it most. Whether it’s helping a child onto the property ladder, contributing to a grandchild’s education, or simply easing financial pressures for younger family members, releasing equity allows you to make a meaningful gift without waiting until later in life or after your estate is distributed.

Covering Cost of Care

Planning for care is an increasing concern for many clients. Equity release can help fund private care arrangements or create a financial cushion for future needs, giving you more control over your choices and relieving the burden from your family.

Enjoying Later Years of Life

Retirement is a time to enjoy the fruits of your hard work but not everyone wants to use their savings or sell their home to do so. Equity release allows you to unlock funds for the experiences you’ve been waiting for, whether that’s travelling the world, buying a motorhome, pursuing a long-held hobby, or simply treating yourself to greater everyday comfort.

However, equity release is not suitable for everyone. It may reduce the value of your estate, affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits, and limit your ability to move home in the future. If you live with dependents, their rights may also be affected.

At Rowlinsons, we will take the time to fully understand your circumstances, explain the implications, and work alongside your financial adviser to ensure the decision you make is both informed and appropriate.

Things to Consider Before Releasing Equity

Equity release can be a useful financial tool in later life, but it’s important to understand the long-term implications before making a commitment. At Rowlinsons, we help you weigh up the benefits and potential drawbacks so you can move forward with confidence.

Before entering into an equity release agreement, you should consider:

Impact on your estate – Releasing equity reduces the value of your estate, which may mean less inheritance for your beneficiaries. Some plans allow you to ring-fence a portion of your home’s value for your family, but this must be arranged in advance.
Effect on means-tested benefits – Receiving a lump sum or regular income from equity release may affect your eligibility for certain state benefits such as Pension Credit or Council Tax Reduction.
Future plans to move or downsize – Not all equity release schemes are portable. If you plan to move in the future, it’s important to check whether your agreement allows you to transfer the plan to a new home, and what restrictions might apply.
Interest accumulation – With lifetime mortgages, interest is typically added to the loan each year and rolled up, which means the amount owed can grow quickly unless repayments are made.
Early repayment charges – If you choose to repay the equity release loan earlier than agreed, you may incur financial penalties. These vary between lenders and should be carefully reviewed.
Effect on joint borrowers or dependants – If you live with a partner, relative, or other dependant who is not party to the agreement, they may not have the legal right to remain in the property after you pass away or move into care.

Taking professional advice from both a financial adviser and an experienced equity release solicitor is vital. We will ensure you fully understand the legal implications, lender requirements, and how your agreement could affect your family and financial future.

Types of Equity Release

There are two main types of equity release schemes available in the UK: lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans. Each has its own features, benefits, and legal considerations. At Rowlinsons, we will explain how each option works and help you understand which may be more appropriate for your needs.

Lifetime Mortgages

This is the most common form of equity release. You borrow a portion of your home’s value through a mortgage that is repaid when you die or move into long-term care.

You retain full ownership of your property.
Interest is charged on the amount borrowed, which can either be paid monthly or allowed to roll up.
Some plans offer the flexibility to make partial repayments without penalty.
Most lifetime mortgages come with a no negative equity guarantee, meaning you’ll never owe more than the value of your home.

Home Reversion Plans

This option involves selling all or part of your home to a reversion company in exchange for a tax-free lump sum or regular income.

You no longer own all of your property, but you retain the right to live there rent-free for the rest of your life.
The amount you receive is typically below market value because the provider will not realise their investment until the property is sold.
You may still be responsible for maintaining and insuring the property.

Each plan has different consequences for ownership, tax, inheritance, and your future housing options. We will ensure you understand all of this before proceeding and that any agreement you enter into reflects your priorities and safeguards your long-term interests.

The Equity Release Process

Every lender requires you to take independent legal advice before completing any agreement. At Rowlinsons, our role is to ensure you fully understand the implications of the equity release product you are entering into and to protect your best interests throughout.

Once you have received a financial recommendation from your adviser and a formal mortgage offer from your chosen lender, we will:

Review all legal documentation provided by the lender to ensure it accurately reflects the terms you’ve agreed and that your rights are fully protected.
Explain the key terms of the agreement in plain English, including how interest will accrue, when the loan will be repaid, your ongoing obligations, and how the plan may affect your estate or inheritance.
Discuss any risks or restrictions associated with the plan, such as early repayment charges, portability, or the impact on benefits and long-term care.
Witness the signing of legal documents, which must take place in a face-to-face or video meeting. We will confirm with the lender that you have received appropriate advice and entered into the agreement of your own free will.
Liaise with the lender’s solicitor to coordinate the release of funds and ensure that the process moves forward efficiently and without unnecessary delays.

