Equity Release Solicitors

Equity release is a way of unlocking some of the equity in your property, meaning the portion of your home’s value that you fully own after subtracting any outstanding mortgage, whilst you still reside there, provided you are over the age of 55.

"We pride ourselves on our close working relationships with our clients."

Emma Crocker
Partner

Call Emma on 01869 255904
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For many people, their home is their most valuable asset. Equity release allows you to unlock some of the money tied up in your property without having to sell or move out. Whether you are looking to supplement your retirement income, fund home improvements, or provide financial support to family members, equity release can provide the flexibility you need.

At Brethertons, our specialist equity release solicitors can provide clear legal advice to help you understand the options available and guide you through the legal process. We will handle the technical details on your behalf, making sure you are fully informed before making any decisions.

We know that releasing equity in a property is a significant financial step. Our team will explain the implications in plain English, answer your questions, and address any issues promptly, so you can make the right choice with confidence.

Our excellent service and commitment to client care is reflected in the fact that a majority of our clients come from recommendations from their families and friends.

For details about fees for equity release, please click here.

Our equity release solicitors can help with:

Lifetime mortgages
Home reversion plans
Independent equity release advice
Reviewing and explaining legal documentation
Managing the legal process from application to completion

Why choose Brethertons for equity release?

We combine expert legal knowledge with personal guidance, ensuring the process runs smoothly at every stage.
Our expert solicitors offer bespoke equity release advice, taking their time to understand your unique situation.
We are well-established in Banbury, Bicester, and Rugby and have strong links to local communities, so we can provide the extensive local knowledge you need.
Our equity release lawyers have extensive experience in advising on both lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans.
We focus on clear communication so you always understand your options and obligations.
We are proud members of the Equity Release Council and operate exclusively under their principles.

Speak to our equity release solicitors in Banbury, Bicester, Cheltenham and Rugby

For more information, please get in touch with our experienced solicitors for equity release in Banbury, Bicester, Cheltenham or Rugby today.

Our equity release services

Lifetime mortgages

A lifetime mortgage is the most common form of equity release. It involves taking out a loan secured against your home while retaining ownership of the property. Interest is usually rolled up, meaning it is added to the loan balance and repaid when the property is sold, typically after you pass away or move into long-term care.

There are different types of lifetime mortgages, such as those that allow you to make voluntary repayments or protect a percentage of your home’s value as an inheritance. The flexibility available can make this option appealing, yet it is essential to understand how compound interest can impact the final repayment amount.

Our equity release solicitors will explain how lifetime mortgages work, review the lender’s terms, and make sure you understand the long-term impact. Rest assured, we’ll ensure that your rights are protected and that any conditions are clear before you commit.

Home reversion plans

With a home reversion plan, you sell part or all of your property to a provider in return for a lump sum or regular payments, while retaining the right to live there rent-free for life.

Because you are giving up a share of your home, the amount you receive is usually below full market value. This option can therefore have significant implications for the inheritance you leave behind and for your overall financial planning. Some plans allow you to retain a proportion of your property, which can help preserve a share for beneficiaries.

This option can be complex, as it affects future inheritance and property ownership. Our solicitors for equity release will carefully review the agreement, explain the implications, and confirm that you are fully aware of your rights and responsibilities.

Frequently asked questions about equity release

What is equity release?

Equity release is a way of unlocking money tied up in your home without having to sell it or move out. It is usually available to homeowners over the age of 55 and can provide either a lump sum, regular income, or both.

How does equity release work?

There are two main types of equity release: lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans. With a lifetime mortgage, you borrow against your property while keeping ownership. With a home reversion plan, you sell a share of your property but retain the right to live in it. In both cases, the money is repaid when you pass away or enter long-term care.

Am I eligible for equity release?

Eligibility generally depends on your age (typically over 55), the value of your home, and whether it serves as your primary residence. Some lenders also have minimum property values or specific conditions. One of our qualified equity release solicitors can confirm your eligibility.

How much money can I get from equity release?

The amount you can release depends on your age, property value, and the type of plan chosen. Typically, the older you are, the higher the percentage you can access. Each lender will have their own calculations, which we can review with you.

How do interest rates work with equity release?

With lifetime mortgages, interest is usually added to the loan balance and compounds over time. Some plans offer fixed interest rates for life, while others may vary. We’ll explain how this works and what it means for the overall amount repayable.

Will equity release affect my inheritance?

Yes. Since the loan or property share is repaid when your home is sold, it will reduce the value of your estate and therefore the inheritance your beneficiaries receive. We’ll explain the likely impact and ensure you consider this carefully before proceeding.

Is equity release a good idea for me?

Equity release can provide financial flexibility, but it isn’t right for everyone. It depends on your circumstances, goals, and alternatives available. Independent financial advice combined with specialist legal advice is essential before deciding, which is where the experts at Brethertons can help you.

What are the costs involved in an equity release plan?

Costs may include arrangement fees from the lender, valuation fees, interest charges, and legal fees. Our equity release lawyers will give you a clear breakdown of legal costs from the outset.

What happens to my home when I die or move into long-term care?

