Equity release gets better press at last

8 March 2010

Not so many years ago it was normal to open the weekend newspaper and see at least one article portraying equity release in a negative light.

These days most papers offer guides on the ins and outs of the product and coverage is usually far more positive.

In fact, a recent article in the weekend press suggested that many consumers may now be worse off due to a lack of equity release - quite a turnaround.

This positive attitude has worked its way through to IFAs advising in this product area. After all, they meet clients each week and are best placed to gauge changes in perception as well as prevalent consumer concerns.

Our confidence index regularly checks IFAs’ views on a range of topics and when it comes to negative media coverage our figures point to a sharp decline in worry.

In fact, the number of IFAs concerned about advising clients on equity release because of bad press fell by two-thirds in 2009. This seems to mirror consumers’ views.

I would encourage brokers to be confident about discussing these plans with clients.