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Planning for retirement often gets delayed, a task left for another day. Yet, the decisions made about pensions can significantly affect financial stability later in life. For those nearing retirement, seeking pension advice in Durham can provide valuable insights.
Over time, many individuals accumulate various pension pots from personal or workplace schemes. However, it’s common to lack clarity on the total value of these pensions at retirement.
If your pension pots exceed £10,000, it might be wise to consider a Free Pension Health Check. This check offers an overview of your pensions’ performance and potential outcomes.
Some employers with defined benefit (final salary pension) schemes may encourage members to transfer benefits to another provider. Establishing a relationship with a trusted financial advisor allows for regular reviews of pensions. This helps ensure you’re on track to achieve your desired retirement income.
Many find consolidating pensions into a single fund and provider beneficial for easier management and oversight. Without regular reviews, you might discover underperforming pensions or those burdened with high charges, potentially impacting your retirement income.
Before contemplating a pension transfer, it’s vital to seek advice from an experienced and qualified pension advisor. They can provide tailored recommendations based on your specific circumstances and financial goals.
When approaching retirement or considering moving home in Durham, people will often be prompted to seek pension advice in Durham. This transitional period presents an opportunity to speak with a professional advisor about pension options.
When accessing your pension, your provider might offer an annuity that may not be the most competitive, however, speaking with a qualified financial advisor can open up more options and potentially enhance your retirement income.
If you’re interested in receiving unbiased pension advice tailored to your needs, consider reaching out to independent advisors in Durham for guidance.
As a company, we do not offer pension advice in Durham, however, we do have trusted financial advisors we are able to refer you to. To learn more, please feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
Lifetime mortgages in Durham are a form of later life mortgage, designed for homeowners aged 55 and above.
They offer the opportunity to release some of the equity tied up in your property without the need to sell or move out. The amount you can borrow depends on factors such as your age and the property’s value.
Unlike regular mortgages, with a lifetime mortgage, you don’t have to make monthly repayments. Instead, the loan is repaid when you pass away or move into long-term care. Over time, the amount owed increases due to the accrued interest.
Many lenders allow the interest to roll up, meaning it’s added to the total loan amount. When the property is eventually sold, the loan is repaid from the proceeds. However, it’s important to note that taking out a lifetime mortgage can impact the inheritance you leave behind for your loved ones.
Additionally, not repaying the interest could affect eligibility for means-tested benefits. Before considering a lifetime mortgage in Durham, it’s advisable to seek advice from a qualified professional. They can explain the potential implications and help you make an informed decision.
Equity release in Durham offers various options, including lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans. A lifetime mortgage allows homeowners to borrow against their property’s value, while a home reversion plan involves selling a portion of the property.
For those considering a lifetime mortgage, it’s essential to understand the two main types: lump sum and drawdown.
A lump sum provides a large amount upfront, while drawdown allows you to release funds as needed. The interest can accumulate over time, affecting the amount of inheritance left for your beneficiaries.
Working with a mortgage advisor in Durham is important to navigate these options. They can offer expert guidance tailored to your circumstances, ensuring you make the right choice.
Lump sum and drawdown are the two main types of lifetime mortgages available in Durham. A lump sum release provides a large amount at once, allowing flexibility in usage. However, this results in a larger loan balance.
On the other hand, a drawdown lifetime mortgage offers the ability to release funds gradually as needed. With this option, you only pay interest on the amount released, making it a more cost-effective choice if you don’t require all the funds immediately.
When considering these lifetime mortgages, you’ll need to decide whether to let the interest accumulate. This can impact the inheritance you leave behind. However, a mortgage advisor can help structure the loan to protect a portion of your equity for inheritance purposes.
As members of the Equity Release Council, we offer a “No Negative Equity Guarantee,” ensuring your estate won’t owe more than the property’s value even if the debt exceeds it.
When your lifetime mortgage in Durham reaches its end, whether due to passing away or moving into long-term care, the borrowed amount must be repaid. This repayment is usually achieved through the sale of the property.
