Demand for equity release could grow as life expectancy increases by 20% in 20 years

UK (SANEPR.com) February 2, 2009 -- Life expectancy in the UK has been extended by an average of 20 per cent in 20 years*. This means longer retirements, which require more funding, making alternative capital raising like equity release (http://www.fairinvestment.co.uk/equity_release.aspx) an option for property rich cash poor Brits.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a man who turned 60 in 2006 is now expected to live for a further 21.1 years, while a woman who also turned 60 in 2006 is expected to live for a further 24.1 years.

This is an increase of 26 per cent for men in the space of 20 years, because a man turning 60 in 1986 was expected to live for a further 16.8 years, while women's life expectancy has increased by 14 per cent in the same period, up from 21.2 years.

The Government's current state pension age is 65 for a man and 60 for a woman, which means that a man who turned 60 in 2006 could be in retirement for an average of 16 years, while a woman who also turned 60 in 2006 could be in retirement for an average of 24 years.

For this reason, retirement planning (http://www.fairinvestment.co.uk/retirement_planning.aspx) has never been more important, and, as pension values fall due to the recession and poor performance on the stock market, other options are being considered.

Equity release is one option open to homeowners of retirement age, and is currently under discussion by industry experts, Government and consumer bodies, due to the potential it has to contribute towards funding retirement, providing it is safe and SHIP (Safe Home Income Plan) regulated.

In fact, it has been predicted that by 2016, 42 per cent of the population of England and Wales will be eligible to take out an equity release plan**, suggesting that there will soon be an increase in demand.


Commenting, chartered financial planner at Fairinvestment.co.uk, Sharon Bratley, said:

"The fact that life expectancy is increasing and the prospect of a longer retirement should be a cause for celebration, but many people will still worry about how they are going to afford to live during their retirement."

"Reduced income in retirement could mean that taking advantage of the equity built up in the property could become a real consideration for many. Essentially, ensuring that the mortgage gets paid means that not only will homeowners retain a good credit record, but the option of equity release will be available to them in retirement should they need it."

Because equity release can be confusing, Fairinvestment.co.uk (http://www.fairinvestment.co.uk/) is promoting its free, easy to use guide to equity release (http://www.fairinvestment.co.uk/guide_to_equity_release.aspx) and equity release FAQs (http://www.fairinvestment.co.uk/equity_release_faq.aspx), which could prove useful for those thinking about it as a retirement option.

"Our guide to equity release should enable homeowners to make an informed decision but it is vital that in this very complex area, independent advice is sought," said Mrs Bratley.

Get equity release advice from an authorised expert (http://www.fairinvestment.co.uk/deals/equity_release/equity_release.aspx) and read the Fairinvestment.co.uk guide to equity release (http://www.fairinvestment.co.uk/guide_to_equity_release.aspx) and equity release FAQs (http://www.fairinvestment.co.uk/equity_release_faq.aspx)

Ends
*Statistics from the Office for National Statistics
**Predictions from the ERSA (Equity Release Solicitor's Alliance)

About Fair Investment
• www.fairinvestment.co.uk, is an independent online finance portal, providing comparison tools, news, reviews and information on a wide range of financial products and services, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, loans, savings and investments.
• Fair Investment Company is a leading internet player that sees 400,000 unique users per month, sells over £5 billion worth of mortgage enquiries and is a Hitwise 100 Banks and Financial Institutions site.


For further information, contact:
Rebecca Sargent
Fair Investment Company
Telephone: 0117 9335557
Fax: 0117 9335509
E-mail: rebeccas@fairinvestment.co.uk
Web: www.fairinvestment.co.uk