Susanne White Private Client Solicitor
Opening Hours
Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm
Appointments outside of these hours are available on request
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Equity Release Solicitor in Dedham Essex
What is Equity Release?
Equity Release lets homeowners aged 55 and over access tax-free cash from their property through a lifetime mortgage. The loan is secured against your home, and you can choose to make some, all, or none of the monthly interest payments – any unpaid interest is simply added to the amount you owe.
People commonly use equity release to:
- Pay off an existing mortgage or clear existing debts.
- Making gifts to family members
- Fund home improvements
- Boost retirement income
You continue to own your own your home throughout. The loan and any accrued interest is usually repaid when you die or move permanently into full time residential or nursing care. Whilst early repayment is possible if your financial circumstances change, equity release schemes are designed to last for life. For this reason, it is essential to take advice from a financial adviser who specialises in equity release before proceeding.
How I can help as your Equity Release Solicitor
I provide independent legal advice to clients across North Essex and Suffolk taking out equity release, and I’m a member of The Equity Release Council which promotes high standards of conduct and consumer safeguards. Many of my clients come to me on recommendations from local financial advisers.
Please note I am not able to provide financial advice on the suitability of the product itself - this must come from a qualified financial adviser.
The Legal Process, Step by Step
- On receipt of your formal mortgage offer I will arrange a face-to-face meeting to verify your identification and run through the terms and conditions in detail. This meeting cannot take place remotely.
- I answer any questions on the documentation and provide you with a written letter of advice.
- I will also ensure all your property deeds are in order and deal with any enquiries raised by your lender. This includes ensuring adequate buildings insurance is in place.
- Once all the enquiries are satisfied you will be asked to sign the acceptance of loan documents and mortgage deed. The documents are then lodged with the lender’s own solicitor for review.
- Once the lender is satisfied, a completion date is agreed. This typically takes 2-3 weeks from the date of the formal mortgage offer, though these timescales can vary.