Equity Release Adviser in Suffolk
Release the value in your Suffolk home to support the next chapter of your life.
Trusted, independent equity release advice from a local specialist who covers the whole county.
Lead by
Maxine Smithen
Equity Release Specialist
- Optional repayments
- No negative equity
- Tax-free lump sum
- Remain in your home
Introduction
Equity release advice across Suffolk, made simple and secure.
At Hayes Finance, we help homeowners throughout Suffolk access the value tied up in their property through equity release. From Ipswich and the surrounding market towns to the coastal communities and rural villages, Maxine Smithen provides advice across the whole county, wherever in Suffolk you happen to live.
Suffolk is home to a wide mix of properties, from period cottages and converted barns to family homes in the larger towns. Many homeowners here have owned their property for decades and seen its value grow considerably. Equity release can be a considered way to access some of that value in later life, without having to sell up or leave the community you know.
We understand that deciding to release equity is a significant financial decision. That’s why we take the time to explain every option clearly, guide you through the process step by step, and make sure you feel confident and supported from start to finish, from your first conversation right through to completion.
What is equity release?
Equity release allows homeowners aged 55 and over to access some of the money tied up in their home, without having to sell or move out.
It can provide a tax-free lump sum or a flexible drawdown facility to help you enjoy retirement, pay off existing borrowing, support loved ones, or fund home improvements.
The main types of equity release we advise on are:
Lifetime Mortgages
The most popular form of equity release. You borrow money secured against your home, but you continue to own it. The loan and any interest are typically repaid when you pass away or move into long-term care. There are no mandatory monthly repayments, though many plans allow you to make voluntary payments if you wish.
We’ll help you understand which option is right for your circumstances and long-term plans.
Why Consider Equity Release?
Why do Suffolk homeowners consider equity release?
There are many reasons why homeowners across Suffolk choose to release equity. For most, it’s about gaining greater financial freedom in later life. You might be considering equity release to:
Boost your retirement income
Make day-to-day life more comfortable.
Help family members
With a gift or deposit for their own home.
Pay off an existing mortgage or debts
Remove financial stress from your retirement.
Fund home improvements or adaptations
Make your property more enjoyable or accessible for independent living.
Enjoy life’s experiences
From travel and hobbies to spending more quality time with loved ones.
Make your next move with Hayes Finance by your side every step of the way.
Whatever your reason, our role is to help you explore every option safely — ensuring you fully understand the long-term implications before making any decision.
Independent, whole-of-market advice, every time.
As an independent and whole-of-market lifetime equity release specialist, we’re not tied to any specific lender. This means we can compare all available equity release products to find the most suitable and cost-effective solution for you.
Our advice is completely impartial. Our priority is helping you make the right decision for your future. We’ll always explain the benefits, risks, and alternatives so you have a clear understanding of your choices before moving forward.
Because we are members of the Equity Release Council, we only work with lenders who are equally accredited.
Why choose Hayes Finance for equity release in Suffolk?
A named adviser you can trust
A named adviser you can trust Unlike many national providers, when you come to Hayes Finance you’re working with a named, qualified specialist from the start. Maxine Smithen has deep expertise in lifetime mortgages and later life lending, and she will personally guide you through every stage of the process, from your first free consultation right through to completion.
Independent, whole-of-market advice
We are not tied to any single lender. As an independent, whole-of-market equity release specialist, we compare all available products to find the most suitable and cost-effective solution for your needs. Our advice is completely impartial. Our only priority is helping you make the right decision for your future.
Countywide knowledge, personal service
We understand the Suffolk property market, from the towns along the coast to the rural villages and the larger centres inland. We know the financial considerations that matter to homeowners across the county, and you’ll always receive a personal, attentive service, not a call centre experience.
FCA regulated and Equity Release Council member
Hayes Finance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We are also proud members of the Equity Release Council — the industry body that sets the standards for safe, fair equity release advice. This means we only work with lenders and products that meet strict consumer protection standards.
How our equity release process works
We believe in making the equity release journey clear, comfortable, and completely transparent. From our first conversation to the moment funds are released, you’ll always know exactly what’s happening and why.
Step 1 – Free Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a free, no-obligation consultation with Maxine. We’ll take the time to understand your goals, circumstances, and any existing borrowing. This friendly conversation helps us determine whether equity release is right for you and what options may be available.
