Will the London Property Market be Hit by the Mortgage Market Review (MMR)?
May 19th, 2014
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has now implemented the Mortgage Market Review (MMR). In fact, the Financial Services Authority began the process in 2009 after the subprime mortgage debacle. The idea of the review is to reform the mortgage market to ensure avoidance of a worldwide disaster like that of 2007. For many first time homebuyers it is making it more difficult for them to secure the down payment and get onto the property ladder whether it is in London or not. The good news is that many retirees, over 55s, are in London and they have significant equity in their homes. This equity can be released to help their children with the down payment they require. There are different equity releases such as interest only lifetime mortgages, impaired equity release schemes and drawdown lifetime mortgages. …read more
Can Equity Release be used to Fund a Second Home for Londoners?
May 19th, 2014
Living in London is often about fast paces, great places to eat, and plenty of entertainment. For everyday life it can be tantamount to an amazing amount of fun, yet there are times you want to slow down, enjoy your retirement, and see the country. There are products on the market that could help you fund a second home like a country retreat. A bespoke London equity release scheme, even an enhanced lifetime mortgage can be used to tap into equity in your London home to enable the funding of the purchase of a second home. …read more
Why Equity Release Schemes are becoming the Saviour for Londoners with Interest Only Mortgages
May 16th, 2014
On the cusp of retirement and yet your mortgage is not repaid in full? Numerous Londoners face this situation and with the Mortgage Market Review (MMR) restricting lenders it is becoming difficult to see what the future can provide in the way of comfort. For those who had an endowment on an interest only mortgage, most are finding it has fallen short to cover the entire amount owed. Others chose a different mortgage with no repayment vehicle. Trying to locate a solution for your retirement years is getting difficult for those over 60. Unless you consider the pros and cons of equity release, which is one solution to the problem of mortgages into retirement. …read more