Bower Home Finance Latest News

If you’re exploring ways to access the wealth tied up in your home, you’ve probably come across the term “Equity Release Council” more than once. It’s mentioned on lender websites, in adviser conversations, and throughout the equity release sector, but what does it actually do, and why should it factor into your decision?  This guide […]

A house valuation comes up in a few different moments in life. You might be buying a new home, remortgaging your current one, or looking into equity release to unlock some of the value tied up in your property. Whatever the reason, preparing your house for valuation the same way, so it’s seen in its […]

If you're waiting at the back of a long NHS queue at the moment but don't have the income or savings to fund a private operation, and you own your own home and are over 55 years of age, you may wish to consider equity release.

Some news doesn’t feel like much of a headline. But today, we share that Bower Home Finance has won the equity release broker customer service award for 2026, named the best equity release broker for customer service by the people who matter most. We’re proud, genuinely, can’t-stop-smiling proud, and we want to tell you a little more about what it takes […]

When you enter retirement, your home is often your biggest asset. For many people, the property they live in has grown in value significantly over the years, and it can be tempting to unlock some of that wealth to fund home improvements, supplement retirement income, or provide financial help for family. At this stage, two […]

Are you looking for the formula to success in property investing? Use our buy-to-let guide for 2023 to spot high-yielding, profitable prime locations to stay away from risky investments. Since 2016, there has been an additional 3% stamp duty levy for anyone purchasing a second home. Therefore, a property investor will pay £9,000 more than […]

If you’re exploring ways to access the wealth tied up in your home, you’ve probably come across the term “Equity Release Council” more than once. It’s mentioned on lender websites, in adviser conversations, and throughout the equity release sector, but what does it actually do, and why should it factor into your decision?  This guide […]

Equity Release, typically refers to a lifetime mortgage. Whilst a lifetime mortgage is another form of mortgage, it differs from a traditional mortgage as there are several eligibility criteria that apply. The most definite rule that applies, is age. All applicants must be over 55 years old.   If you’re under 55, the answer is straightforward: […]

A house valuation comes up in a few different moments in life. You might be buying a new home, remortgaging your current one, or looking into equity release to unlock some of the value tied up in your property. Whatever the reason, preparing your house for valuation the same way, so it’s seen in its […]

You’ve thought about who inherits your house, your savings, maybe even your grandmother’s fine China. But have you thought about who takes care of your dog when you’re gone?    For most pet owners, their animals aren’t property, it’s family. Yet under the law, pets are technically treated as personal possessions, which means that without clear instructions, your beloved companion could end up in a shelter, […]

Many people choose to use equity release to gift money to children or grandchildren. It’s a way of helping family now rather than waiting until later in life, and it often feels more meaningful to see the difference that support can make. But gifting does raise an important question: how does it affect inheritance tax, […]

For many, their home is their biggest asset and unlocking some of its value can provide extra income in retirement, funds for care costs, or money to gift to children and grandchildren. But while this can bring freedom and opportunity, it can also directly affect family members.   For some families, equity release provides a lifeline, […]

You’ve thought about who inherits your house, your savings, maybe even your grandmother’s fine China. But have you thought about who takes care of your dog when you’re gone?    For most pet owners, their animals aren’t property, it’s family. Yet under the law, pets are technically treated as personal possessions, which means that without clear instructions, your beloved companion could end up in a shelter, […]

Retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, but for many, outstanding debts can create financial stress. During your working life, you typically have a steady income to manage expenses and debts, but this changes significantly after retirement. With a reduced monthly income and rising living costs, retirees who owe money often face […]

What’s the difference between financial advisers that are tied, use a panel and are whole of market? Find out below, in this article on equity release and things you should be aware of. What is a ‘tied’ financial adviser? A ‘tied’ financial adviser is advising directly to one specific lending company, and they are restricted […]

Self-build properties are becoming increasingly popular, with data from October 2022 showing that over 63,000 people opted to buy land and build their own homes. The benefits of such an undertaking include it being cheaper than buying a ready-made house, and being able to be more energy efficient. You might be wondering what mortgage options […]

With household bills, utilities, rates and living costs rising fast, more and more homeowners are keen to find ways to help lower their monthly outgoings and save themselves money. The home finance specialists at Bower have come up with their top tips for how you can reduce your household bills, to help you free up […]

These spring gardening tips will get your garden ready for a great summer!

