Equity Release for Homeowners
Helping homeoners access the equity in their homes ASK OUR EXPERT SOLICITORS A QUESTION
Considering releasing equity from your home?
Equity release can be a great way to access finance from your property without having to sell your home. However, the legal process is quite different from conveyancing and often not that straightforward. As specialist equity release solicitors, we anticipate potential issues and manage complexities.
We also know that taking out equity release is a huge decision and not one you should consider lightly. That’s why you need an expert team on your side.
You don’t have to navigate Equity Release alone
Equity release is a big life decision. It can feel overwhelming; that’s normal. Once you have found a Financial Adviser and agreed on the most suitable product, we recommend that you instruct your solicitor.
Equity release can be technical and complex. At Tivoli Legal, we recommend starting early so we can tailor our advice and take any preliminary steps necessary.
Whatever your motivations are for exploring equity release, the good news is you are not navigating it alone…
Unlocking Equity:
What You Need to Know Before Releasing Value From Your Home
Download our comprehensive guide to understand the types of equity release available, eligibility, associated costs and more…
Equity release for homeowners – happy clients
Equity release mortgage completed in less than 2 months....
“Tivoli were on the ball from the get go and even came round my house to witness the signing of documents and delivering them the same day. With their help I had my equity release mortgage completed in less than 2 months [from first meeting with our Adviser to money in the bank]."
"THE most efficient and responsive solicitor I have ever come across. We were recommended to Ailsa to handle our Lifetime Mortgage, and I do not hesitate to recommend. We knew we were in the safest hands throughout."
“Thank you for all your help in making our Equity Release mortgage easy and straightforward. You made a point of dealing with all matters arising without delay, and I had every confidence in the professional way you approached it."
How the Equity Release process works
Financial adviser
Your financial adviser will undertake a thorough fact find with you regarding your financial situation and aspirations. They advise on the options available to you and if equity release is a suitable option for you. If you wish to proceed, your adviser will source the most suitable product for your needs.
Instruct Tivoli Legal
Once instructed a qualified solicitor will take your detailed instructions to assess the complexity of your transaction. We will request any relevant documents and review these. Updating you if there are additional complexities or an anticipated impact on time to completion.
Offer issued
The legal pack is sent to us directly from the lender’s solicitors, usually a day or two after you receive your offer. If you have any queries regarding the offer e.g. interest rate etc. we recommend discussing this as soon as possible with your adviser.
Legal process
Once we are in receipt of the legal pack we will prepare our documentation and invite you to a (mandatory) face to face appointment with a solicitor either at our offices in Cheltenham or arrange for a solicitor to visit you in your home.
Completion
After the solicitors appointment we will request completion from the lender’s solicitors. On notification of the completion date, we prepare completion statements and seek your authority to complete. On completion date, the net funds are sent to us, and we forward these to you after payment of your adviser and legal fees. You can use the net funds as you choose.
Post-completion
Your lender will update the Land Registry title reflecting their charge. You are secure in your home for the rest of your life (or enter residential care). You can choose to treat the equity release as an interest only mortgage by making regular payments or you can allow the interest to compound - you choose.
How to choose an Equity Release Solicitor
Our Guarantee
We guarantee you will have a qualified solicitor managing your case, providing guidance and support from beginning to end. And we have a “no completion, no fee” approach, ensuring that if, for any reason, the completion doesn’t proceed as planned, you won’t incur our standard equity release fees.
DID YOU KNOW...
As a homeowner, it’s a mandatory legal requirement to have YOUR OWN solicitor for equity release, and it's your choice who represents you...
Equity Release Solicitors doing things differently
Welcome to Tivoli Legal
We are committed to setting a new standard in the world of equity release solicitors for homeowners and financial advisers. We stand apart by prioritising your experience above all else.
We combine the latest technology with over 80 years of collective solicitor expertise to ensure a seamless and efficient process. We provide a personal touch that fosters trust and confidence, ensuring that your journey is smooth and stress-free. Read more about why our clients choose to work with us.
Our fees
We know nobody likes a surprise on fees at the end of a matter. We give transparent pricing on a fixed fee basis that includes VAT and standard disbursements (money-laundering checks, land registry title downloads, guaranteed next day post, bank transfers and file archiving).
In our first welcome call, we anticipate additional Lender requirements and will inform you of any additional costs that arise from the extra work.
If the Lender does not raise the anticipated queries, then we will not charge for work we do not do. Similarly, if an unforeseen special condition is attached to an Offer additional work will be required which we will discuss with you as soon as we are made aware of it.
Read our blog: The Cost of Equity Release
Why choose Tivoli Legal?
Reasons to work with us
Qualified specialists with 80+ years experience
We understand the unique requirements of lenders and clients, and we are skilled in all aspects of equity release and legal conveyancing. We know that every case is unique, and use our expertise to provide tailored solutions that work specifically for you.
Our friendly team of solicitors are all experts in equity release. Combined, we have practised as qualified solicitors for over 80 years of post-qualification experience.
A qualified and experienced solicitor will manage your case from start to finish. This ensures a smooth transaction process and reassurance that you have access to our full expertise at all times.
Accuracy and complex cases
Our reputation has been built on our unwavering commitment to precision and attention to detail, especially in three critical areas: conducting accurate case assessments, accurate predictions of lender requirements pre-offer, and providing realistic time estimations.
We are adept at identifying and resolving any complexities at an early stage to ensure there are no delays. For example, transfer of equity, matrimonial situations, bankruptcy issues, purchasing with equity release, etc.
