Considering equity release “makes total sense”

Retirement planning has been under the spotlight a lot in recent weeks, and some experts believe it would be foolish not to consider equity release as a possible retirement solution.

Recently published research from Key Retirement Solutions shows that equity release is becoming a more popular option among homeowners. The company found that £216.9 million of equity was released from people’s homes during the first quarter of 2010 compared with £183.1 million during the same three-month period in 2009.

Director general at Safe Home Income Plans, Andrea Rozario, suggests this is a logical outcome.

“If you are planning your retirement and you need to consider what assets you’ve got, then it makes total sense to take into account your largest asset,” she says.

“We have always maintained that equity release is not right for everybody, but it seems ridiculous not to take it into consideration along with all of your other options. It is a valuable planning tool for retirement.”