Equity release alternatives

Mojisola

oldtractor wrote: »

some friends of ours lived for 40 odd years in a large but draughty victorian semi. They got a new bathroom,kitchen,windows and loft insulation done on the council [taxpayer] when they got to retirement age. one of them has an illness,this may have been a factor in eligability i dont know. So,basically they got the house modernised for free [this was a good few years ago] and were thrilled. a couple of years later they sold it ,it was worth quite a bit by then,bought a small bungalow and invested the difference. they are now sitting pretty. I sometimes wonder if they should have been made to pay back to the cuncil what the modernisation cost.

When my parents had work done by grants, they were told they would have to pay it all back if the house was sold within a certain time limit.

Biggles

Mojisola wrote: »

When my parents had work done by grants, they were told they would have to pay it all back if the house was sold within a certain time limit.

Some grants are conditional, small print definitely has to be read!

Tuesday_Tenor

In case things haven't progressed much yet Pineapple Sherbet:

When getting other quotes, contact Age Concern /Age UK to see if they have the same 'Approved traders' scheme as they did in my dad's area:

Although AGE UK can't actually guarantee the work of any builder, they had a system whereby traders have to abide by certain conditions to be on the 'approved' list: keeping appointments, written quotes, agreement to engage with Age UK's support service if the householder had any complaints, etc.