English Bowling Association members are offered an enhanced version of Home & Capital’s Freedom Plan, receiving a contribution of £300 towards their legal costs on top of the cash lump sum they raise. This takes the cost of arranging an equity release plan with Home & Capital down to as little as £100.
Retired bowlers are especially well positioned to benefit from equity release, which allows homeowners to raise cash against the value of their homes. The hundreds of enquiries received by Home & Capital to date under the partnership have revealed house values substantially above regional averages.
In a year when the governing body of outdoor lawn bowls celebrates its Centenary and the new comedy film Blackball looks set to increase interest in the sport, the partnership will deliver a new source of funding.
A snapshot taken immediately before the partnership of Home & Capital customers in the South West found that 45% enjoyed bowling, either as spectators or club members. “The popularity of bowls amongst Home & Capital’s customers shouldn’t be surprising,” comments Andrew Randall. “Bowls seems to appeal to the same fit and sociable over-65s who use equity release to fund an active retirement.”
Home & Capital’s Freedom Plan is the only equity release product currently endorsed by the English Bowling Association. Product quality, value for money and customer service were the key factors for the EBA and the Freedom Plan was chosen after a wide-ranging research study of the equity release market.
