Equity Release for Living Life. Tony and Jan had always dreamed big. Maps covered their walls. Travel books filled their shelves. For decades, they’d talked about “one day”. One day when work slowed down, responsibilities eased and the world finally opened up.
That day kept moving further away. So when retirement came, Tony and Jan realised something important. Time felt more valuable than money. They didn’t want a few short holidays. They wanted immersion. Experience. A once-in-a-lifetime journey around the world.
Their dream? A nine-month world cruise. Australia. Indonesia. Singapore. India. The Maldives. South Africa. The Caribbean. The USA. South America. Most people only dream of it. Tony and Jan wanted to live it.
Removing the Financial Anxiety
They owned their home outright and had pensions, but the cost of such a journey would have meant constant worry.
“We didn’t want to spend nine months checking bank balances,” Jan said. “We wanted to enjoy every moment.” Equity release gave them something they hadn’t expected: freedom from financial anxiety.
Turning Property Wealth into Experiences – Equity Release for Living Life
Through a Lifetime Mortgage arranged with HFA Later Life, Tony and Jan released tax-free cash from their home. There were:
- No monthly repayments
- No pressure to downsize
- No rushed decisions
Instead, there was clarity. They knew what they could afford. They knew the long-term implications. And they knew their home remained theirs for life.
A Journey They’ll Never Forget
Over nine months, Tony and Jan experienced the world in a way few ever do. Cultures, landscapes, people and moments that reshaped how they see life.
“It wasn’t about luxury,” Tony said. “It was about living.”
They returned home richer in memories, not burdened by regret.
Later Life Is Still Life
Equity release isn’t about spending recklessly. It’s about recognising that later life should still be full of meaning. If you’ve worked hard, planned carefully and waited patiently, your home may be able to give something back.
At HFA Later Life, we help homeowners aged 55+ explore equity release with honesty, care and perspective.
Visit www.HFALaterLife.uk to start planning the experiences that matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can equity release really be used for travel and lifestyle goals?
Yes. Equity release is not restricted to covering bills or financial shortfalls. Many homeowners use it to enhance their retirement lifestyle, including extended travel, once-in-a-lifetime experiences or fulfilling long-held ambitions.
2. Do I still own my home if I use equity release?
With a Lifetime Mortgage, you remain the legal owner of your home. You can continue living there for life, provided the terms of the agreement are met.
3. Will I need to make monthly repayments while travelling?
Most Lifetime Mortgages do not require monthly repayments. Interest typically rolls up over time and is repaid when the property is sold, usually when the last homeowner passes away or moves into long-term care.
4. How much money can I release for something like a long trip?
The amount you can release depends on factors such as your age, property value and circumstances. An adviser can provide a personalised illustration to show what’s possible.
5. Will equity release affect the inheritance I leave behind?
Equity release can reduce the value of your estate, as interest builds up over time. However, modern plans include safeguards, and many people feel the memories and quality of life gained are equally important considerations.
6. Is equity release only for people without savings or pensions?
No. Many people who use equity release also have pensions and savings. It’s often used to avoid dipping too heavily into those funds while still enjoying retirement.
7. Can equity release give peace of mind when travelling for long periods?
Yes. Knowing you have accessed funds responsibly and without monthly repayment pressure can remove financial anxiety and allow you to enjoy experiences fully, as Tony and Jan did.
8. How can HFA Later Life help me decide if this is right for me?
HFA Later Life provides clear, personalised advice to help you understand whether equity release fits your goals, explains the long-term implications and ensures you move forward with confidence rather than uncertainty.
Disclaimer:
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.