Over time, if you chose not to make interest payments, the total repayment amount includes the accumulated interest. It becomes the responsibility of your beneficiaries or estate executors to initiate the property’s sale to repay the lender.
Most lenders allow a 12-month period for this process. If the property isn’t sold within this timeframe, the lender may take steps to sell it themselves. However, lenders typically understand market conditions and aim for fair prices.
A lifetime mortgage in Durham offers homeowners the ability to unlock their property’s value without selling it. This can provide a lump sum or regular income, allowing you to access funds while remaining in your home.
One key advantage is the absence of monthly repayments, as the interest is added to the loan balance. The loan is typically repaid from the property’s sale after you pass away or move into long-term care.
However, there are considerations. The amount you can borrow depends on factors like age and property value. Interest accrual means the total owed can grow over time, affecting inheritance. It may also impact certain state benefits.
To make an informed decision, seek guidance from a specialist mortgage advisor. They can explain the implications and help you choose the right option.
Equity release and lifetime mortgages can be complex, which is why we offer free appointments with specialist mortgage advisors in Durham. During these sessions, you can discuss your situation and explore whether a lifetime mortgage is suitable for you.
Our advisors will explain the benefits and drawbacks, addressing any concerns or questions you have. Involving your family in these discussions is key.
Book a free mortgage appointment today to explore equity release in Durham. We’ll guide you through the process and help you make the best decision for your circumstances, whether it’s a lifetime mortgage or another solution.
To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration.
A lifetime mortgage may impact the value of your estate and it could affect your entitlement to current and future means-tested benefits. The loan plus accrued interest will be repayable upon death or moving into long-term care.
Equity release in Durham offers two primary avenues: lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans. These products differ in their mechanisms but share a common rule – they’re only accessible to individuals aged 55 and above.
For those considering later life mortgage options, this age restriction might mean exploring alternative solutions for the time being. Thankfully, there’s a range of mortgages tailored for the over 50s in Durham, and even if you’re under that threshold, viable options exist.
Exploring options below the age of 55 unveils a wide variety of choices. Some are age-restricted, requiring applicants to be over 50, while others cater to younger individuals as well.
It’s important to assess your financial circumstances and objectives carefully before selecting the right option, as each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Engaging a later life mortgage advisor in Durham can provide personalised insights based on your specific situation.
Downsizing by selling your current property and purchasing a smaller, less expensive one is a way to access equity without taking out a loan.
Leveraging savings or investments to cover financial needs instead of borrowing against your home is another viable strategy.
Transitioning to an interest-only mortgage in Durham can reduce monthly payments, but a plan to repay the capital at the term-end is necessary.
Retirement interest-only (RIO) mortgages in Durham allow retirees to release equity without making monthly repayments. The interest accrues and is repaid when the property is sold.
Term interest-only (TIO) mortgages entail paying only the interest each month, with the original loan amount repaid at the end of the set term, typically around 25 years.
Second mortgages in Durham, also known as secured loans, enable homeowners to access equity for home improvements or debt consolidation by borrowing against their property.
Secured loans are backed by an asset, usually the borrower’s property, and can be utilised for various purposes such as home improvements or significant expenses.
Conventional mortgages and remortgages in Durham are standard home loans used for property purchase or refinancing, with the property itself serving as collateral.
When reaching the minimum age for equity release in Durham, it’s vital to note that it’s not a universal solution. There are instances where homeowners might consider an equity release plan:
Seeking guidance from a later life mortgage advisor in Durham will help tailor the solution to your needs.
Equity release in Durham provides several benefits, including unlocking tied-up equity without monthly repayments. You can continue living in your home while receiving funds, usually tax-free, for various purposes like home improvements or debt consolidation.
However, consider the impact on inheritance for your family and potential effects on means-tested benefits. As members of the Equity Release Council, we offer a no-negative equity guarantee, ensuring your family won’t owe more than your property’s value.
To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. Equity Release in Durham may come in the form of a lifetime mortgage or home reversion plan.
A lifetime mortgage in Durham may impact the value of your estate and it could affect your entitlement to current and future means tested benefits. The loan plus accrued interest will repayable upon death or moving into long term care.