Our experience means we can anticipate common lender requirements and address any potential issues early on. We understand the importance of balancing financial flexibility with long-term security, and we’ll be on hand to answer your questions at every stage.

Whether this is your first time exploring equity release or you are switching or transferring a plan, we are here to guide you through the legal process with confidence and care.

How an Equity Release Solicitor Can Help

At Rowlinsons, we understand that releasing equity from your home is a significant decision for you and your family. Our team of experienced Equity Release Solicitors are here to provide you with clear, independent legal advice that gives you peace of mind. We will review your equity release offer in detail, explain everything in straightforward language, and ensure that you’re fully informed before you commit to anything. If you have questions about what happens if you move into care, how your plan affects inheritance, or what your ongoing responsibilities are, we’re here to answer them.

We work closely with financial advisers, lenders, and family members to make sure that your interests are protected and that the equity release process is completed smoothly and efficiently. From the initial consultation through to signing the final paperwork, we’ll be by your side, offering tailored support at every step.

As a Lexcel-accredited firm and winner of national and regional awards for client service, you can trust Rowlinsons to deliver advice you can rely on, with no hidden costs and no unnecessary delays. Whether you are in Cheshire, North Wales, or anywhere across England and Wales, we are ready to help, remotely or in person.

Equity Release FAQ

Do I need a solicitor for equity release?

Yes. Independent legal advice is a legal requirement for all equity release plans. Your solicitor will explain the legal terms, confirm your understanding, and ensure you are entering into the agreement of your own free will. At Rowlinsons, we provide clear advice and guide you through the process from start to finish.

How long does equity release take?

In a straightforward case, equity release typically takes between six to eight weeks from receiving the formal offer to completion. This can vary depending on your circumstances, the lender’s requirements, or any issues with the property title. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

Will equity release affect my family’s inheritance?

Yes. Releasing equity reduces the value of your estate, which means your beneficiaries may inherit less. However, some plans allow you to protect a portion of your home’s value for your family. We can explain your options in full so you can make an informed decision.

Can I move house after taking out equity release?

In many cases, yes. Some lifetime mortgages allow you to transfer your plan to a new property if it meets the lender’s criteria. We’ll review these conditions with you so you understand what flexibility your plan offers.

What happens if I want to repay the loan early?

Some plans allow partial or full repayment, but others may charge early repayment fees. These fees can vary significantly depending on the lender and how long the plan has been in place. We will review the mortgage terms and explain any potential charges.

Will equity release affect my state benefits?

Possibly. The money released from your home could impact your entitlement to means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit or Council Tax Reduction. We recommend discussing this with your financial adviser before proceeding. We can also highlight this risk during your legal review.

Is equity release right for everyone?

No. Equity release can be a helpful financial tool for many, but it’s not suitable for everyone. It’s important to consider your long-term goals, your family situation, and any alternatives such as downsizing or borrowing from other sources. That’s why we work alongside your financial adviser to make sure it’s the right fit for you.

How much does it cost to use an equity release solicitor?

We offer a fixed fee for equity release legal work, which we’ll confirm at the outset. This includes reviewing the mortgage offer, advising you on your rights and responsibilities, liaising with the lender, and completing all legal paperwork. There are no hidden extras, and we’ll keep you informed of any disbursements (such as Land Registry fees) in advance.

Contact Our Equity Release Solicitors

If you’re thinking about releasing equity from your home, our expert residential property solicitors are here to help you make the right decision with clarity and confidence. At Rowlinsons, we provide tailored legal advice, fixed fees, and friendly support at every step of the process.

From our offices in Frodsham and Sutton Weaver, we advise clients in Warrington, Widnes, St Helens, Chester, Northwich, Wrexham, North Wales, and across Cheshire, the Northwest, and throughout England and Wales. We also offer home visits and video appointments where needed, and have meeting facilities in North Wales by appointment.

We are a Lexcel-accredited, award-winning firm with a dedicated team of Equity Release Solicitors ready to support you with practical, independent legal advice. Whether you’re looking to supplement your retirement income, support your family, or improve your lifestyle, we’ll help you protect your financial future.

With Rowlinsons, you’ll have trusted legal experts on your side, by your side.

To arrange your free initial consultation, call us today or click here for a call back at a time that suits you.

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