Expert later life financial advice, to support those who need it.
55Plus was born out of crisis to provide trusted advice when confidence had been lost with larger corporations. Founder Jan Johnson was previously a mortgage broker with established financial services firms but, after experiencing dissatisfaction with the profiteering and sales-focused nature of the industry, set up as an Equity Release adviser to help provide financial solutions to vulnerable customers during the 2008 banking crisis.
Jan wanted to provide a fair and honest solution for homeowners over 55 that did not limit them by income or access during periods of financial hardship. 55Plus prides itself on being able to offer its customers care, trust, empathy, dedication and credibility in their later life lending options.
Since 2008, 55Plus has developed into an award-winning leader in later life financial solutions, with a growing team of Equity Release specialists across the UK. Fully independent, 55Plus has access to the entire market of Equity Release products. The company operates to the highest standards of financial conduct and always does what’s right for our clients – even if it means exploring an alternative solution.
At 55Plus, we offer a two-stage service that is honest, transparent and clearly explained – to help you make the best decision for your personal circumstances.
Finding the right later life financial solution can be difficult and confusing if you don’t know where to look.
That’s why we always take the time to meet with our clients and discuss their unique circumstances, at their home, over the phone or by video call.
This helps us to understand your later life financial goals, answer any pressing questions you may have and explore whether Equity Release is the right option. There is no fee for the initial consultation, and we always encourage that a family member or trusted friend is present to help you with your consideration. If we do not think Equity Release is suitable for you, we’ll say so.
We will help you make your decision about whether a later life lending plan is right for you – whether it’s a Lifetime Mortgage, Home Reversion or a Retirement Interest Only (RIO) mortgage.
Your 55Plus adviser will then present our recommendation, with the lender and equity release plan that best suits your unique needs.
This can either be over the phone or in a personal meeting, to answer your questions and give you the facts you need to make an informed choice for your later life finance.
If you decide to proceed, we will help you fill in the application form, to make the process simple and accessible.
You will also need to take independent legal advice. If you don’t have a legal adviser, we are happy to recommend a trusted professional from our established network.
55Plus then continues to work on your behalf, to ensure the later life lending plan is submitted and considered by the lender we have identified for your personal circumstance.
This will involve a surveyor being appointed to value your property. The lender will then make a formal offer of a mortgage, which is processed by your own solicitor – in much the same way as when you first bought your home.
Our later life lending specialist will be on hand throughout, acting as your first point of contact if you have any problems or questions along the way.
We act as your champion throughout, nudging other professionals where necessary to keep the process on track. We keep you informed at all stages, so you are up to speed at all times.
When all the paperwork is completed, the money is paid into your account through your solicitor. The whole process usually takes from six to eight weeks from first submitting your over 55 equity release application to receiving your money.
With your agreement, we will contact you periodically to review your arrangement to ensure that it is still suitable for your circumstances.
If you’d like to find out more about how our tax-free equity release plans can help to finance essential changes to your home or garden, book an initial, no-obligation consultation to speak to one of our specialist advisers today.
Our award-winning team of independent later life finance experts are committed to providing honest and ethical advice, finding intelligent and tailored equity release solutions for homeowners over 55.
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If you are an experienced equity release specialist, find out more about the benefits of joining 55Plus and how to enquire.
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55Plus is a trading name of Mortgage Salad Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the Financial Services Register under reference 566220.
We charge a fee for equity release advice. The precise amount depends upon your circumstances. The maximum fee will be £1,495 payable on completion. We will also be paid commission from the company that lends you money or buys your home.
Registered office: 12 Trinity Close, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3QP.Registered in England and Wales No. 5941708