Switch Plans Tool
Equity Release Supermarket
Checked for accuracy and updated on 28 June 2022
How to use the switch plans tool?
Using our switch plan equity release tool couldn’t be easier. You simply need to tell us some of details of your current lifetime mortgage.
Our tool then instantly projects forward your balance and compares it against other equity release plan rates available right now. Our clever tool also factors in things like the costs associated with changing plan and any early repayment charges being incurred.
Results are displayed in an easy to follow format so that you can see the year-by-year comparison between the old and new plan and help establish in what year the break-even point is found - the year when switching plans becomes profitable.
So, by using this analysis tool it’s easy to see over time the money you could potentially save by switching plan.
Why switch your equity release plan?
To save money. As mentioned above, new deals are becoming available all the time with the benefit of low set-up costs - including free valuations and no application fees. So, if you took out your plan several years ago, then it's likely that there’s a better plan available for you – that will potentially save your estate thousands of pounds.
To take advantage of flexible features and benefits. Not only are we likely to be able to find you a deal with a better interest rate, the latest plans offer a wide range of flexible features unavailable on many older equity release schemes. You now have the potential to make repayments, guarantee an inheritance, take cash as drawdown or options where no early repayment charges apply.
Before ‘topping up’. If you are looking to release more money from your existing plan, then this is the ideal time to look around the market to see if there's a better deal. Although any top-up may be at current market rates, the original loan could still be on non-competitive terms. Your local Equity Release Supermarket adviser will help guide you through whether a new plan would be a more viable option.
When transferring to a new property. Should you be looking to port your existing plan to a new property, it may be worth checking whether it’s still the best plan for your new home. Its also a good time to review your personal situation to check the features on your next plan moving forward.
Things to consider before you switch
As you may expect, there are costs associated with switching plan and so you need to be aware of these before
you take the next step.
Early repayment charges (ERCs). Many older plans have significant ERCs as they weren’t designed to be repaid early. You adviser will consider these as they could mean that it is not in your best interest to change plans now.
Costs. Setting up a new plan will incur potential costs. These will vary depending upon the plan you want to move to, but we’ve estimated these at £2,000 in our calculations.
Interest. If you do switch plans, daily interest will continue to accrue on your current plan while your application is in progress. Your adviser can help factor in a further 60 days interest when calculating the exact amount required on application.
We have assumed a default interest rate of 5% AER. However, if you have a specific rate you wish to compare against, then you can personalise your free switch plans analysis to whatever new rate you feel is appropriate.
The Switch Plans Tool is provided for illustrative purposes and cannot be guaranteed. This is because interest rates are subject to change and can depend on your location and the amount of capital you need to fulfil your personal circumstances. To understand the features, benefits and risks of a lifetime mortgage, please contact us and ask for your own individual, personalised illustration.
