The way our elderly are viewing their homes and mortgages is changing, and property experts are sitting up and taking notice. The “later life lending” sector, focusing mostly on pensioners, is growing in importance in the UK property world. Here’s what the experts are saying and why it matters.
The Pulse of Property Pros
At a recent webinar hosted by Countrywide Surveying Services (CSS), property professionals voiced their opinions on the significance of the later life lending sector. A whopping 84% emphasised its importance to the UK mortgage and residential property scene.
- Feeling Strongly: Over half of these professionals (54% to be precise) marked this sector as ‘very important’.
- Lukewarm Reactions: While 30% felt it was ‘somewhat important’, 5% were not really convinced, marking it as ‘not very important’.
- On the Fence: 11% remained neutral, implying it was ‘neither important nor unimportant’.
Unlocking Home Equity – But Why?
A prominent question on many people’s minds is: “What do people use equity release for?” Here’s what the survey says:
- Home Sweet Home: 40% pointed towards home improvements.
- Daily Dough: 36% would use it to supplement their regular income.
- Debt’s Dread: 32% see it as a means to settle unsecured debts.
- Ready Cash: 30% view it as a tool to raise capital for legitimate purposes, be it for tax bills, planning holidays, or even inheritance tax planning.
- Buying and Settling: 26% mentioned repaying their mortgage, and an equal percentage saw it as a way to step into a property purchase.
Who’s Talking and Why It Matters
This rich data came from one of CSS’s regular webinar series, which delved deep into the later life lending sector. The session saw active engagement from over 200 participants, ranging from lenders, brokers, surveyors to other property aficionados.
Key panel members included heavyweights like Kelly Melville-Kelly from the Equity Release Council, Yvonne Turnbull of Just Group, and Andy McClaren of Rothesay. They were joined by Martyn Stones from CSS, with the session anchored by Matthew Cumber, the managing director of CSS.
Cumber reflected on the discussion, noting: “Considering the changing UK demographics and evolving perspectives, the later life sector will persistently be a leading source of funds. This approach may have its unique nuances but promises a long-lasting impact.”
He emphasised the increasing importance of this sector and stated, “The webinar touched on some intriguing points. It’s evident that professionals wish to deepen their understanding of a market sector that’s bound to surge in significance in the future.”
The Wealth Beneath Their Feet
Melville-Kelly chipped in with a crucial perspective: “The data underlines the essentiality of an active later life market for senior homeowners. The average UK homeowner has equity worth £222,526. For many, their property is their most significant financial treasure, perfectly positioned to fill the void between their pension savings and the fiscal challenges that come with age.”
She praised the modern equity release products for offering greater flexibility to older homeowners. This allows them to unlock their home’s capital, supplementing their income without the necessity to sell off their beloved homes.
Melville-Kelly concluded: “Equity release should naturally integrate into every later life financial discussion, similar to downsizing and other fiscal tools. And when opting for the Equity Release Council, customers are guaranteed top-tier support, including expert legal advice.”
As our senior citizens look towards leveraging their homes for a better retirement, the property world acknowledges and adapts. The golden years just got a bit more golden!