It’s fair to say that the equity release industry has had to work hard to maintain a respectable reputation. Several unsafe schemes started to appear back in 1988, and left many elderly people in financial difficulties.

These schemes were withdrawn. And since 1991, the Safe Home Income Plan (SHIP) organisation has done good work in promoting safe schemes. Any scheme endorsed with the SHIP logo will be properly explained and safe.

On the 6th April 2007, the entire equity release Industry was regulated by the Financial Services Authority – which means even greater protection for consumers.

Taking impartial, specialist advice beforehand means you can be confident that equity release is right for you, and that your equity release provider is reputable.

Your adviser will explain the risks and benefits of any product he recommends to you and provide you with a keyfacts document. This information is in a standard format so you can compare different products easily.