Lifetime Mortgages

A lifetime or equity release mortgage could help you unlock tax efficient cash from your home without having to move, giving you more flexibility in later life while you stay in the property you know and love. If you are 55 or over, you may be able to release equity whilst keeping ownership of your home and choose whether to make repayments monthly is right for you or not. The key is making sure equity release is genuinely right for you. That means understanding the long term cost, the impact on your estate and benefits and whether there are better alternatives before you go ahead.

What is a Lifetime Mortgage?

A lifetime mortgage is a type of equity release that allows homeowners aged 55 or over to borrow money secured against they home, without making mandatory monthly repayments.

With a lifetime mortgage, you remain the legal owner, and there are usually no mandatory monthly repayments. Instead, the loan and any interest is typically repaid when the property is sold after you pass away or move into long term care. Most plans allow you to make repayments, if you wish to, giving you control over how you manage your plan.

For many people, it provides breathing space in retirement. It can help repay an existing mortgage, supplement income, fund home improvements, or support family members.

Once your working years are behind you, finances shouldn’t feel like a constant worry. A lifetime mortgage can offer the extra flexibility needed to enjoy this next chapter with those who matter most. Our specialist advisors are here to help you along your way.

An equity release or lifetime mortgage can be a suitable option in many circumstances whether it be for:-

Increasing your income for day to day living
Home improvements
Clearing an existing mortgage
Assisting your children with a deposit for their first home
Or simply to enjoy your retirement
To pay for care to enable you to stay in your own home
To move to a new property

During our discussions we can also look at normal residential mortgages to ensure you have the most suitable mortgage based on your circumstances.

It is important that you see a qualified adviser about this and ensure it is the right option for you. We will make the process as simple as possible and help you make an informed decision as to whether an equity release mortgage is the best course of action. We are a registered member of the Equity Release Council and work throughout Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead and London.

Speak to an Adviser

Top rated

IMA Mortgages and Protection4.9

Based on 40 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Emily Wilson

7 days ago

We cannot thank Paige and Liane enough for their support through our purchase. As first-time buyers, the process was daunting, but they showed patience, professionalism, and genuine care throughout! No question was ever too much, and they always took time to explain everything clearly. I could not recommend IMA enough!!

Marta Kolodziejska

7 months ago

Fantastic experience dealing with IMA, with special shout out to Paige! Throughout the whole stressful process of buying a house, Paige and Liane really showed me fantastic support, professional, personalised advice and helped me get the best deal for my situation. They patiently answered all the questions and kept me up to date with the progress, and even managed to get a better deal when my circumstances changed before exchange. I couldn't recommend them enough. Having been burnt before with another rouge advisor, dealing with IMA was a fantastic experience and I know if I ever need support with similar matters in the future, I won't hesitate to go back to them. In the tricky world of property buying they really offer confidence, reassurance and you just feel truly supported with someone actually looking out for your best interest. Couldn't be more grateful and happy with their services.

S.Waton

1 year ago

IMA did an incredibly good job, there’s not many companies which you can say they did absolutely everything perfectly well. They worked so swiftly, efficiently and would even call to say that they are going to change our mortgage for the one with the lower rate, as it was getting lower on a daily/weekly basis. I honestly couldn’t recommend a company more!

Response from the owner:Thanks Stefan. We hope you are happy in your new home.

Jasmine Povey

2 years ago

My partner and I used IMA to secure the best mortgage on our first home and life insurance. Ellie and Nay were honestly amazing. They were always there to support us when we had questions and would call to talk us through things. We had a few houses fall through but this did not stop them from making sure we got the best mortgage offer and support with each application. Such personable and lovely people. We are so happy in our new home so thank you both so much! Without you guys, it wouldn’t have been possible😁😁🥰

Paul Symonds

2 years ago

I cannot recommend Liane and her team highly enough. We have been working with Liane and team since 2017. They have been amazing to deal with and have managed our mortgage and provided guidance & support through all the market cycles and all the challenges.

Dean Howie

3 years ago

Third time I have used them and another brilliant service. Thanks IMA team

Dimitar Radev

3 years ago

Working with Independent Mortgage Associates Ltd., specifically with Naomi, was like finding a new friend who just happen to be brilliant at mortgage advice! Naomi's knowledge combined with the warmth and personal touch made us feel comfortable and reassured. I must also mention Hermione's friendly and approachable manner was an absolute joy. They both guided us through the process not once but twice - in 2020 and 2022, and now once more each time providing an impeccable service. Independent Mortgage Associates, with Naomi and Hermione, truly turn the daunting into the doable with a friendly smile. Highly recommended!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback. We are so pleased to have helped!