Step 2 – Personalised Research & Recommendations
If equity release is suitable for your situation, we’ll explore the whole market to find the most appropriate plans for your needs. You’ll receive a clear, personalised recommendation outlining your options, the benefits, risks, and long-term considerations — all explained in plain English.
Step 3 – Application & Property Valuation
Once you’re happy to proceed, we’ll guide you through the application process from start to finish. The lender will arrange an independent valuation of your Ipswich property to confirm how much you can release. We’ll liaise with all parties on your behalf to keep everything moving smoothly.
Step 4 – Completion & Continued Support
When your plan completes, the funds are released securely to you. Our support doesn’t end there — we’re always available to review your plan, answer questions, or provide guidance if your circumstances or goals change in the future.
Meet Maxine Smithen, your Suffolk equity release adviser
Maxine Smithen is Hayes Finance’s dedicated equity release specialist, with extensive experience advising homeowners across Suffolk and the wider East Anglia region on lifetime mortgages and later life lending.
Maxine takes a patient, jargon-free approach to financial advice, taking the time to truly understand each client’s personal circumstances and goals before making any recommendation. Her priority is always to ensure you feel informed, confident, and genuinely supported throughout the process.
As a member of the Equity Release Council and an FCA-regulated adviser, Maxine works to the highest professional standards, giving you complete peace of mind that the advice you receive is always in your best interests.
Equity Release Consultations At Your Home
Equity release consultations available by phone or at your home across Suffolk
You don’t need to travel to talk things through with Maxine. Your free initial consultation can take place over the phone, by video call, or in person at your home anywhere in Suffolk, whichever you feel most comfortable with.
Many clients prefer to discuss equity release from the comfort of their own home, especially for something as important as a later life financial decision. Based in Suffolk, Maxine is happy to visit you at a time that works for you, so you can ask questions and go through your options face to face, with no pressure and no obligation.
Maxine regularly visits clients across the following areas and postcode districts:
- Ipswich — IP1, IP2, IP3, IP4
- Kesgrave, Rushmere St Andrew, Martlesham Heath — IP5
- Needham Market, Claydon, Barham — IP6
- Hadleigh — IP7
- Copdock and surrounding villages — IP8
- Capel St Mary, Chelmondiston, Shotley Peninsula — IP9
- Nacton, Levington, Kirton — IP10
- Felixstowe, Trimley St Martin, Trimley St Mary — IP11
- Woodbridge and Melton — IP12
- Stowmarket — IP14
Wherever you are in Suffolk, Maxine can also help by phone or video call.
Equity Release Reviews
What Our Clients Say About Hayes Finance
Equity Release FAQ
Frequently asked questions about equity release in Suffolk
Who can apply for equity release in Suffolk?
Equity release is typically available to homeowners aged 55 and over who own their home outright or have only a small mortgage remaining. Your property must meet minimum value requirements set by the lender, which most Suffolk properties comfortably satisfy.
Do I still own my home?
With a lifetime mortgage, the most common form of equity release, yes. You remain the full legal owner of your home throughout. The loan is only repaid when the property is sold, usually when you pass away or move into long-term care.
How much equity can I release from my Suffolk property?
The amount you can release depends on your age and the value of your property. As a general guide, most lenders allow you to release between 20% and 60% of your property’s value. Maxine will give you a clear, personalised estimate during your free consultation.
Will equity release affect my inheritance?
Releasing equity will reduce the value of your estate, as the loan and interest are repaid from the sale of your home. However, many modern equity release plans include an inheritance protection option, which ring-fences a percentage of your property’s value to pass on to your family. Maxine will explain all the options clearly.
Is equity release the right option for me?
Equity release isn’t right for everyone, and we’d never recommend it if it wasn’t genuinely in your best interest. During your free initial consultation, we’ll explore all the alternatives available to you, including downsizing, retirement interest-only mortgages, and other later life lending options, so you can make a fully informed decision.
Are there any upfront costs?
Your initial consultation with Hayes Finance is completely free. If you decide to proceed with a product, there will be costs associated with the application, including a property valuation and legal fees. Maxine will outline all expected costs clearly before you commit to anything.
Important Information
Equity release may affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits and will reduce the value of your estate. It is important to seek professional advice before proceeding. At Hayes Finance, we will make sure you fully understand the implications and benefits before making any commitments.
Free Equity Release Consultation
Book your complimentary, no obligation, consultation
If you’re considering releasing equity from your home, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.