A home reversion plan involves selling all or part of your home to a plan provider in exchange for a tax-free lump sum.
Are you a first time buyer in Durham looking to buy your first home and are undecided on a location? Have your living circumstances changed and you are looking at moving home into a new area in Durham? However, where are you going to move to?
To help sway your decision, we have come up with our top list of places to live in Durham.
The city center is a captivating blend of history and contemporary living. With its cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and the iconic Durham Cathedral, the city center exudes a timeless charm. Residents enjoy easy access to a plethora of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The city’s transport links make it convenient for those working or studying at Durham University, contributing to the vibrant and diverse community.
For those seeking a more tranquil setting while still being close to the city’s amenities, Nevilles Cross is an excellent choice. This residential area boasts tree-lined streets, parks, and excellent schools, making it an ideal location for families. With convenient access to the A167, commuting to neighboring cities is straightforward, and the nearby university facilities add an academic touch to the community.
The Viaduct area offers a picturesque setting along the River Wear, providing residents with stunning waterfront views. The Riverside Walk and Wharton Park are popular spots for outdoor activities, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The neighborhood is well-connected by public transport, and the blend of modern housing and natural beauty makes Viaduct a sought-after location for those who appreciate the outdoors.
Framwellgate Moor is known for its affordable housing options and strong sense of community. With local shops, schools, and parks, residents find everything they need within reach. The community atmosphere is further enhanced by regular events and activities organised by local groups. Proximity to the city center, combined with the affordable housing market, makes Framwellgate Moor an attractive option for many.
Situated to the east of Durham, Gilesgate has become a popular choice for students due to its close proximity to the university campuses. The area offers a lively atmosphere with diverse amenities, including pubs, cafes, and recreational facilities. While it has a youthful energy, Gilesgate is also home to families and professionals who appreciate the vibrancy of the neighborhood.
As you embark on the journey to find your dream home, consider these seven outstanding locations, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Durham’s diverse and welcoming communities. As your trusted mortgage broker in Durham, we are here to guide first time buyers and home movers in Durham through the process and help you secure the suirable purchase or remortgage deal that fits your needs.
A lifetime mortgage is a variation of a later life loan that you have secured on your home. It allows homeowners that meet the eligibility requirements to achieve equity release in Durham. Your loan will be repaid with the sale of your property, once you have either died or moved into long-term care.
When you take out a lifetime mortgage in Durham, you will be using equity that has been sitting within your home throughout your time as a homeowner in Durham.
Many will use this for things like home improvements, inheritance, to pay off their debts, to fund retirement & care costs, amongst other things.
You first need to be eligible for taking out a lifetime mortgage in Durham. This means that you need to be at least 55 years old and also own a property that is at least worth £70,000. There is no requirement for you to still have an active mortgage at this point, it just needs to be your main residence.
In order to make a start on the process of taking out a lifetime mortgage in Durham, you first need to get booked in and speak to a trusted and experienced later life mortgage advisor in Durham. It’s their job to look at your case and see if equity release in Durham or an alternative, is right for you.
Lifetime mortgages are typically found in two main forms. The first one that you will see is a lump sum lifetime mortgage, with the second of these being a drawdown lifetime mortgage.
A lump sum lifetime mortgage works pretty much as the name implies, as an all-in-one release of equity into a lump sum payment. This lets you access the amount you need, as soon as you need it, but will leave you with a much larger loan to pay back.
A drawdown allows you to access the equity in your home and withdraw amounts from it, as you need it. This means you won’t just be releasing all your equity in one go and are saving it for when you need it most. You also will owe less, as you only pay interest on what is released.
With all forms of lifetime mortgage, you are able to simply let your interest roll-up, though this will likely also impact how much inheritance that you can leave behind, once the sale of your home has been completed, with the money from the sale being used to repay your loan.
Thankfully, not only can an expert later life mortgage advisors help you to cordon off a specific amount of equity in advance, for covering any inheritance you wish to leave, but due to our membership in the Equity Release Council, you also get the benefit of having the “no negative equity guarantee”.
