How the equity release process works


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

In fact, you will always receive dedicated support and advice from your expert adviser at every stage. You’ll never feel alone and you will never, ever be under any pressure to proceed.

So here’s what happens after your call (and assuming you want to proceed):


Stage 1: Initial consultation 

After our initial phone conversation we’ll arrange a visit from one of our experts who’ll come to your home. You can invite friends or family along too, and you can all 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 the things you need to consider (such as how a plan will reduce the amount of inheritance you leave).

We will also conduct a full review of your entitlements to ensure you’re claiming all the state benefits due to you. In some cases, a plan can be structured to minimise any impact on means testing – or there may even be no impact at all.

At Bower, we never put you under any pressure to go any further than this 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.

Stage 2: Equity release planning 

If you’re happy with everything we’ve discussed, your adviser will return in a few days with a full recommendation of the best option for you (this may or may not include an equity release plan).

If equity release is recommended then we’ll show which plans you qualify for, which one we suggest for you, exactly how much you could release and all the costs involved. That way you’re clear on everything.

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 everything is good with you, your adviser will take you through the papers you need to sign to get things started.

It’s really as simple as that.

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 as part of our service and transparent way of working, we will keep you updated with everything so you know how your case is progressing, and how close you are to receiving your money.

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

The Bower difference

If you decide to go ahead with the suggested equity release we will work with you to ensure:

The efficient management of the release of your cash

We’ll 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’ll 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 deal with 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’ll provide your equity release solicitor with a copy of your personalised report so they’re 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 and you can keep in touch with us for as many years as you wish to ensure you’re constantly and completely satisfied with your plan.

Trust. Honesty. Service.

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

No pressure

Your specialist will explain everything during your first appointment and then leave you to make a decision in your own time. There is never any pressure to proceed, just 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 your 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 (we don’t like automated phone systems any more than you do). Plus, once you have met with your local adviser you can simply call them in person 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 whichever works best for you.