Equity Release: A Practitioner's Guide

The equity release market is one of the fastest growing sectors of the financial services industry. Unlocking money from homes to support low incomes has proven to be an attractive option especially in times of falling stock markets, low interest rates and under-performing pension schemes.

Lawyers and financial advisers need to be aware of the legal framework in which such equity release schemes operate. This new guide provides:

• a comprehensive review of the various types of schemes available,

• advice on the professional and practical issues surrounding such schemes,

• an insight into how such schemes can be used to mitigate inheritance tax, pay for residential care, fund speculative investment, and help settle matrimonial settlements; and

• an examination of the safety procedures in force to protect clients including those of the FSA and various Codes of Conduct.