How the equity release process works

Releasing equity in your home can be a complex process but rest assured, from the moment you contact Bower, we will patiently and expertly guide you through every aspect of what we do and how we work for you.

You will receive dedicated support and advice from your specialist adviser at every stage so that you never have to feel confused, unsure or alone and without any pressure to proceed.

What Is The Process of Equity Release?

For customers who are uncertain about what the equity release process entails, here we have broken down the stages for you from start to finish, to give you a better understanding of what is involved to help you reach an informed decision that is best for your individual circumstances.

Stage 1: Initial Consultation

After our initial phone conversation, we can arrange a visit from one of our experts or can set up a video call at your earliest convenience. You can even invite friends or family along if you wish, and you can ask as many questions about the equity release process as you want to.

Your adviser will take the time to get to know you and talk through all the advantages and disadvantages of each type of plan available. They will explain all of the matters you need to consider including things such as how certain plans will reduce the amount of inheritance you leave behind.

We will also conduct a full review of your entitlements to ensure that you are claiming all the state benefits that you are eligible for. In some cases, a plan can be structured to minimise any impact on means testing and in some cases, there can be no impact at all.

At Bower, we never put you under any pressure to go any further than this initial chat, in fact, we don’t even expect you to make any decisions at this point.

It’s simply an opportunity for us to meet, talk about the equity release process and get to know each other. It is important to us that everything is done at a pace that our customers feel comfortable with and only once they are clearly and fully informed of every aspect of the plan will we continue if they so wish to.

Stage 2: Equity Release Planning

If you are happy with everything that is discussed during the initial consultation, your adviser will return either in person, over the phone or via video chat after a few days with a full recommendation of the best options for you, which may or may not include an equity release plan.

If equity release is recommended then we will show you which plans you qualify for, what particular one we suggest for you and explain why, as well as details on exactly how much you could release and the costs involved.

We will also give you the results of your state benefits entitlement check and notify you if the ones you qualify for could be affected by an equity release plan.

If you decide that there is a plan that you think you will provide you with what you need and you want to proceed then your adviser will take you through the paperwork to get the process started.

Stage 3: Release Cash From Your Home

Your dedicated adviser will take care of everything from start to finish. They will work hard on your behalf to ensure the whole process runs as smoothly as possible, liaising with your chosen solicitor and your lender when necessary to keep things moving along.

They will always be there to answer any of your questions and will keep you updated at every stage so that you know how your case is progressing, and how close you are to receiving your money.

After your plan completes, we provide a full after care service which enables you to review and discuss anything you wish about your existing plan at no cost.

It’s really as simple as that.

The Bower Difference

If you decide to go ahead with the suggested equity release plan recomened by our independent, impartial financial advisors, we will work with you to ensure:

The efficient management of the release of your cash

We will keep you fully informed of the process every step of the way.

Complete peace of mind that everything is being taken care of by experts

We will deal directly with your equity release solicitor and equity release provider to move things along so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Regulated responsibility

When you appoint Bower, you are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, by our own regulator the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and by the Equity Release Council.

Our direct relationship with your solicitor

We will provide your equity release solicitor with a copy of your personalised report so that they are fully aware of your situation before signing your SHIP certificate.

On going lifelong after care

In the future, you may need advice or assistance concerning your Equity Release plan. We can provide you with a lifelong after-care service so that you can keep in touch with us for as many years as you wish, to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your plan.

Trust. Honesty. Service.

Bower is your specialist in retirement lending and we are absolutely dedicated to ensuring that you receive the very best service throughout your journey with us.

No pressure

Your specialist advisor will explain everything during your first appointment and give you the space and time you need to make a decision. There is never any pressure to proceed, we are only here to offer genuine support and friendly, expert advice from a company you can trust.

Jargon-free

We want you to feel empowered and confident that you know everything you need to know about the products you are considering. That’s why we speak directly and truthfully without any technical jargon or complicated industry terms.

Specialists

Our expert advisers are highly trained specialists in the field of retirement lending. With an impressive record of expertise and qualifications, you will always receive high quality, professional advice. Your individual needs will always come before a sale, and if our specialists do not think a particular product is right for you, they will advise you on better suited alternatives.

Here for you

When you call Bower during office hours you’ll speak to one of our friendly team members here in our UK-based contact centre and once you have met with your local adviser you can simply call them whenever you have a question. It’s all part of our award-winning, bespoke service designed around your specific needs.

‘At home’ service

With Bower, you never need to leave your home to speak to one of our specialists. We will either come out to see you there, or you can speak to us over the phone or by Zoom/video call, whichever works best for you.