Hello, I’m John Whyte, Specialist Equity Release Broker in Sussex covering the whole of the UK.
I’ll help you choose an equity release plan that’s right for you, leaving you to enjoy your retirement.
I’ve prepared a handy guide to answer some FAQs but welcome you contact me so I can answer your questions personally. To understand the features and risks of your own lifetime mortgage, please
ask for a personalised illustration.
What is Equity Release?
Equity release refers to a range of products that let you access the equity (cash) tied up in your home if you are over the age of 55. You can take the money you release as a lump sum or, in several smaller amounts or as a combination of both.
If you’re a home owner who is wishing to release some of the value of your own property, then you’ve come to the right place. Some retirees find themselves equity rich, but cash poor. Currently with the interest amount fixed at very low rates for life, now maybe a good time to release the equity locked up inside your home.
According to recent HM Land Registry figures, 2020/2021 recorded an annual price increase of 13.2%, with UK property now valued at an average of £265,668. In England, the annual rise is 13.3% with an average property value of £284,029. There were wide regional variations, with the North West experiencing the greatest annual price rise, up by 18.6%, while London uncharacteristically saw the lowest annual price growth with just 6.3%.
With continued capital growth in the housing market set to continue, now could be the perfect time for you to consider equity release.
Types of Equity Release

Lifetime Mortgage
Take out a mortgage secured on your property provided it is your main residence, while retaining ownership.

Home Reversion Plan
You need to be aged 65+ to qualify for a Home Reversion Plan. You have the right to continue living in the property rent free until you pass away.
What is Equity Release?
Equity release is a way to unlock the capital tied up in your home in one cash lump sum or in several smaller amounts, or as a combination of both. You can only get equity release if you own your home and are over the aged of 55.
What is an equity release broker?
An equity release broker is a completely independent intermediary for clients seeking to release equity from their property. An equity release broker offers market intelligence and acts as an agent for the customer, providing personalised advice. Equity release brokers make their money by charging a fee or commission for tailored equity release solutions.
What Costs are Involved with Equity Release?
There are costs involved with equity release. These are the fees for independent financial advice, the mortgage lenders charge and the property valuation or survey fee required to get a current market value of your property.
There is also the interest accumulated through lifetime mortgage plans, but this isn’t an immediate cost – it is rolled-up until the end of the loan (when you die), at which point it is payable by your estate.
Do I have to pay tax on the equity released?
No, you do not pay any direct tax on the money you receive from an equity release plan. It is not classed as a capital gain because you are borrowing money against your home. However, if you invest your tax-free cash in ISAs or other savings accounts, you may have to pay tax on any growth. Releasing equity from your house will reduce the value of your estate so it could actually reduce your Inheritance Tax bill when you die.
Proudly Working With
Our Case Studies
Mr & Mrs B from Sussex
Aged 70 & 74. Property Value £165,000. An initial release of £26,400 for debt consolidation, minor home improvements, holidays for the year ahead and Birthday/Christmas spending on their family. Further (annual) sums have since been drawn to continue provision for the annual costs of holidays, birthdays and Christmas presents for their every growing family.
Mr & Mrs P from Hampshire
Aged 67 & 65, Property Value £300,000 outstanding mortgage of £56,000 with a term due to expiry, Other debts of £17,000, Total Monthly Cost of £540. Total Release of £74,500 to repay in full all debts and initial set up costs, interest to be serviced as equivalent monthly cost is lower at circa £400pm and capital ultimately repaid on death from the estate.
Mr & Mrs S from Guildford
Recently retired Mr & Mrs S had means of ‘paying’ interest and possibly even mortgage loan capital but they found that ‘normal’ mortgage lending was restricted. To fund renovations on their new property, the couple opted for a small £30,000 release, made on a value of approximately £330,000. They are now looking to release further funds to indulge their ‘bucket list’!
Talk to us today about equity release by calling 01903 890660 or by the form below.
Equity Release Sussex is a trading style of The Later Life Lending Network Limited, an Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref – 649443). Registered in England and Wales no. 09832887. Registered address: 70 St. Johns Close, Knowle, Solihull, England, B93 0NH.
For Independent Equity Release advice we do not charge any upfront fees however,
a fee of up to 1% of the total cash facility arranged is payable (subject to a typical minimum charge of £1,295) on completion for our service in relation to lifetime mortgage contracts plus commission from the lender.
The exact amount will depend on the complexity and work involved in your case and will be confirmed by way of a formal fee agreement.
For Independent Mortgage Advice we charge a fee of up to 1% of your mortgage amount payable (subject to a typical minimum charge of £295 payable on application & £300 on completion (£595 in total) plus commission from lender. The exact amount will depend on the complexity and work involved on your case and will be confirmed by way of a formal fee agreement.
To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.
The information contained in this website is subject to UK regulatory regime and is therefore intended for consumers based in the UK