Equity release for Guernsey homeowners.

That the debt grows. On a lifetime mortgage the interest is added to the balance rather than paid monthly, so the amount owed compounds and can become substantially larger over a long retirement. Whoever inherits receives less, and possibly much less. That is not a hidden term — it is how the product works, and it is why regulated advice is mandatory.

Products from reputable providers include a no-negative-equity guarantee, which means the debt can never exceed the eventual sale proceeds. Confirm that the specific product you are offered carries one — the adviser must go through this with you.

Yes, directly. Whatever is released, plus the rolled-up interest, comes out of the estate before anything is distributed. This is the conversation worth having with your family before you start, not after.

Often. Downsizing releases capital without any debt at all. A standard remortgage or a retirement interest-only mortgage can be much cheaper if you have the income to service payments. Family lending is sometimes the right answer. A good adviser will raise these before recommending equity release.

With a lifetime mortgage, yes — you retain ownership and the loan is secured against the property. Home reversion plans work differently and involve selling a share of the property. Make sure you know which you are being offered.

Most products are portable to another suitable property, subject to the lender's criteria. But it is a condition to check in the specific contract rather than assume, particularly given the Local Market and Open Market distinction if you are planning to move between them.

No, and we would not be permitted to. We introduce you to a regulated firm that gives the advice and carries responsibility for it. We are not regulated by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission.