OUR CLIENTS VALUE OUR CLEAR, FAIR AND HONEST ADVICE
Who we are
Lifetime Mortgages are a family business based in Maidenhead, Berkshire. However, we have no geographical boundaries and have clients of many years standing from all over the South of England.
Initially established as Mortgage Search in 1992, the firm became completely under the control of senior partner John Murphy in 1995. Roll forward a decade or two, the name change to Lifetime Mortgages reflects the increase in Later Life Lending and Equity Release as more people take advantage of the seismic changes in our industry in recent years. We are seeing new innovative flexible products from the providers and strict consumer protection practices driven by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). The bar has been rising for over 10 years now with the formal Equity Release qualifications (ER1) now mandatory (John qualified in 2012).
Why we added Equity Release to our services
Equity Release is helping more and more people live life to the full and to enjoy their retirement years. Equity Release firms and advisers are both regulated by the FCA. This was a welcome development, guaranteeing a high standard of quality advice. We are proud to be part of this philosophy and are equally as proud of our transparency and friendly, relaxed method of conducting business. We want you to feel at ease when you come in and even more so when you leave. If after your consultation we conclude Equity Release isn’t right for you, we will tell you straight!
Lifetime Mortgages (Maidenhead) Ltd is an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of Personal Touch Financial Services Ltd. Personal Touch Financial Services Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
An Equity Release product will reduce the value of your estate, will not be suitable for everyone and may affect your entitlement to state benefits. To understand the features and risks, please ask for a personalised illustration.
Our history
In 2016, John’s eldest son Stephen joined the firm as a trainee. Stephen is now a fully qualified CeMAP mortgage advisor, having previously worked in a variety of positions within financial services, before joining the family business. Stephen has taken on the responsibility for the mortgage and protection side of the business, leaving John to concentrate on Equity Release and Later Life products.
We have a large client bank built up over 30+ years, which we feel reflects our herd earned reputation for clear, fair and honest advice. Many of our clients have become friends, and within some families we have now worked for three generations – even the grandkids are beginning to call us up!
As John has become more senior, so have many of his clients and what started out as a subsidiary, is now our core business. As a fully fledged member of the ‘Baby Boomers’, John understand the impact retirement can have on a person’s income and lifestyle.
Things have certainly evolved over recent years. People are living longer and leading healthier, more active lives. This means expectations have risen – just because you’ve stopped working, doesn’t mean you don’t still want to enjoy life. Of course we all must slow down at some point, but nobody wants to stop!.
Our transparency and ‘Price Match Plus’ guarantee
Our fee structure is simple and transparent. For Equity Release cases we charge a flat fee of up to £499; for standard mortgages the fee is capped at £299. The actual amounts can vary depending on the loan size, our agreed fee may well be reduced, or indeed sometimes we can charge no fees at all. In all cases, any fees charged are only payable on completion. There are no consultation or advice fees – our advice is free.
Our ‘Price Match Plus’ policy guarantees will not be beaten on fees by any of our competitors.Not only do we keep our fees at a fair level, we only charge fees for a successful conclusion.
Our policy is clear, where some firms charge as much as 1.95% arrangement fees with a minimum fee of £1,495 we charge £1,495 for any loan size. If the transaction does not complete for whatever reason (even if you change your mind) there will be no fees due. Taking an Equity Release Mortgage is a big commitment and may not be the best option for your circumstances. We will advise you honesty and fairly on the route we think is best for you personally and in addition, we recommend you visit the following site, supported by the Government and (we think) really useful and highly informative: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
How we work
WE PUT OUR CLIENTS AT EASE WITH OUR FLEXIBLE WORKING
AND STRAIGHT-TALKING, HONEST ADVICE
The pandemic made life difficult for us all. In 2020 we had to change our working practices to reflect the extraordinary circumstances everybody found them selves in. No longer able to operate on a ‘face to face’ basis, everybody did what they always do in difficult times, we adapted. We conducted more than one meeting with clients, passing information through their kitchen window, meanwhile we were taking notes and covering questions off whilst sitting in their gardens.
Thankfully we don’t have to do this now but as a matter of your choice, can routinely offer telephone meetings and/or Zoom meetings, as well as face-to-face. It becomes clear soon after we closed our offices and worked from home that people were generally more comfortable with a visit from us to their home, rather than coming to us (although we do still have an office in the form of a log cabin in the garden).
We find most of our customers like the choice if a ‘face to face’ home visit or a remote visit by Zoom or telephone. We are also more than happy for people to come to us in our log cabin if they prefer – you might even get a cup of tea!
In all cases, 100% discretion is assured. We encourage new customers to simply pick up the phone for an informal chat or drop us an email. We will tell you very quickly if we think Equity Release isn’t right for you – there are often other options and we can help with those too.
We promise to put you at ease and answer any questions you have in a friendly, relaxed manner. We will not charge you any fees until the application reaches a successful completion.
We can involve your family if you so choose; with Equity Release in particular, this is often a good approach and would be encouraged, but ultimately it is your choice. We will search the whole of the market place for the product which nest suits your needs – no ifs, no buts.
WE PUT OUR CLIENTS AT EASE WITH OUR FLEXIBLE WORKING
AND STRAIGHT-TALKING, HONEST ADVICE
Make an apoointment today…
Fill out the form below for a FREE, no obligation consulation
DISCLAIMER
EQUITY RELEASE: An Equity Release product will reduce the value of your estate, will not be suitable for everyone and may affect your entitlement to state benefits. To understand the features and risks, please ask for a personalised illustration. Check that this mortgage will meet your needs if you want to move or sell your home or you want your family to inherit it. If you are in any doubt, seek independent advice.
Lifetime Mortgages (Maidenhead) Ltd. is an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of Personal Touch Financial Services Ltd. Personal Touch Financial Services Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
MORTGAGES AND DEBT CONSOLIDATION: YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
Debt consolidation is not always the most suitable option - consolidating debts must be careful considered. It will usually mean more interest over a longer repayment term and there may also be early repayment penalties on your current mortgage, you should think carefully before securing other debts against your home. There are other ways to manage debt, such as free debt advice charities. You can find out more by contacting the Money Advice Service – these services may be more suitable for you. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages.
FEES: We typically charge a fee of £299 for our mortgage services, which is payable on completion. For our Equity Release advice we charge a flat fee of £499, regardless of loan size