How does it work?
With a home income plan, equity is released through a lifetime mortgage or a home reversion plan and is automatically invested into an annuity that is built into the plan, to generate an income for life. A cash lump sum may be available in addition to an income, but the amount may be restricted.
An annuity is a plan that guarantees a series of payments in exchange for a cash lump sum. The income you receive will depend on prevailing annuity rates, your age at the outset and your gender.
The advantages and disadvantages of home income plans largely depend on whether the money is released through a lifetime mortgage or a reversion plan, however, annuities have their own set of pros and cons:
ADVANTAGES
- A lifetime annuity guarantees that the income will be paid for as long as you live.
- Income can usually be taken on a level or increasing amount each year.
- With a home income plan annuity, you can usually get a higher income than would be payable from a standalone annuity.
- You may be able to take some lump sum in addition to the annuity.
- The older you are the higher the income.
- As interest is repaid automatically, the reduction in the home's value is mitigated.
DISADVANTAGES
- You are committed to an annuity as a means of extra income, leaving you no choice of alternatives.
- You can lose out by taking a lifetime income if you were to die soon after the plan is completed, unless the plan includes protection against this.
- You do not have the option of allowing the interest to build up, so the reduced annuity may not improve your financial circumstances greatly.
- Home income plans involve borrowing against your home and may work out more expensive in the long term than downsizing to a smaller property.
- Home income plans may affect your entitlement to state benefits and grants.
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
For our mortgage application
How has Jenny Whyte helped you?
With the mortgage application and made the entire process so much easier and speedy.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes we were able to purchase our property within a two month period
What could they have done better?
Nothing as Jenny was excellent and I have since referred her to others
Jenny's reply
Thanks Linda and for recommending me to your friends! I will be in touch soon to discuss your remortgage.
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
We've used Jenny before to help secure a mortgage, so when our fixed term was coming to an end, we were happy to use her services again.
How has Jenny Whyte helped you?
she helped us renew our mortgage.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes, we're on the best fixed rate we could have achieved under the economic circumstances.
Jenny's reply
Thanks Kate for the review. I hope you have a fantastic special birthday celebration in July!
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
We initially contacted Jenny to find out about mortgage options for us.
How has Jenny Whyte helped you?
Jenny has gone above and beyond to support us in our first house purchase together. From navigating mortgage options that suit us and not pushing us into just any deal to thoroughly explaining all the different options when it comes to insurance and protection. She has also been incredibly helpful when our initial sale fell through. She kept us in the loop, every step of the way and responded to our queries and questions with lightening speed and has always been available when we needed her. She has given us exceptional service throughout.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes.
What could they have done better?
Nothing. Honestly, everything has been perfect.
Jenny's reply
Thank you Victoria and Graham for the lovely review. Fingers crossed for a smooth house move!
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
We was after some help in finding the best mortgage interest rates and advice on what type of mortgage to go for.
How has Jenny Whyte helped you?
Jenny helped us by explaining different types of mortgages and their pro’s and con’s. She also managed to find us mortgages that accept price work which was helpful. Jenny managed to get us a rate we was happy with.
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes
Jenny's reply
Thank you James and Jasmine for the lovely review, it's been fantastic to work with you both. I hope the house move goes smoothly!
What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?
Remortgage
How has Jenny Whyte helped you?
Advised on available mortgages
Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?
Yes
What could they have done better?
Nothing
