How It Works
First you contact a reputable company specializing in sale and rent back schemes. After surveying your property, the company will make you an offer on your home. Then in addition to an immediate cash payment, they will issue a contract for you to stay on in your home as a tenant paying rent at the market rate. Very often, they will offer a rent holiday. You have a lot of say in the contract you agree to; you can specify for example whether you want a short-term rental or long-term arrangement. You can also request a buy back option which gives you the option to later buy back your house when your situation improves.
Why It's The Best Way
The major advantage of course is that you can clear all your debts and continue living in your home as before. You don't have to suffer any of the upheaval that accompanies moving house especially if the move is unwanted. What's more, you get a quick, guaranteed sale with none of the waiting around and having potential buyers traipsing through your home day after day. Plus, you don't have to pay and estate agent's commission on the sale.
There's also the matter of discretion and privacy. Reputable agents can arrange a sale that's private and confidential. There's no need to put up a 'for sale' board in front of your house or put an advert in the local press. So friends, neighbours and colleagues are none the wiser to your circumstances.
A number of other methods exist to release the equity tied up in your home. These include lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans.
However the Which Consumer Group reported that these other schemes tended to be expensive, inflexible and risky.
Studies have shown that being in debt is major cause of stress with serious consequences for both your mind and body. So if debt is wreaking havoc in your life, look into the sale and rent back scheme.
Be sure to choose a specialist firm with many years of experience in this field. Only a specialist firm can give you the efficiency and discretion you deserve.