Business Details
Trusted Equity Release Advisors in Birmingham
HBFS has been providing specialist equity release advice for over two decades, helping retired homeowners across the UK make informed decisions about their property equity. Our impartial, whole-of-market approach ensures clients access the most suitable lifetime mortgages and reversion plans from all UK providers. We prioritise transparency, offering jargon-free explanations of complex financial products while maintaining the highest service standards. Our team of qualified advisers delivers free initial consultations either in clients' homes or via telephone, ensuring accessibility and comfort.As advocates of Equity Release Council-approved plans, we guarantee clients retain full property ownership and benefit from protections such as no negative equity clauses. Our process focuses on long-term financial planning, considering both immediate needs and future estate implications, with a commitment to ethical advice that has earned recommendations from solicitors and independent financial advisers nationwide.
Services
Equity Release Advice
Lifetime Mortgages
Home Reversion Plans
Independent Financial Advice
Home Visits
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of specialist equity release experience
- Our impartial advice covers the complete UK market
- We provide home visits with qualified, regulated advisers
- All consultations include clear, jargon-free explanations
- We exclusively recommend Equity Release Council-approved plans
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
What people say
Expert advice
Clear explanations
Helped retirement
Successful completion
Professional support
Services
Equity Release Advice
We provide impartial, whole-of-market equity release advice tailored to individual retirement needs. Our qualified advisers explain all available options clearly, ensuring clients understand financial implications. Services include lifetime mortgage and home reversion plan comparisons with ongoing support throughout the process.
Lifetime Mortgages
Specialist advice on lifetime mortgages allowing property owners to release equity while retaining full ownership. We explain lump sum and drawdown options, interest servicing arrangements, and portability features. Our guidance includes impact assessments on estate value and potential benefit entitlements.
Home Reversion Plans
Expert guidance on home reversion plans where partial or full property sales provide lump sums while maintaining lifetime residence rights. We compare market offerings, explain valuation processes, and clarify ongoing responsibilities for property maintenance and insurance.
Independent Financial Advice
Free initial consultations with qualified advisers who assess individual circumstances without bias. We consider alternative options like downsizing or lodgers, provide cost breakdowns, and explain legal protections including Equity Release Council guarantees against negative equity.
Home Visits
Convenient home visits for equity release consultations with experienced advisers. This service allows clients to discuss options in familiar surroundings, with family members present if desired, while receiving the same comprehensive advice as office-based consultations.
People
Kathy Tedstone
Director
With over 20 years' experience in equity release, Kathy leads HBFS's advisory team. She specialises in helping retirees access property equity through tailored solutions, ensuring clear understanding of financial implications while maintaining full property ownership.
Questions
What is equity release?
Equity release allows homeowners aged 55+ to access property equity while retaining ownership. HBFS explains lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans with clear, impartial guidance.
How does HBFS charge for advice?
Initial consultations are free and obligation-free. We receive fees from lenders upon completion, ensuring transparent, no-hidden-cost advisory services.
Can I move home after equity release?
Most plans are portable. HBFS recommends Equity Release Council-approved schemes allowing property sales with proceeds repaying existing loans, maintaining flexibility.
What are the financial implications?
Equity release reduces inheritable estate value. HBFS explains tax implications, benefit entitlement impacts, and alternative options like downsizing during comprehensive consultations.
How long does the process take?
From initial consultation to completion typically takes 8-12 weeks. HBFS provides continuous support through legal and valuation processes, ensuring timely, stress-free completions.