A streamlined process
Transactions have been streamlined with our user-friendly app. We keep you and your adviser up to date all the time, ensuring that we are prepared and ready to progress your offer once received at your pace.
Our user-friendly app simplifies transactions: 24/7 access to complete forms, verify identity, upload/download documents, e-signature and live case updates to streamline the process and keep you informed. However, we will do it your way and adapt to your communication preference.
Personal service and empathy
Transparent pricing with fixed fees
Authorised and regulated
- We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
- We are proud members of the Equity Release Council.
- Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme accredited.
Get Equity Release Legal Advice
Our specialist solicitors are waiting to answer your questions about equity release.
What does Martin Lewis say about equity release?
Martin Lewis, the well-known financial expert, advises caution when considering equity release. He emphasises that while it can be a useful tool for some, it’s not the right choice for everyone. He often emphasises the importance of understanding the long-term financial implications, including the impact on inheritance and the overall cost of the plan. Martin recommends seeking independent financial advice and exploring all other options before committing to an equity release plan.
However, remember that almost all Equity Release Council-approved lifetime mortgages allow penalty-free repayments, which help control these costs. Find out more in our free guide here.
Is it a good idea to release equity from your house?
Our process begins with a comprehensive fact-finding session with our solicitor who will ask you a series of questions about the property and your personal situation. This helps us determine if there are any potential complexities. Additionally, we conduct a thorough review of your property title, informing you of any necessary additional steps.
Some typical complexities we encounter involve situations like leased solar panels, transfers on/off the title, multiple charges/restrictions or properties held in trust. If you suspect that your case might involve any of these complexities or have unique circumstances, we’re more than happy to have a discussion with you. We’ll explain how we can efficiently handle these intricacies and ensure a smooth process tailored to your needs.
What is the cheapest way to get equity out of your house?
Each case we handle is unique, and the timelines are contingent upon the details of the property title. Typically, when applicants hold a standard residential mortgage with a mainstream lender, and all parties are listed on the property title, the process can be completed in approximately three to four weeks from our receipt of the offer.
To expedite these timings, we recommend providing the initial documents requested promptly so that we can assess your case, using our user-friendly app (if possible) and being available for the face to face appointment.
However, it’s important to note that complex transactions may require significantly more time. For instance, if the property is held in trust and necessitates unwinding, if the property isn’t in the applicant’s name, or an unregistered title that requires registration before proceeding.
Rest assured, once we commence working with you, we will provide precise guidance on the expected timescale, tailored to your case.
How much does it cost to release equity?
Each case we handle is unique, and the timelines are contingent upon the details of the property title. Typically, when applicants hold a standard residential mortgage with a mainstream lender, and all parties are listed on the property title, the process can be completed in approximately three to four weeks from our receipt of the offer.
To expedite these timings, we recommend providing the initial documents requested promptly so that we can assess your case, using our user-friendly app (if possible) and being available for the face to face appointment.
However, it’s important to note that complex transactions may require significantly more time. For instance, if the property is held in trust and necessitates unwinding, if the property isn’t in the applicant’s name, or an unregistered title that requires registration before proceeding.
Rest assured, once we commence working with you, we will provide precise guidance on the expected timescale, tailored to your case.
Examples of our work in action
Expert Equity Release Conveyancing for a Historically Significant 17th-Century Thatched Property
Navigating the complexities of non-standard construction with precision and expertiseBackgroundOur clients were seeking equity release on their beautiful, historically significant two-bedroom home, originally constructed in the late 17th century (circa 1697). The...
Correcting Land Registry Title Plan errors
What happens with Lifetime Mortgages when the Land Registry makes a mistake?BackgroundAccurate Land Registry records are the foundation of any property transaction. The Title Plan (an official map showing a property's boundaries, size, shape, and location) works...
Property Wealth to Fund and Achieve Early Retirement
Predicting lender requirements to achieve fast completionsBackgroundDuring a casual conversation with her hairdresser, Mrs A had an epiphany that she was working to supplement the couple’s income to enjoy life’s little luxuries: meals out, theatre and an overseas...
Saving a Vulnerable Client from Eviction in Just Two Weeks
How we prevented an eviction in record timeBackgroundAt Tivoli Legal, we were proud to support this case involving a vulnerable 79-year-old gentleman who was facing imminent eviction from his home of 25 years. With less than two weeks until the locks were due to be...
Empowering Generations Through Equity Release
Unlocking £2M to fund six grandchildren's private education from a £6M London propertyBackgroundA London couple owned their home since the late 1950s. The property value had grown to £6 million. They wanted to create opportunity and legacy for their family while they...
Using Equity Release to Help Family
“The greatest joy was seeing my grandchildren thrive in their new home – knowing I’d made it possible.” – Mrs C. The Challenge When Mrs C first came to Tivoli Legal, her love for her family was clear—and so was her dilemma. Living independently in her cherished...
Swift Equity Release Process – A Case Study in Efficient Legal Services
Mrs. V had been struggling with debilitating back pain for years. Frustrated by the NHS delays she decided to explore alternative options. This case study highlights the rapid Equity Release mortgage process that allowed her to swiftly book and undergo her life...
A Coastal Retirement Dream Realised
Our client approached us with a dream of retiring to a picturesque coastal property. He had already embarked on the journey of purchasing the property however, his path to this dream took an unexpected turn as he ventured into the realm of equity release mortgages....
A Complex Property Case Solved
Our clients had spent many wonderful years in their magnificent Georgian manor house nestled in the picturesque Brecon Beacons, where they raised their family. As the children grew and moved on, it became clear that their beloved home had become more spacious than...