In Episode 3 of the Elevate Podcast Series, in partnership with AdviseWise, the Equity Release Council and Age Partnership, we explore the real-life impact of later life lending and the different situations where it can support customers.
Our panel shares examples from their experience, from helping borrowers avoid repossession and clear mortgages in retirement, to enabling customers to enjoy the lifestyle they have worked hard for. In many cases, the outcome is deeply emotional, with clients able to stay in homes they have lived in for decades, close to family, neighbours and their community.
But later life lending is not only about solving problems. It can also support aspirational goals such as helping children onto the property ladder, passing on inheritance earlier, consolidating debt, funding home improvements, or even making lifelong dreams possible.
The discussion also highlights a major opportunity for advisers. While wealth advisers often know the value of their clients’ pensions, property wealth is frequently overlooked despite being one of the largest assets many people own. As the UK population continues to age, supporting clients throughout later life is becoming an increasingly important part of holistic financial advice.
The episode also tackles common misconceptions about equity release, including concerns around losing ownership of a home or being unable to leave an inheritance. Modern products now include strong safeguards, and organisations such as the Equity Release Council provide guidance, standards and tools to support advisers and protect customers.
Later life lending can feel like a specialist area, but advisers are not alone. With support available from lenders, networks, industry bodies and education resources, building confidence in this market is more accessible than many advisers realise.
Listen to Episode 3 to hear real client stories, understand the role of property wealth in retirement planning, and learn how advisers can start identifying opportunities to support customers in later life.