This guarantee is a lifeline for a lot of families, as it ensures that your estate never owes more than the value of the property. You can rest assured knowing that your family will never owe more than the property value and struggle financially after your death or you have moved into long-term care.
As is most often the case with any mortgage type, there are both ups and downs to having a lifetime mortgage. The importance of these are dependant on the person taking out the lifetime mortgage in Durham, as well as what their future plans are.
Of course a bigger positive is how flexible releasing equity from your home can be, in using either option, be it the drawdown and lump sum varieties of lifetime mortgage. You also benefit from having flexibility in your monthly mortgage payments.
You can simply let your interest roll-up, which will mean you have more cash to play with as you won’t be making any payments payments per month. The downside is that these will leave you with much less for leaving an inheritance or care when you die or move into long-term care.
The topic of inheritance can be a difficult one for many too, as a vast amount of homeowners look to take out equity release in Durham to make sure this is done. Thankfully, you have the choice to ring-fence some of this equity as well, as your later life mortgage advisor in Durham will help you plan this.
The upside is that, so long as you are able to maintain these payments, you will have a bigger amount to leave behind for your family when you are no longer here. Also, as mentioned, your family will benefit from the no negative equity guarantee, meaning no debt will exceed the home value.
Furthermore, there are now new safeguards in place for homeowners, thanks to the standards set by the Equity Release Council.
What this all comes down to, is what it is you are hoping to achieve, combined with your own personal situation. There are many different mortgage types available to homeowners in later life, with lifetime mortgages and equity release in Durham only being a small part of wider options.
As a team of dedicated and trusted later life mortgage advisors in Durham, it is our job to take a look at your case and decide whether equity release in Durham, or an alternative, would be a better option for you to take out.
In many different cases, an alternative is most likely going to be better suited for you. Your later life mortgage advisor in Durham will be able to go over these options with you, before they make a start on the process of equity release in Durham and subsequently, a lifetime mortgage in Durham.
Oftentimes, the more appropriate options can include taking out a personal loan, a conventional mortgages or a remortgage in Durham, retirement interest only, term interest only, to name a few. If a lifetime mortgage is right, your later life mortgage advisor will make sure that all of your needs are met.
This includes laying out a plan for what you wish to achieve in the future, how you predict your circumstances could possibly change, and any inheritance you wish to leave behind.
To gain a better understanding of how we can help with a lifetime mortgage, get in touch with our later life mortgage advice team in Durham today.
To understand the features and risks of equity release in Durham, ask for a personalised illustration.
A lifetime mortgage in Durham may impact the value of your estate and it could affect your entitlement to current and future means-tested benefits. The loan plus accrued interest will be repayable upon death or moving into long-term care.
For first time buyers in Durham, in today’s mortgage market, you’ve got lots of options to choose from. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you figure out which one is right for you.
All mortgages work in a similar way, but they can be a bit different when it comes to things like interest rates, how you pay back the money, and any extra fees. So, finding the most suitable deal isn’t just about picking the one with the lowest interest rate. It’s more about finding the mortgage that fits your situation the best.
To make things clearer, we’ve put together this guide to explain the different types of mortgages you can get in Durham. We’ll explain the difference between repayment and interest-only mortgages – these are the two main types you should know about. After that, we’ll move on to tracker and fixed-rate mortgages, which are both ways to pay back your mortgage.
A repayment mortgage is a type of home loan where you make regular monthly payments that cover both the interest on the loan and a portion of mortgage amount. With each payment, you’re gradually paying off the borrowed money along with the interest that the lender charges.
As time goes on, the balance of your loan decreases because you’re steadily repaying both the interest and the mortgage. This means that over the course of the mortgage term, you’ll eventually pay off the entire loan, assuming you keep up with your monthly repayments.
Repayment mortgages are designed to ensure that by the end of the mortgage term, usually 25 to 30 years, you’ll have fully paid off the loan and own the property outright. Because you’re consistently reducing the principal balance, the interest you owe also decreases over time.
Repayment mortgages provide the benefit of a clear and structured path to full homeownership. With each payment, you’re building equity in your property and working towards owning it outright.
