OnlineDMP Login (Manage your DMP)
StepChange Debt Charity logo

Free advice on problem debt
based on what's best for you

0800 138 1111 Freephone - including all mobiles

Interest Only Lifetime Mortgage

An interest only lifetime mortgage allows homeowners over the age of 55 to borrow a cash lump sum via a mortgage secured on your property.

If this type of equity release is suitable for you, you'll retain full ownership of your home.

As long as interest payments are maintained on a monthly basis the amount you borrow never increases. The original loan is only repaid when your house is sold. This could be when you die, enter into long-term care or move property.

Unlike conventional mortgages the interest rate for this type of equity release is usually fixed for life. This gives you the peace of mind and certainty that your monthly repayments will never increase.

If your circumstances change in the future, you have the option to switch to a lifetime mortgage with no monthly repayments. This change may result in a higher interest rate being applied to the borrowing but ensures you can remain in your home even if payments become unaffordable.

If you choose a plan with a variable interest rate, it is important to consider your ability to maintain repayments should your monthly payment rise as a result of an increase in interest rates.

Contact StepChange Equity Release

You can call us on 08442 641 969. We're open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Alternatively email us with any questions or to request a call back.

Ieuan was exceptional. He helped us through a difficult time with sympathy, great suggestions and help. We can’t thank him enough; he is a credit to your company.

Interest only lifetime mortgage FAQs

When would the plan need to be repaid

It would be repaid from the proceeds of the sale of your property, either on death (with a couple on the death of the last survivor) or following a move into permanent long-term care.

How much money will I owe the provider when the plan finishes?

Providing you've maintained your monthly repayments throughout your plan, you'll only be required to repay the original amount borrowed when the mortgage ends.

All SHIP plans carry a ‘no negative equity guarantee’. This means that the amount owed can never exceed the value of your property

How much money can I borrow with an equity release plan?

The amount you can borrow depends on the value of your property, your age and sometimes health. The older you are the greater the cash sum that can be released.

Most providers will release a set percentage based on your age., for example, a 60 year old could release 20%, a 65 year old 25% and so on. The amount available varies between providers.

What impact would changing house prices have on my plan in the future?

You'll keep the full benefit of any increases in the value of your property. If the value of your property falls, the amount of capital available after the loan has been repaid will also decrease.

What impact will equity release have on my inheritance tax liability?

An interest only lifetime mortgage could reduce your inheritance tax liability as the amount outstanding on the loan is deducted from the value of your estate before your tax liability is calculated.

Will I still be able to leave an inheritance?

The amount of inheritance available will be the difference between the proceeds from the sale of the house and the amount outstanding on the loan when it’s redeemed.

Property prices could be higher or lower than they are today when the property is eventually sold so we can't predict what inheritance will be available.

Helping you become debt free...

"What an amazing service. It is not always easy to call for help on the phone and the advice given to me was very private and very helpful."

StepChange Debt Charity logo