Jessica Fox

3 years ago

We have been working with Nay and Hermione from IMA since we were looking to purchase our first house in 2019. Since then, we have continued with their services because of their excellent communication, knowledge, advice and support. Nay and Hermione take the time to explain things clearly, ensuring we have a full understanding, and they support us in making the best decision for our needs. As well as this they are such a friendly team and we can’t imagine working with anyone else for our mortgage and life insurance needs. Thank you so much!

Response from the owner:Thank you Jessica for your feedback!

Michelle Morley

4 years ago

Liane worked with us to get our mortgage. She went above and beyond, very prompt at sending and responding to emails and phone calls, always kind and friendly. We will keep using this company when we have to remortgage. Highly recommend.

Response from the owner:Thanks Michelle, we are so glad we were able to help you purchase your first home.

Tom White

4 years ago

Naomi and Hermione were absolutely top class. Literally wouldn't have been able to get though the purchase without them. Thanks guys!

Aarron Constable

4 years ago

As a first time buyer, the prospect of buying a home is extremely daunting. Naomi and Hermione took on our case and from day 1 were helpful and understanding. No question was too stupid. They supported us through a sale that fell through, which was massively appreciated, And eventually, we bought our first home! It simply wouldn't have been possible without them. IMA came highly recommended and we're so pleased we used them. Professional throughout and always only a call or email away. Absolutely fantastic!

James Potton

4 years ago

Second time using IMA now and I would hugely recommend using. Louis Miller is extremely helpful, knowledgeable and professional as the main advisor we’ve used. Their communication and response times as a firm is 10/10. Further assistance with insurance covers etc are followed up and secured brilliantly. Shout out to Claire, Nikki and Kelly! Will be back in the future!

Bardine

5 years ago

Absolutely wonderful experience, we worked with Nikki and Nicola and we simply can’t recommend them enough. From start to finish incredibly responsive and very professional with a personal touch of having a broker deal with all the paperwork on your behalf. 10/10 on all accounts.

Kieran Hopkins

5 years ago

As first time buyers, my partner and I had no clue where to begin. I contacted these guys and they were extremely professional and helpful from start to finish. We were guided through the daunting home buying process with minimal stress or worries and found the best mortgage deal for our circumstances. I couldn't fault this firm in any way. A special mention to Naomi and Nicola, we couldn't have done it without you. Thank you so much 😁.

Tomas Kavecky

5 years ago

I'd like to say a big thanks to Independent Morgates Associates. They made the whole process of obtaining the right mortgage and also relevant insurances for the house purchase a stress free experience. Very competent professionals who are very friendly and are making sure you are fully aware of everything throughout the process and to get the best possible deal on the market. I will be leveraging their services in the future if I would be buying another propert and can highly recommend them.

Anna Giddens

5 years ago

Independent mortgage associates were so helpful in helping myself and my partner start to buy our first home. We really appreciated Naomi's help and support throughout the process of getting a mortgage in principle and then getting our mortgage approved. As first time buyers having someone who was patient and understanding was really useful! Nicola has also been super at keeping in contact and making sure everything is going smoothly in the next steps of our house purchase which we really appreciate. We really recommend them & I have already suggested to one of my friends that she uses you when she purchases her first home too! Thank you Naomi & Nicola!

Joshua Ball

5 years ago

IMA are highly recommended! We've used IMA on multiple occasions over the years for mortgages / remortgages and always recieved a professional service from start to finish. Liane and Claire offer timely and clear mortage advice, saving us a lot of time and stress when choosing between/processing mortgage products. We'll certainly use them again! Many thanks, Josh & Tania.

Julie Dacey

5 years ago

We couldn’t recommended IMA enough they have been fantastic from start to finish and will always answer your calls or emails. The staff are absolutely amazing always thoughtful and polite and want to give you the best of everything. Thank you all so very much 🙂

Matt Evans

5 years ago

Great service offered by these guys. Louis and his team are faultless from start to finish of the process and make everything so much easier

Jake Abbott

6 years ago

Great customer service provided by Nicola Martin for Insurance covers and Naomi Hardy for my mortgage. They were informative, helpful and stayed in touch throughout the entire process. Highly recommend.

Jason Brophy

6 years ago

Jason Long

6 years ago

We have used IMA on more than one occasion to help with our mortgage and each time we are well looked after and more than happy with the level of service we receive. In particular we would highly recommend Ian and already do as he is so thorough and provides a great service.

Eri Kajaci

6 years ago

Jonitha Salt

6 years ago

The customer service provided by Louis and Claire was truly fantastic. Claire went above and beyond to help us with our remortgage and would highly recommend them. Everyone you speak to is so positive and helpful there!

Ben Marks

6 years ago