2021 equity release Moneyfacts Annual Star Ratings revealed

Homeowners looking to release equity from their home can now see the best-rated equity release deals on the market, as the Moneyfacts Annual Star Ratings 2021 for equity release have been revealed.

This year, the number of products that have been awarded the top five-star rating has risen to 122, an increase from 95 last year. As well as this, those looking for equity release deals will have had more choice this year as the number of products available for ratings has increased year-on-year by 38%.

A full list of the equity release products that have been awarded a four or five-star rating can be found here.

Commenting on the star rating equity release announcement, Lee Tillcock, editor of Investment Life & Pensions Moneyfacts, said: “With product flexibility continuing to grow in order to meet high demand, the equity release sector has witnessed greater innovation as providers serve changing consumer needs. Older homeowners looking to unlock cash from their homes now have an unprecedented choice of equity release products and options to choose from.

“The annual Moneyfacts Equity Release Star Ratings provide consumers with a valuable insight into the quality of the equity release features on offer, outside of the products’ key features.”

Providers that have been awarded a five-star rating include LV=, more2life, Canada Life, and Legal & General.

On finding out that LV= has been awarded a five-star rating, David Stevens, savings and retirement director at LV=, said: “Gaining recognition from the impartial industry experts at Moneyfacts allows advisers to recommend us to clients with confidence, reflecting the hard work that LV= is doing to improve customer outcomes.”

Commenting on more2life’s five-star rating, Stuart Wilson, corporate marketing director at more2life, said: “As one of the longest-standing and most-respected ratings providers in this market, we are always delighted when we find that one of our products has achieved a Moneyfacts five-star rating. It signals to advisers and their clients that we’ve put considerable thought and resource into building a product that is not only fit for purpose, but that exceeds expectations.”

Numerous features are considered when assessing the ratings, and some of these include:

Flexibility

• Minimum and maximum ages
• Minimum and maximum loan-to-values (LTVs)
• Minimum and maximum advances
• Lump sum options
• Drawdown options
• Regular income facility
• Interest roll-ups
• Portability
• Ability to service debt
• Partial payments

Features

• Rate type
• Interest charging frequency
• Equity Release Council membership
• Negative equity guarantees
• Early repayment charges
• Valuation/survey fees
• Cashback
• Legal fees
• Downsizing protection.