An interest-only mortgage is a type of home loan where your monthly payments cover only the interest charges on the loan, and you’re not required to repay the original amount borrowed during the initial phase of the mortgage. This means that while you’re making payments, the amount you owe doesn’t decrease, and the mortgage balance remains the same.
With an interest-only mortgage, your payments are generally lower than those of a repayment mortgage because you’re not paying off the principal. However, it’s important to note that this type of mortgage typically has a specific term during which you’re allowed to make interest-only payments. After this initial period, you’ll need to start repaying both the principal and the interest, often leading to higher monthly payments.
Interest-only mortgages might appeal to landlords who are looking for lower initial payments or who anticipate a significant increase in their income in the future like with a buy to let mortgage in Durham, which would allow them to start repaying the principal later.
Interest-only mortgages can be complex and come with potential financial risks. It’s crucial to thoroughly understand the terms, risks, and potential consequences before considering this type of mortgage and to have a clear plan for how you’ll eventually repay the principal.
A fixed-rate mortgage is a type of mortgage where the interest rate remains constant, or “fixed,” for a predetermined period. This means that the interest rate you start with when you take out the mortgage will stay the same throughout that set timeframe, regardless of any changes in the Bank of England’s base interest rate.
The fixed-rate period can vary, typically lasting for 2, 3, 5, or even 10 years. Once this period ends, the mortgage usually switches to your lenders standard variable rate, unless you decide to remortgage in Durham beforehand.
The main advantage of a fixed-rate mortgage is stability. Since your interest rate remains constant, your monthly payments won’t change, making it easier to budget and plan for your housing expenses.
A tracker mortgage is a type of variable-rate mortgage that is linked to a specific financial index, typically the Bank of England’s base interest rate. The interest rate on a tracker mortgage “tracks” or mirrors the movements of the chosen index, meaning that when the index rate goes up or down, the interest rate on your mortgage will also adjust accordingly.
For example, if you have a tracker mortgage that is set at “Base Rate + 1%,” and the Bank of England’s base interest rate is 0.5%, your mortgage interest rate would be 1.5% (0.5% + 1%). If the base rate increases to 1%, your mortgage rate would then become 2% (1% + 1%).
Tracker mortgages usually come with certain conditions, such as a “tracker period” during which the interest rate follows the index closely. After this period, the mortgage might switch to a different interest rate structure, like the lender’s standard variable rate (SVR).
One advantage of a tracker mortgage is that it provides transparency and predictability since your rate changes are directly tied to a publicly available index. However, just like any variable-rate mortgage, there’s the potential for your payments to increase if the rate goes up.
An offset mortgage is a type of home loan that allows you to link your mortgage account to your savings and/or current accounts. The balances in these linked accounts are “offset” against the outstanding balance of your mortgage. This means that the amount of money you have in your linked accounts is subtracted from the amount you owe on your mortgage, and you only pay interest on the difference.
For example, if you have a mortgage of £200,000 and you have £20,000 in your linked savings account, you would only be charged interest on £180,000 (£200,000 – £20,000). This can lead to potential interest savings over the life of the mortgage.
Offset mortgages often come with slightly higher interest rates compared to standard mortgages, so it’s important to weigh the potential interest savings against the higher interest rate.
They can be particularly advantageous for individuals with substantial savings or those who receive irregular income, like freelancers or business owners. They provide a way to use your savings to offset the cost of your mortgage while keeping your funds accessible. As with any mortgage type, it’s crucial to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and circumstances.
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UK Moneyman Limited is Registered in England, No. 6789312 | Registered Address: 10 Consort Court, Hull, HU9 1PU.
Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
We are entered on the Financial Services Register No. 627742 at www.register.fca.org.uk
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Durhammoneyman.com & Durhammoneyman are trading styles of UK Moneyman Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
UK Moneyman Limited is Registered in England, No. 6789312 | Registered Address: 10 Consort Court, Hull, HU9 1PU.
Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
We are entered on the Financial Services Register No. 627742 at www.register.fca.org.uk
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