National brokerage Just Mortgages has become the latest firm to join the Equity Release Council.
The news confirms Just Mortgages meets the council’s high standards for integrity, transparency and best practice.
It also ensures the brokerage adheres to the council’s strict code of conduct and overarching principles of acting in good faith and in the best interests of the customer to deliver suitable outcomes.
The move extends Just Mortgages’ commitment to later life lending, having become authorised to advise on equity release four years ago.
Previously, Just Mortgages worked closely with trusted providers to operate a referral service to cater to clients needing access to the market.
As part of its successful academy programme, Just Mortgages offers an extensive training course for self-employed brokers that want to advise on equity release and later life borrowing.
So far, Just Mortgages has trained 24 self-employed advisers who are qualified and licensed to offer expert advice on equity release options.
The programme takes six to eight weeks and gives brokers everything they need to acquire an equity release certification. In addition, Just Mortgages has the facility to authorise existing equity release advisers who already have the necessary qualifications.
According to the council’s own data, 2022 saw record activity – even with the mini-Budget disrupting much of Q4.
The equity release market saw a 23 percent increase year-on-year in both new and returning customers, the highest rate of growth since 2018.
Ashley Edwards, financial services director at Just Mortgages, said: “With the equity release market continuing to show significant growth, our membership of the Equity Release Council demonstrates to homeowners that Just Mortgages is a trusted source of impartial advice on later life products and services.
“In an environment where homeowners are looking to enhance their retirement income or support the next generation, equity release and later life borrowing are becoming key parts of the wider mortgage mix.
“However, equity release may not always be the right option, making solid financial advice from a qualified broker an essential part of any decision-making process.”
Edwards added: “It’s fantastic to see our holistic approach to later life lending recognised by the council.”
