Charity doesn’t begin at home

Close to two thirds (62 per cent) of children surveyed don’t mind how their parents spend the money from equity release. However there were some purchases that children felt were just too frivolous. One fifth (18 per cent) would not like them to squander it on a speedboat and 16 per cent would disapprove of ‘their inheritance’ being spent on charitable donations. The survey also found that men are more resistant to their parents spending money from equity release, with close to three times as many not happy for them to use it for medical treatment or heating and fuel costs than women. Whilst generally approving of their parents spending their own money, 68 percent of children surveyed did concede that their expected inheritance would make a difference to their life. And, historically, with house price increases way above inflation, it is perhaps less surprising that 18 to 34 year olds plan to use any future inheritance to get a foot on the property ladder (20 per cent). Whilst for this age group it’s unlikely they will inherit in the near future, it could be possible for parents to release equity and give their children that all important deposit when they are able to really appreciate it. In fact 28 per cent of this demographic openly admitted their desire for a ‘living inheritance’. Based on the UK average house price of £177,351, a 65 year-old could release up to £55,000 from their property, which could be a substantial boost onto the property ladder for their children or provide a comfortable sum to help enhance retirement Andrew Goodsell, Chief Executive of SAGA Group, commented: "The new generation of retirees are bucking tradition and no longer believe their children have an automatic right to inheritance. They are using the money from equity release to enjoy their retirement."

• Santander launches one-year fixed rate for landlords
  July 17, 2024
• Getting the right advice on your mortgage during turbulent times
  October 31, 2022
• Rising rates: How much are mortgages this week?
  August 23, 2022
• The property loan which can help with home improvements
  August 23, 2022