Lifetime Mortgages is a generic term for many 'secured' lending products that enable home owners above a certain age (generally 50) to release equity from their homes by borrowing against it to receive either a lump sum of cash, regular instalments, or a mixture of the two.

With a lifetime mortgage you take out a loan that is secured on your home which at the same time gives you, and your partner, the right to remain living there until you both die or move - perhaps in with relatives or into a care home.

Such schemes include:

• Cash Plans
• Income Plans
• Open-ended Interest Only Mortgages
• Interest Roll-up Mortgage Schemes
• Shared Appreciation Mortgages and
• Drawdown Mortgages

The majority of Lifetime Mortgage providers (in terms of volume) are members of SHIP (Safe Home Income Plans) which was launched in 1991 in direct response to the growing need for consumer protection. Its members include the leading providers of lifetime mortgages and Home Reversion Plans. All member companies must observe the SHIP Code of Conduct and members display the SHIP logo in their brochures and other printed material as a guarantee to their customers. These guarantees go over and above Financial Services Authority regulation and offer real tangible benefits to you, the consumer. Wherever appropriate, we will recommend a SHIP member product.

'Equity Release' has become an important part of retirement planning and can be very effective in making your retirement more comfortable and open up exciting new possibilities.

We at Balfour Equity Release pride ourselves on our ability to guide you through the whole process of releasing equity from your home, giving you clear, understandable information and providing the highest standards of advice. We offer you a free, no obligation, confidential consultation! So contact us now and see how we can help you.