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Plan with confidence — learn how to compare downsizing with equity release in 2025 and understand the potential benefits and risks before making any decision.
See how much you could unlock.
Compare pros, cons & legal protections.
No jargon — just facts you can use.
🔐 100% secure. No spam. No pressure. Just helpful information.
📅 Updated July 2025
Request Your Free Guide Below
Plan with confidence — learn how to compare downsizing with equity release in 2025.
See how much you could unlock.
Compare pros, cons & legal protections.
No jargon — just facts you can use.
🔐 100% secure. No spam. No pressure. Just helpful information.
📅 Updated July 2025
What You’ll Learn in This Free Guide
This guide gives you the facts, not financial advice. It explains key concepts so you can have better-informed conversations with a qualified adviser. All content has been reviewed for accuracy and clarity to help you move forward with confidence.
Equity Release Explained
Discover how lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans really work.
Costs & Interest Rates
Learn what impacts your pay-out and how compound interest works.
Downsizing vs Equity Release
Compare the pros, cons, and long-term outcomes of each option.
Legal & Tax Considerations
Understand the key legal protections and inheritance implications.
Impact on Family & Inheritance
Learn what impacts your pay-out and how compound interest works.
Checklists & Questions
Use expert tools to help guide your next conversation or decision.
Meet Bert Hofhuis — Your Trusted Retirement Guide
“I created this guide to help you cut through the noise — and make smarter decisions for a secure retirement.”
Meet Bert Hofhuis — Your Trusted Retirement Guide
Bert Hofhuis is the Founder of BankingTimes and a financial educator specialising in later-life planning. He simplifies complex topics such as equity release, lifetime mortgages, and SIPPs to help readers understand their options, without providing personal advice or recommendations.
20,000+ Readers Helped – Bert’s insights have guided thousands of UK homeowners toward more confident financial decisions.
Founder of BankingTimes – Trusted resource for equity release and SIPPs, tailored for over-55s in the UK.
Featured in Trusted UK Media – As seen in Yahoo Finance, iNews, University of Cambridge & more.
Bert Has Been Featured In:
Is This Free Guide Right for You?
If you’re planning your retirement and unsure whether to release equity or downsize, this guide is written with you in mind.
You’re 55 or Older and Own Your Home.
You Want to Understand Equity Release Without Sales Pressure.
You’re Comparing Downsizing vs Lifetime Mortgages.
You Want Clear, Trustworthy Information— Not Jargon.
If any of these sound like you, this guide will help you take the next step with confidence.
Helping UK Homeowners Make Smarter Retirement Decisions
We’ve helped thousands of people over 55 explore their retirement options with clarity and confidence. Our guides, tools, and expert-written content are designed specifically for British homeowners, without the jargon or pressure.
30,000+ Guides Downloaded
Trusted by thousands of readers across the UK.
Thousands of Questions Answered
Through our guides, articles, and email support.
Featured in Trusted UK Media
Including Yahoo Finance, iNews & GoBankingRates and more…
The 3 Most Common Equity Release Mistakes
We’ve helped thousands of people over 55 explore their retirement options with clarity and confidence. Our guides, tools, and expert-written content are designed specifically for British homeowners, without the jargon or pressure.
Not Comparing Lifetime Mortgage Options: Rates and features can vary drastically, a small oversight now can cost thousands later.
Overlooking Downsizing as a Realistic Option: Many skip this route without fully exploring the pros, cons, and emotional considerations.
Ignoring Legal Safeguards or Tax Implications: Failing to check ERC standards or inheritance impacts can create future problems for your family.
💡 Our free guide covers all three so you can discuss them with a qualified adviser and avoid costly mistakes when considering equity release or other retirement options.
Explore What’s Covered in the Equity Release Guide
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll find inside, clearly explained, fully up to date, and written just for UK homeowners aged 55+. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to take action, this guide has what you need.
Chapters 1–5:
What Is Equity Release?
Learn what equity release means and how it works in the UK.
Compare the two main types: lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans.
Discover the step-by-step process from initial enquiry to receiving funds.
💬 Understand the basic concepts, how it works, and what options like lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans really mean.
Chapter 6:
Home Reversion Plans Explained
Learn how home reversion plans let you sell a share of your home.
Understand who this option is for and why it’s rarely first choice.
See how payment options and ownership rights are structured.
💬 Discover how this lesser-known equity release option works and when it might be worth considering.
Chapters 7-8:
Understanding Interest Rates
See how compound interest affects long-term costs and inheritance.
Learn how your rate is set and how to find competitive deals.
Understand the difference between fixed and variable interest rates.
💬 We break down interest mechanics so you can estimate the true cost of borrowing against your home.
Chapters 9-14:
Benefits, Risks & Protections
Explore the advantages and risks of equity release so you can see both sides clearly.
Understand the legal safeguards (including those set by the Equity Release Council and Financial Conduct Authority) and how releasing equity may affect estate value, inheritance, and benefit eligibility.
Learn about protections from the Equity Release Council and FCA.
💬 Get a balanced view of the pros and cons, including ERC protections and financial considerations.
Chapters 15-16:
Questions We Get Asked Most
What happens to my benefits or inheritance if I release equity?
Can I still move house or repay early?
Will equity release affect my ability to leave property to my family?
💬 We answer the most common questions retirees ask before making a decision, clearly and without jargon.
Chapters 17-20:
What Are the Alternatives?
Compare equity release with downsizing, RIO mortgages, or savings.
Learn when other options might suit your goals better.
Discover hybrid plans that combine features of different products.
💬 Explore alternatives side-by-side, so you can choose what’s best for your family, lifestyle, and future.
🧰 Bonus
Tools & Resources
Final summary to help you reflect and take action.
Links to additional guides and printable checklists.
Decision-making templates to discuss with family or advisers.
💬 You’ll also get a final summary, printable tools, and links to other helpful guides to support your decision.
Get Your Free Equity Release Guide Today
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Get My Free Guide🔐 100% secure. No spam. No pressure. Just helpful information.
📅 Updated July 2025
Here Are the Answers to Common Questions
Still unsure if equity release is right for you? These are the questions we hear most often from people just like you, answered clearly, with no jargon or sales pressure.
Is the Guide Really Free?
Yes — 100% free, with no hidden costs or commitments. It’s our way of helping you make more informed financial decisions.
What Format Will I Receive the Guide In?
You’ll receive a downloadable PDF that’s easy to read on any device — phone, tablet, or computer.
How Do I Know the Information Is Up to Date?
Our guide is reviewed and updated regularly by our team — the current version is accurate as of 2025.
Does It Cover Downsizing and Alternatives?
Yes. The guide includes comparisons between equity release, downsizing, and other common retirement strategies.
Can I Share the Guide With a Family Member?
Absolutely. It’s written to help both you and your loved ones understand the full picture before making a decision.
Can I Print the Guide?
Yes — the guide is provided in a printer-friendly PDF format. You can print it at home or take it to a trusted adviser for review.
Download Your Free Equity Release Guide Now
Get the information you need to plan your retirement with confidence, in just 60 seconds.
Get My Free Guide🔐 100% secure. No spam. No pressure. Just helpful information.
📅 Updated July 2025