Also known as a ‘reverse mortgage’, a home reversion plan involves selling your home to a private company in return for a lump sum or a regular income
Home reversion is a form of equity release that allows you to access some of the value that has built up in your property.
Effectively you sell part or all of your home to a lender, who guarantees that you can continue to live there rent-free for the rest of your life.
The provider makes you an offer on a portion of your house, taking into account factors like your health and age. In return, you get a tax-free lump sum or regular payments and a lifetime lease.
Under the terms of a home reversion plan, you will be allowed to remain at your property for as long as you live or until you move out, for example to go into long-term care.
Because you will retain use of your home, your home reversion plan provider will usually pay you only 30% - 60% of the full market value of your home.
How much you get will depend on how old you are, and how long your home reversion plan provider expects you to live or remain at the property.
You’ll then need to sign a tenancy agreement, and some lenders will ask you to pay nominal rent to your new landlord (for instance, £1 or £2 a month).
Due to how they work, people only usually take out home reversion plans once they’re aged 70 or older.
If you decide to take out a home reversion plan, you could find that your ability to claim means-tested benefits is affected, and that you have to pay more tax. Crucially, you will also leave less behind for the future beneficiaries of your estate – because you’ll already have activated some or all of the value of your hope.
Another option is to take out a lifetime mortgage, which lets you borrow against the value of your house but retain a level of ownership.
First of all, when you take out a home reversion plan, make sure you have the terms of the lease thoroughly checked by your own solicitor. You need to ensure that you understand and are happy with the details set out in the agreement before you sign on the dotted line.
You’ll then have to make sure you properly maintain your home – once you take a reverse mortgage, you’re technically a renter and not an owner any more. You won’t be able to make major changes for the same reasons.
Depending on your home reversion plan provider, you may face set-up expenses including:
One good way of finding a home reversion plan is to approach MoneySuperMarket’s chosen partner for reversion mortgages, Fluent Lifetime.
It works like this: you fill in a form explaining your circumstances, and Fluent will give you a call. You can also contact them directly on 01204 899581.
Home reversion plans are complex financial products. It’s important to seek specialist independent advice before entering into this type of arrangement, or any other form of equity release.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage
Here are 10 top tips to help improve your likelihood of being accepted for a competitive mortgage deal
It’s vital to balance your family budget books between saving and borrowing.
The amount of compensation you can claim from the FSCS if your bank fails is changing from January 1 next year.
Put in how much you need to borrow, the length of the loan and the interest rate, and we’ll tell your monthly payment
With savings interest rates so low, many people are investing in residential property with the help of special mortgages
A Help to Buy mortgage can boost you onto the property ladder, so here’s all you need to know about how they work
Arm yourself with essential information so you can choose the right type of loan.
Are you a first time buyer? There are mortgages designed specifically for you
How to decide which is the right type of mortgage when you’re buying your home
A look at the reasons why you might consider remortgaging onto a new loan
When choosing a mortgage, the interest rate you’ll be charged is one of the most important factors.
Can't find what you're looking for? Try looking at our news, views and in-depth mortgage guides
