Business Details
Expert Equity Release Mortgage Advice Nationwide
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. As former Helen Brown Financial Services Limited, we combine extensive industry experience with a commitment to impartial, whole-of-market guidance. Our team of qualified advisers delivers jargon-free consultations, either in clients' homes or via telephone, ensuring accessibility and comfort. We prioritise transparency, explaining all costs, risks, and alternatives while maintaining strict adherence to Financial Conduct Authority regulations. Our Equity Release Council-approved plans guarantee no negative equity, lifetime occupancy rights, and portability for home moves.With a focus on client-centric service, we offer preferential rates, home visits, and ongoing support throughout the entire process. Our reputation is built on trust, evidenced by testimonials from satisfied clients who have successfully enhanced their retirement finances. We operate with integrity, ensuring clients fully understand their options before proceeding, and maintain partnerships with solicitors and financial advisers for comprehensive support. Our mission remains clear: to help retirees achieve financial security while retaining control over their property and future.
Services
Lifetime Mortgages
Home Reversion Plans
Equity Release Council Plans
Drawdown Lifetime Mortgages
Lump Sum Mortgages
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of specialist equity release experience
- Our FCA-authorised impartial advice covers all UK market plans
- Free home visits and telephone consultations available
- We exclusively recommend Equity Release Council-approved schemes
- Clients benefit from preferential rates through provider partnerships
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
What people say
Expert advice
Helpful understanding
Lovely card
Enjoying life
Achieve financial goals
Services
Lifetime Mortgages
Lifetime mortgages allow homeowners over 55 to release equity while retaining property ownership. Funds can be taken as lump sums or drawdowns with optional repayments. Interest rates and terms vary between providers, with most plans offering portability for future home moves. We provide FCA-regulated advice on all UK market options.
Home Reversion Plans
Home reversion plans involve selling part or all of your property for a lump sum while retaining lifetime occupancy rights. This option suits those seeking maximum equity release without mortgage obligations. We explain all implications, including future property value benefits and inheritance impacts.
Equity Release Council Plans
Equity Release Council (SHIP) approved plans guarantee no negative equity, lifetime residency, and portability. These plans include safeguards ensuring clients never owe more than property value. We exclusively recommend SHIP-compliant schemes or equivalent alternatives with comparable protections.
Drawdown Lifetime Mortgages
Drawdown lifetime mortgages provide staged equity release, allowing clients to access funds as needed while minimising interest charges. This option offers financial flexibility with initial lump sum and subsequent withdrawals. We explain interest calculation methods and withdrawal conditions during consultations.
Lump Sum Mortgages
Lump sum mortgages release a single equity amount while maintaining property ownership. Funds can be used for debt consolidation, home improvements, or retirement enjoyment. We compare all UK provider rates and terms to find optimal solutions during free initial consultations.
People
Kathy Tedstone
Director
With over 20 years in equity release advisory, Kathy leads HBFS's team of specialists. She ensures all clients receive FCA-compliant advice through home visits and telephone consultations. Her expertise in lifetime mortgages and commitment to client education drives HBFS's reputation for trustworthy service.
Questions
What equity release options exist for homeowners over 55?
We offer lifetime mortgages (lump sum/drawdown) and home reversion plans. Both options allow equity access while maintaining property rights, with SHIP-approved safeguards.
How does equity release affect inheritance?
Lifetime mortgages reduce estate value through accrued interest. Home reversion plans transfer partial ownership. We explain inheritance implications during free consultations.
Are there costs involved in equity release advice?
Our initial consultation is free. Provider fees and interest charges apply to implemented plans. We disclose all costs transparently before proceeding.
Can I move home after equity release?
Most SHIP-approved plans are portable, allowing home moves. We explain lender-specific criteria and assist with transferring your equity release arrangement.
How does HBFS ensure client protection?
We only recommend FCA-regulated, SHIP-approved plans with negative equity guarantees. Our impartial advice includes alternative options and comprehensive risk explanations.
What happens if I need to repay early?
Early repayment charges vary by plan. We compare provider terms to find options with flexible repayment conditions during your free consultation.
Reviews (3)
Sami Mubarak
Aug 16, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
I referred one of my clients to Kathy as HBFS as they wanted to purchase a larger home whilst retired. They couldn't speak high enough of Kathy and her professionalism shone through which was also a reflection on my company. My clients were happy and so was I.
I referred one of my clients to Kathy as HBFS as they wanted to purchase a larger home whilst retired. They couldn't speak high enough of Kathy and her professionalism shone through which was also a reflection on my company. My clients were happy and so was I.
Dave Hargreaves
Jul 27, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness
Fantastic Service from HBFS. Extremely professional service, all in a timely manor. Equity Release still has some bad perception by some however, Kathy makes everything clear and easy to understand.
Fantastic Service from HBFS. Extremely professional service, all in a timely manor. Equity Release still has some bad perception by some however, Kathy makes everything clear and easy to understand.
Dean Lake
May 18, 2019
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Excellent impartial advice from a caring and very considerate adviser. Could not find fault any where and would/do recommend Katherine all the time