In most cases, your property will be sold to repay the lender or reversion provider. Any remaining funds go to your estate or beneficiaries. If you have a joint plan, the surviving partner can usually remain in the property until they also pass away or enter care.

Why do I need a solicitor for equity release?

Because equity release has significant long-term consequences, the law requires you to seek independent legal advice. A solicitor for equity release ensures you understand the risks, obligations, and alternatives before signing any documents.

How long does the legal process for equity release take?

The timeframe varies, but most equity release transactions take between 6 and 8 weeks. Delays can occur if additional documents are required, but having a solicitor involved early helps to avoid unnecessary holdups.

Contact our equity release solicitors in Banbury, Bicester, Cheltenham and Rugby

For bespoke support with equity release, contact our team at Brethertons today. Our fantastic equity release solicitors in Banbury, Bicester, Cheltenham and Rugby will guide you through the process from start to finish.

Brethertons were friendly, efficient and kept me informed at all times. I was confident that he would do what he said he would do. To my great delight he did exactly that! A job well done.
David Leytham
Emma Crocker and Steven Neasham were fantastic, kept me informed of what was happening, chased people relentlessly and made sure I understood what things were
Brethertons made the purchase of our first house incredibly straightforward and stress free. We were kept very well informed throughout, and they even put up with all our ignorant questions without complaining! Thank you.
Murray Naish
Buying a home can be very stressful because of the sums involved and the number of variables - Steven's expertise and communicative approach made the process a pleasure.
James Peake
Going through this house sale was my first experience as executor and selling a house I found it was made very smooth and straightforward by Brethertons.
Brethertons has done a great job on our house sale. Due to our property being in a development maintained by a property management company, I was concerned about the potential delays that might cause but I provided Brethertons with some important information early on and she made sure that all aspects proceeded smoothly. Overall, very happy with the sale and had no hesitation in asking Brethertons to deal with our house purchase.ï»¿
Haythem Al-Kishtaini
As with our previous experience of Brethertons we enjoyed a highly efficient, knowledgeable, approachable and helpful service. Many thanks.
Erica Forrest-Owen
Brethertons did a fantastic job with the sale and purchase of properties. The communication is quick, efficient and approachable. We had a nightmare waiting for our onwards purchase and the sellers solicitors were shockingly bad. Thankfully, Brethertons were on it throughout and constantly chased on our behalf.
Special shout out to Leo who was so prompt at replying to queries and nothing was too much trouble. Really appreciate the hard work that was put in
Thanks!!
Good, clear and regular communication, chasing of other parties. Very high level of service.
Thanks Steven for such excellent service once again. We'll be back.
Christine Hanlon
All l can say is that from everyone, l received fantastic service, and please can l ask you to pass the feedback to them personally.
Brethertons managed our case. Very professionally and kept us informed at all times.
ï»¿Superb service which gave me confidence in the smooth process of my house sale and purchase. My thanks go to all involved.
We look forward to working with Brethertons as our local solicitors of choice for any legal matters we may have.
The Brethertons team exceeded my expectations and couldn't have been more helpful.
Once again, l would like to praise Leo Deane. He was very efficient and a pleasure to deal with - Thank You.
We found the staff at Banbury were very friendly and helpful. Leo Deane was very good.
Keep doing what you're doing!ï»¿
I cannot recommend Leo and Lewis enough at Brethertons, having worked in the business for over 20 years I know how a transaction should progress if the legal representation is knowledgeable and Leo and Lewis did not let me down. There legal expertise is excellent, they are friendly, personable and easy to deal with. Five stars all the way
Please keep the personal approach, as l find this very important rather than leaving everything to be notified on Email etc.
I was very happy and my agents commented at the start of your reputation of efficiency. Always got back to my calls and emails. Made the process very easy - Thanks!
What a great team, so pleased we went with Brethertons. Expensive, but worth the extra money, great with all the detail and always available to chat through our concerns and keep us posted.
Brilliant service. Always took/returned calls promptly, efficiently & kept me informed. Totally reliable and very friendly.
I have used diators services pretty frequently and I must say this was if not the best. The ability professionalism and determination to make progress when our purchaser's solicitors were inefficient. I would recommend Brethertons without hesitation.ï»¿
At this time cannot see any need for improvement. Totally satisfied with our experience of dealing with Brethertons.
I have nothing but praise for Brethertons in Banbury.
Keep up the good work. You are doing a grand job.
Excellent level of service. Would definitely use again and would recommend highly.
I feel the level of service given to me was excellent with friendly, efficient, professional and caring staff.
definitely use again and recommend. Thank you Brethertons. Amazing job.
Carry on! Very good job. I am truly satisfied with the service provided. It has been refreshing to deal with professional people who get a good job done. Thank you for making a stressful time stress free.
It's hard to think of how you can improve on perfection. I really, honestly cannot think of any way brethertons can be improved, which is unlike me. I just hope you continue to be as good as you are. It is a pleasure to say when people ask who did you use? I feel proud to say Brethertons of course, the best.
We have used Brethertons many times - Wills, POA, Conveyancing etc. Always handled professionally.
Brethertons have given excellent service in the past and this time was just as good if not better.