The Situation
In the heart of North London, a mother faced a familiar challenge. Her daughter and son-in-law were ready to take their first step onto the property ladder, but like many first-time buyers, affordability was proving to be a barrier. The mother wanted to help. Her home, valued at around £1.8 million and mortgage-free, held the key. But moving to free up the funds wasn’t an option she was willing to consider.
She had lived in the same neighbourhood for over three decades. Her friends, her community, her routine — it was all there. Downsizing would have meant not only leaving her home, but giving up a lifestyle and sense of place that she wasn’t ready to part with. There were few, if any, smaller properties in the area that would have met her needs, and certainly none that felt like home.
The Solution
Equity release offered a practical, compassionate solution. Working closely with Kieran Hayes, the mother was able to unlock £250,000 from the value of her property. The funds were released via a lump sum lifetime mortgage with no monthly repayments required — an important feature, as she was keen for the interest to roll up rather than impact her regular outgoings.
At the same time, Hayes Finance helped the daughter and her partner secure their first mortgage through Nationwide. Ed from the team stepped in to handle their application, working alongside Kieran to make sure both the equity release and mortgage progressed smoothly. With a decision in principle in place early on, the pair were able to start house hunting with confidence, knowing the funds would be there when they found the right home.
“It was lovely to help them take that first step,” says Ed. “With six times income mortgages and competitive rates still available for the right applicants, it’s possible to achieve more than many first-time buyers realise — especially when support from family can be factored in.”
The Outcome
The daughter and son-in-law successfully purchased their first home. The entire process, from the mother’s release of equity to the completion of the mortgage, was managed with care, transparency, and close communication between all parties. Using the same solicitor for both transactions helped streamline the legal side, keeping everything on track and avoiding delays.
For the mother, it meant giving her daughter a life-changing start without sacrificing the life she’d built for herself. For the daughter and her partner, it was the key to owning a home in an area they loved.
Why Hayes Loved Helping
This wasn’t the first time Hayes Finance had been approached for this kind of support — in fact, it came via a referral from a previous client in the same North London community who had done exactly the same thing. That personal recommendation speaks volumes.
“These intergenerational cases are some of the most rewarding we deal with,” says Kieran. “It’s a chance to make a real impact for two generations at once. And because we specialise in both equity release and residential mortgages, we’re able to bring it all together under one roof.”
A Thoughtful Way to Support the Next Generation
Equity release isn’t right for everyone — and it’s not a decision to take lightly. But in the right circumstances, with the right advice and safeguarding in place, it can offer families a way to support each other meaningfully. The Hayes Finance team is proud to be part of that journey.
If you’re wondering whether your home could help unlock a brighter future for your children, we’re here to help you explore the options — with care, clarity and a personal touch.
