Equity release 'should be embraced'

The firm has urged advisers not to miss out on equity release as it believes 2008 will herald an explosion in activity.

This has largely been pinned down to the impact of regulation on the sector, with increased consumer confidence prompting more people to recognise it as both a flexible and an intelligent alternative when planning for retirement.

“We are hoping that brokers who may be put off by regulatory constraints of operating in the equity release market will not miss the opportunity to explore it as a possible solution for their clients," said Michael Holt, SYH Charterhouse's managing director.

"It is vitally important that consumers are made aware of all the options that are available to them and we are more than happy to work closely with brokers to ensure that customers are treated fairly and to provide help and guidance for intermediaries through our FSA-authorised team.”