maxsteam:It's worth looking into what extra pension you could get by contributing into a pension plan over the next 12 years. You certainly should try to avoid supporting debts as well after you retire.

I am going to use the house as my pension, as I don't need to leave it to anyone.....

I know, I just wonder if I will be able to support myself when I retire. and I work for the governemt, civil service pension are crap.

I will be drawing on the equity though, or moving to a tent.......

There are equity release scheme which I personally do not like but you may find something that suits you.

Unfortunately most borrowing will look at your income. If your income is expected to be small, you will not find many people willing to lend, even though you have security.

New to forums, so I will try to keep this problem brief.

My sister and myself remortgaged our home to extend and improve the house. We were with the Chelsea and they would not give us any further lending due to "they say" change of lending criteria - we had some defaults some years ago.

We contacted a mortgage broker and he got us an excellent mortgage over 17 years with the Abbey. We want to borrow a further 20,000 and they have said that because I will reach 65 in 12 years time, I cannot borrow, yet they gave us a 97000 mortgage in June..... I intend to fund my retirement by drawing my equity from the house, as my work pension is next to nothing.

We have tried asking for a personal secured loan, but no, they say they have to look at the full term of the mortgage!!! Any ideas on where we could go from here, as the house is valued at 240,000 and is hopefully going to stay there.

Any advice???