For Barry and Gaynor, Christmas has always been a time filled with warmth, family phone calls and familiar traditions but this year came an equity release conundrum. For more than 40 years, there was one unique thread woven into their festive season. A cheery video call with Gaynor’s cousins, who emigrated to Australia when they were all in their early 20s.

Growing up, Gaynor and her cousins had been inseparable. Long summer afternoons, birthday parties, shared secrets and teenage mischief. All the usual memories that knit a family together and even though a whole hemisphere separated them now, their bond never faded.

Every Christmas they’d laugh at the contrast: the cousins wearing sunglasses and Santa hats on the beach while Barry and Gaynor huddled indoors, wrapped in jumpers, watching the rain (or snow, on the lucky years) lash against the windows.

“We always said we’d visit one day,” Barry said. “Life has a habit of handing you distractions.”

For them, it certainly did. They worked hard, paid their mortgage off early and supported local charities close to their hearts. Then came Barry’s hip operation a few years ago which gave a recovery that made long-haul travel feel impossible at the time. Before they knew it, another Christmas would roll around and that “one day” was pushed back again.

The Conversation That Changed Everything

It was an article about equity release that first prompted them to reconsider their plans. They’d never looked into it seriously; after all, they didn’t have children and their home (their biggest asset) was set to be left to one another and then to charity when they passed.

Something about the idea of equity release resonated. After so many years of playing it safe, perhaps it was time to live a little. Curious, they contacted HFA Later Life for advice. They weren’t sure what to expect, but they hoped to at least understand their options.

Understanding What Was Possible

An adviser from HFA called round to their home and explained clearly how a lifetime mortgage worked. How they could unlock tax-free cash from their home to fund the long-awaited trip, while still owning their property and staying there for life.

They also talked through:

  • the impact on inheritance
  • what it meant to have no monthly repayments
  • the safeguards and protections involved
  • and how flexible the options could be for people without dependants

“Was this an equity release conundrum or not? It was the first time we’d ever really thought, ‘Why shouldn’t we do this?’” Gaynor said. “We’d worked hard our whole lives and our cousins kept saying, ‘Come before we’re all too old to keep up with you!’”

The Moment the Decision Became Real After Equity Release Conundrum

One evening, as Barry was scrolling through old photos, he came across a picture of Gaynor and her cousins on the day they emigrated. Young, smiling, full of hope. That was the moment it clicked for him.

“We’ve spent decades putting things off,” he said. “This wasn’t just a holiday, it was a chance to reconnect with people we love while we still can.”

Within a matter of weeks, their equity release application was complete, the funds were released and they booked flights for something they never imagined they’d get to say:

A Christmas Eve departure to Australia.

Looking Ahead to a Christmas Like No Other

This Christmas will be different for Barry and Gaynor. Instead of watching their cousins on a screen, they’ll be standing beside them on the beach, sun on their backs, champagne in hand, laughing at the surreal joy of finally being there.

“We always thought equity release was for other people,” Barry said. “It’s given us something we didn’t think we could ever have – time, connection and the chance to make memories while we’re here to enjoy them.”

For Barry and Gaynor, it wasn’t about the money. It was about finally saying yes to a dream that had waited long enough.

Thinking About Your Own Options?

Just like Barry and Gaynor, you may have long-held dreams you’ve put off for “one day.” Equity release might be one way to make them possible, but it’s important to get expert advice.

Visit www.HFALaterLife.uk to speak with a qualified adviser.

Important Notice:

Equity release includes Lifetime Mortgages and Home Reversion Schemes. We can advise and arrange Lifetime Mortgages and will refer to an approved specialist for Home Reversion schemes.

This is a Lifetime Mortgage. These are only applicable to those 55 and over, and it could affect eligibility to state means-tested benefits and the inheritance you may leave. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and will be agreed with you before proceeding, but we estimate it will be £1,500 payable at completion for equity release products.