News reports indicate there is renewed interest in the equity release market. In fact, quarter 2 of 2014 shows lending of equity release funds is at £325 million, with a potential amount of £641 million for the first half of the year. Additionally, 10,000 new equity releases have been taken out in the first half of 2014, ensuring there are statistics to back up the news reports over equity release calculator interest as more individuals go online to websites with lifetime mortgage calculators and home reversion calculators to determine their potential for a maximum amount of cash in a tax free situation. Numbers like these have not been seen since 2004.

Retirees Searching for Equity Release
Homeowners entering or who are already in retirement are looking at the changes the Financial Services Authority, now the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has made in the last ten years. More regulation to the industry, coupled with more transparency, is one reason that homeowners are renewing their interest in equity release products.

Another reason for this interest is a renewed hope. The market suffered terribly during the two recessions. Homes lost their value and it made it difficult to take out home reversion or lifetime mortgage for a decent lump sum. Most homeowners found it better to downsize or to wait out the drastic depreciation of their homes.

But now there are definitely changes on the horizon. Housing prices are starting to go up, which means there are locations throughout the UK and England particularly that are seeing these changes. Homes are recouping a little of the depreciation that hit due to so many homes being on the market and the numerous foreclosures. This really takes away from the housing value as the last seven years have proved.

While housing prices are increasing, which means there is more funds available in equity release products, the interest rates are staying fairly low. It won’t always be like this, but for the moment APRs are certainly favourable for the consumer.

If you add in the fact that the baby boomers are now hitting retirement age, there are a plethora of potential consumers on the market. This also increases the interest one sees in the products.

Getting the Information at Leisure
Now that you understand the popularity rise in equity releases you can understand why there is equity release calculator interest. The fact that you can go online 24/7 allows you to get the details you want without having to speak with a broker. You also figure out whether this is a viable option for you or if you need to seek out something else.

The calculator is going to give you the maximum potential equity you can receive from a home reversion or lifetime mortgage depending on the type of calculator you use. You do not have to share accurate information with the company if you do not want to be hounded by call backs or even receive emails. Of course, if you want to speak with a broker it is best to be accurate in all details submitted.

Search for a calculator that takes only the minimum information and states they will not call you, but you can call them to verify results. This is better than having calls inundate you. It is no fun to be hounded, after all; especially if you have yet to make up your mind regarding the next step.

Independent, Expert Advice when you are Ready
If you visit certain websites like Equity Release Supermarket you can gain information regarding the various products without being called back. You get to follow up when you want to double check the values and see if there is a better product than the one you looked at during the equity release calculation procedure.

When it comes time for advice you definitely want to go with a company that is independent from any of the actual loan companies. Going directly to the lender means you are getting tied advice from a broker. This person is a sales representative that is able to discuss their products. As there are several options on the market, you want the best product for you and not the lender.

By going with a site you can trust you also realise the person is qualified and they are regulated by the FCA. While equity release calculator interest is on the rise to gain valuable information, it is ultimately the broker who will find the best product and help you determine the actual maximum amount, so use the calculator as a useful guide.