Explore your options in later life

From making practical changes to exploring mortgages and equity release, we'll help you understand the choices available and what could work for you. Sometimes, the right choice is not to borrow at all.

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Independent advice Options from across the market
Regulated advice From qualified advisers
Equity Release Council member Following industry standards
No obligation You're in control of your decision

Options without borrowing

Before taking on new borrowing, it's worth considering whether other approaches could help you achieve your goals. Some options may be practical rather than financial.

Downsizing or moving home

Moving to a less expensive or more suitable home could free up money or better meet your future needs.

What to consider

Moving costs, the emotional impact and whether your new home will suit you in the years ahead.

Using savings or other assets

Existing savings or assets could help fund your plans without borrowing against your property.

What to consider

The impact on future income, emergency savings, tax and longer-term financial security.

Benefits and financial support

Benefits, grants or other financial assistance could help with everyday costs and reduce the need to borrow.

What to consider

Eligibility, how your circumstances affect entitlement and whether using savings or releasing equity could affect means-tested benefits.

Check what support you could get

Family support or adjusting your plans

Help from family, changing your plans or spreading costs over time could be alternatives to borrowing.

What to consider

The impact on everyone involved and whether delaying or changing your plans is practical.

Mortgage and borrowing options

Borrowing against your home may be another option. Different products have different costs, repayment requirements and risks, so it's important to understand how they work.

Retirement interest-only mortgages

You make monthly interest payments, with the loan usually repaid when you die or move into long-term care, through the sale of your home.

What to consider

You need to demonstrate that you can afford the ongoing interest payments, including if your circumstances change.

Explore retirement mortgages

Repayment mortgages in later life

You make monthly payments towards both the loan and interest, with the aim of repaying the mortgage in full by the end of its term.

What to consider

Monthly affordability, the mortgage term and how your income may change in retirement.

Explore retirement mortgages

Remortgaging or additional borrowing

Changing your existing mortgage or borrowing more against your home could provide access to funds or different repayment arrangements.

What to consider

Interest rates, fees, affordability and whether extending your borrowing increases the overall cost.

Explore retirement mortgages

Equity release

Equity release lets eligible homeowners access money from their property, usually without having to make monthly repayments.

What to consider

With a lifetime mortgage, if no payments are made, interest builds up over time, reducing the equity left in your property and the inheritance you leave behind.

Explore equity release

Important to know: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a retirement mortgage secured against it. A lifetime mortgage is a loan secured against your home. If interest is not paid, it is added to the loan and compounds over time, increasing the amount owed and reducing the remaining equity in your home.

What matters when weighing up your options?

The right approach depends on more than how much money you need. It's also important to think about what matters to you, both now and in the future.

What matters to you

What would you like to achieve, and could a different approach meet that need?

Your finances, now and later

How might costs, repayments or changes in income affect your financial security?

Your home and family

How important are staying in your home, maintaining independence and leaving an inheritance?

Your future needs

Could health, care needs or personal circumstances change what works for you?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Sometimes the most appropriate choice is not to borrow or make a change at all.

Independent advice that starts with you

We start by understanding what matters to you, your circumstances and what you'd like to achieve, rather than assuming borrowing is the answer.

Looking at the whole picture
We consider relevant financial and practical alternatives, including options that don't involve borrowing.
The right outcome, not just a product
If borrowing isn't appropriate, we'll explain why. Sometimes the best next step is to make a practical change or do nothing for now.
Clear guidance on what comes next
We’ll explain our recommendation and help you understand your options, so you can make an informed decision about your next steps.

Clear about our fees

Our advice is free unless you go ahead. If you do, our fixed £1,999 advice fee is payable only when your plan is set up.

Need extra support?

If money worries or other circumstances are affecting your choices, practical help may be more appropriate than borrowing. Our Extra Support Hub brings together useful guidance and independent organisations.

Explore our Extra Support Hub

Frequently asked questions

A few things you might want to know when exploring your options.

How do I know which option is right for me?

It depends on your circumstances, priorities and what you'd like to achieve. Our advisers can help you explore your options, whether that's borrowing, using existing resources, making a practical change or deciding not to take any action for now.

Do I have to take out a financial product?

No. There's no obligation to proceed with a financial product. We'll consider relevant alternatives and explain if borrowing doesn't appear suitable for your needs.

Can you help if the best option isn't financial?

We can discuss relevant practical alternatives as part of understanding your circumstances. You can also explore our Extra Support Hub.

Is there a charge for speaking to you?

There’s no charge for speaking to us, and no obligation to proceed. Our fixed advice fee is £1,999 and is only payable on completion of a plan. Other costs may apply depending on the product and will be explained before you make a decision.

Ready to talk through your options?

Tell us what you'd like to achieve. We'll take time to understand your circumstances and help you explore the next steps, with no pressure or obligation.

Request a callback Call 0800 188 4812