What is a Mortgage in Principle?  A Mortgage in Principle, sometimes called a Decision in Principle or Agreement in Principle (AIP), is a provisional certificate from a mortgage lender showing roughly how much you could borrow, based on your financial circumstances. It’s not a formal mortgage offer and it’s not a legally binding commitment to […]

Getting a mortgage approved isn’t only about your income. First-time homebuyers encounter pitfalls due to inexperience and the high-stakes nature of the property market, and many buyers with solid earnings and decent savings still run into trouble during the home buying process, not because they can’t afford a home, but because of avoidable missteps made […]

A common challenge many Muslims face when buying a home is finding a way to do it that fits with their faith. Most mortgages are built around paying interest, and interest isn’t allowed under Islamic law. So how do you get onto the property ladder in a sharia compliant way? That’s exactly what an Islamic […]

Getting a mortgage approved isn’t only about your income. First-time homebuyers encounter pitfalls due to inexperience and the high-stakes nature of the property market, and many buyers with solid earnings and decent savings still run into trouble during the home buying process, not because they can’t afford a home, but because of avoidable missteps made […]

A house valuation comes up in a few different moments in life. You might be buying a new home, remortgaging your current one, or looking into equity release to unlock some of the value tied up in your property. Whatever the reason, preparing your house for valuation the same way, so it’s seen in its […]

A common challenge many Muslims face when buying a home is finding a way to do it that fits with their faith. Most mortgages are built around paying interest, and interest isn’t allowed under Islamic law. So how do you get onto the property ladder in a sharia compliant way? That’s exactly what an Islamic […]

What You Need to Know Before Releasing Money From Your Home  If you’re a homeowner aged 55 or over and thinking about releasing money from your property through an equity release product, one of the first questions that naturally comes up is:  Will I have to pay tax on the money I unlock from my […]

Having a will that is kept up-to-date is vital if your assets are to be given to the people you want them to after you pass away. There are important reasons to make a will, as it protects your legacy and ensures your wishes are followed after you pass away. Not having a will in […]

If you're waiting at the back of a long NHS queue at the moment but don't have the income or savings to fund a private operation, and you own your own home and are over 55 years of age, you may wish to consider equity release.

Spotting a scam is not always easy, fraudsters are continually coming up with ingenious ideas to separate people from their hard earned cash and personal details – they will go to great details to appear trustworthy. However, by learning what you need to look out for, you will be able to avoid the majority of […]

The internet is a marvellous creation; an endless resource for entertainment and information. A virtual world where you can carry out chores such as banking and the weekly shop, all from the comfort of your home. It enables us to communicate and keep in touch with friends and family on the other side of the […]

Britain is home to some of the most beautiful walks. Venture through stunning countryside or striking cities, along valleys and coastal paths, across rivers and streams, or through fields and woodlands. If you’re up for a real challenge, why not try one of Britain’s longest walks? How Far? We’ve listed some of the longest walks […]

You’ve thought about who inherits your house, your savings, maybe even your grandmother’s fine China. But have you thought about who takes care of your dog when you’re gone?    For most pet owners, their animals aren’t property, it’s family. Yet under the law, pets are technically treated as personal possessions, which means that without clear instructions, your beloved companion could end up in a shelter, […]

For years, estate planning meant gathering paperwork, bank statements, house deeds, insurance documents, and keeping them safely tucked away.  But today, the whole process looks a little different.  Your photos live in cloud storage. Your bank accounts are online. Your bills renew automatically. Your identity exists across dozens of digital accounts.  And one day, often after a […]