New LV= figures show that home and garden improvements continue to be the main reason why customers release equity from their homes, accounting for three out of ten (31%) loans in 2017. In fact, since LV= entered the market a decade ago it has consistently been the most popular reason for taking out equity release.
However, the figures also highlight that households are still feeling the squeeze as, last year, one in five (20%) used the money from their homes to ‘top up’ their income and pay bills. A similar proportion (19%) used the money to pay off mortgages, loans or debts, a 26% increase from 2016 (15%) and up from 5% in 2015.
The numbers also show an increase in people releasing equity to help or treat family and friends, with one in ten (11%) LV= customers doing so compared to 8% the previous year.
Mike Farrell, Equity Release Sales Director at LV=, said: “At LV=, we continue to see people using the equity in their homes to make their lives more comfortable through home and garden improvements. However, we are increasingly seeing people use their property to provide additional financial security in their retirement; whether that’s simply for peace of mind or to help them cope with an unexpected financial shock.
“People are spending longer in retirement, and often someone’s largest asset is their home, so it’s no surprise people increasingly want to access money tied up in their property to provide additional income. We strongly advise people considering this option to speak to a professional financial adviser about whether it is right for them.”
It’s important that people receive the necessary support when making financial decisions that can have a large impact on their lives. Equity release is a complex product and anyone considering it should seek financial and legal advice, as well as asking for views from their family or any beneficiaries of their will.
For further information please contact:
Robyn Margetts, [email protected], 020 7634 4418 / 07342 056747
Hannah Fensome, [email protected], 0207 634 4497 / 07584 889174
Notes to editors:
Reasons for equity release in 2017
| Reasons for Loan | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Home and / or garden Improvements | 31% |
| Top up your income (for example, to help pay bills) | 20% |
| Clear mortgage, loans or debts |
19% |
| Treat or help family and friends |
11% |
| One off purchase (such as a car or caravan) |
5% |
| Holidays |
5% |
| Medical Treatments |
2% |
| Property Purchase |
2% |
| Provide car at home |
2% |
| Essential repairs to your property |
1% |
| Other |
1% |
| Switch from another provider |
1% |
| Inheritance tax planning |
0% |
| Investment |
0% |
About LV=
LV= serves over 5.8 million customers with a range of financial products. We are the UK’s largest friendly society and a leading financial mutual.
When we started in 1843 our goal was to give financial security to more than just a privileged few and for many decades we were most commonly associated with providing a method of saving to people of modest means. Today we follow a similar purpose, helping people to protect and provide for the things they love, although on a much larger scale and through a wide range of financial services including insurance, investment and retirement products.
We offer our services direct to consumers, as well as through IFAs and insurance brokers.
Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. LVFS is a member of the ABI and ILAG. Registered address: County Gates, Bournemouth BH1 2NF.