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2021 TESTIMONIALS

The number of clients we help to achieve their Equity Release dreams continues to grow, but here is a selection of testimonials sent to us by our clients in 2021, to demonstrate the quality of service that they have received.  We have been collecting testimonials since 2013, which you can view by year too.

We work closely with VouchedFor to give our clients an easy way to review us and you can read our reviews here.

Shaun helped me by listening to my needs and talking me though all the options available to help me achieve the best result. He found me the best option for my needs and which fit my budget.

Private, Essex 27/12/21​

I felt Gerard made a huge effort to fully understand my needs and offered advice to best support that. He kept me informed the whole way and ensured any questions I had were answered in full. I felt very confident with the service and knowledge he offered.

Mrs Holmes, Surrey 10/12/21

Kerry was fantastic, she responded promptly to an enquiry and attended my father's property to provide comprehensive advice on suitable products for my father. Kerry explained the process clearly and the communication process was excellent. Kerry is knowledgeable, efficient and extremely professional aside from being very warm and friendly.  I would have no hesitation in recommending Kerry to anyone who requires advice on a range of financial services. 

Mrs Elliott, Lancashire 24/11/21

​Although I was very apprehensive about equity release, Paul certainly put my mine at ease answering any questions that I had.  He acted in a very professional manner throughout the process and I would recommend his services to anyone thinking of equity release.

Private, Hertfordshire 8/11/21

Steph has been great from day 1, she sent us a list of paperwork and documents she needed from us and took care of everything else, so whole process was straight forward and stress free.

Mr Jackson, 6/10/21

Russell talked me through different mortgage options, helped me explore different deposits and affordability and gave independent advice. I felt in very safe hands, understanding clearly what applied to my situation, and I never at all felt pressured.

Mr Jelendorf, Buckinghamshire

27/9/21

Susan gave clear and unambiguous advice, which made my decision making so much easier than it would have been otherwise. She was extremely proactive, liaising with other professionals involved in the process, ensuring things got done in quick time. I found Susan to be extremely knowledgable which gave me a feeling of being in safe hands.

Mr Forman, Surrey  25/8/21

Liz assessed my circumstances & advised me accordingly regarding all aspects of equity release. All details were thoroughly explained, I was confident to go ahead, & Liz set the process in motion. Liz continued to monitor proceedings & kept me informed as necessary.

Mr Eider, Dorset 17/7/21

From start to completion Gerard's advice and help moving forwards with the equity release was exceptional. Gerard made us aware of everything we needed to know before we made our decision. Gerard is very professional and is worth his weight in gold at what he does. We are lucky we had the privilege of his services.

Private, Surrey

June 21

Paul was an extremely helpful equity release advisor who explained all the details around equity release and the risks around this approach. After much deliberation we agreed to continue but Paul was instrumental in proceeding as he clarifyed all the details to us before we made our decision.  Paul was always on hand to answer any questions we had. Always very polite, objective and clear with all his advice and answers.

Private, London

June 21

My lifetime mortgage interest rate was 6.25% and I was hoping to transfer to a company offering a lower interest rate. Robert's help was invaluable. He searched for a lender who would meet my needs. I made a choice and asked him to go ahead. All went through without any problems, I just wish I had known about Robert Walsh earlier.

Private, Cheshire

June 21

David was amazing. Presentable, extremely polite and well mannered and very very helpful. It was like talking with a well informed and trusted friend. He was never pushy. He was always there if you had a query and was always willing to help and explain with whatever query I had.

Private, Surrey

June 21

Gerard spent many hours with us talking through the various equity release plans and their pros and cons listening carefully to our circumstances and helping us navigate the market disruption caused by COVID. My father's situation is rather complex and so we went through multiple products and applications before we found the right one. Gerard was extremely helpful and supportive throughout the process and unwavering in his energy and determination to find us the right solution.

Private, London

June 21

David explained everything to us and checked that we fully understood what was being said and any implications that could arise.

Mr de Hoedt Leicestershire 23/12/21

We found Paul to be very friendly, sincere and competent individual. He is totally in command of his subject...Equity Release...and went to great pains to explain in words of one syllable the intricacies of this particular financial product, pointing out the downsides as well as the benefits. He clearly laid out the offerings of the various lenders which allowed us to select the one that was most suitable for us. This detail was vital in the selection process. At no point did we feel pressurised which was greatly appreciated. We were given time to absorb all the detail and the resulting questions were all answered in a lucid and timely manner. There were some hiccups along the way which Paul was quick to confront and wrestle to a satisfactory conclusion. There is a co-ordinating job associated with Equity Release....lender, solicitor, surveyor/valuer,etc, all of which was handled to our complete satisfaction.

Private, Hertfordshire 10/12/21

Susan thoroughly explained the workings of lifetime mortgages, she understood what I needed and was concise and relevant with her recommendations.

Private, Surrey 23/11/21

Susan was a wonderful personality which made the whole process from start to finish a positive experience. She gave me clear informed advice and was always there to answer any queries throughout the whole process.

Private, Surrey 8/11/21

Equity Release is such a minefield, with conflicting information which seems to constantly change and update. David listened to what I wanted and found me a product which suited perfectly.

Mrs Demoya, Manchester 28/10/21

Susan went through the different products and options available and pointed out the benefits and risks. She was also very prompt in replying to any queries I had. Susan took time to understand me as a person and my situation. She was proactive in liaising with the equity release provider and other parties involved in the move - it was so reassuring to have someone like Susan to 'fight my corner'.  She enabled me to get the best rate and pushed the solicitor and estate agents involved to ensure the sale and purchase stayed on track. In what can be a stressful process this was invaluable.

Private, Surrey 23/9/21

Rob was instrumental in providing me advice because it is a long time since I made a property purchase and lacked knowledge about lifetime mortgage products.

Mr Fullerton, Essex 12/8/21

Liz explained really well how equity release works ,the interest how you won't loose your house came few times till a was sure of the equity release and how it works didn't just want to sell it but make sure a understood first.  I can now cut down my hours my health will be better and my house better maintained.

Mrs Buchan, Dorset 12/7/21

Susan totally sorted out my equity release Mortgage with no hold ups or problems.

Private, Essex

June 21

David found the appropriate lender for my needs at the smallest interest rate. We are very happy with the service provided and advice all the way through to the end. Top man, top service!

Private, Northamptonshire

June 21

Paul was amazing . Kept us informed all the way. Gave excellent advice. Nothing was to much trouble. Always answers his phone . Sent updates all the time . All very professional and a really nice chap.

Private, Hertfordshire 

June 21

Robert has made a very difficult situation easy. I didn't fully understand what I was doing but Robert has amazing patience and explained everything, often going over and above to help me. Robert comes highly recommended - I'm only sorry I don't need him now !!!

Private, Berkshire

June 21

Brilliant service, Paul communicates immediately.

Private, Hertfordshire 11/2/21

I would be happy to recommend Viva to anyone needing assistance inwhat is quite a complicated process.

Private, Birmingham, 4/2/21

Met Rob late 2020 to discuss equity release. He was extremely friendly and informative.  The decision was quickly made by ourselves to proceed.  Everything went well until snags with deeds and Land Registry.  Rob went the extra mile helping sort the deeds, liaising with solicitors and keeping us informed as to progress throughout. We both have no hesitation in recommending Rob to anyone thinking of equity release.  We would like to thank Rob on both a business and personal level.

Mr and Mrs Lammin, Essex, 21/1/21

Robert helped us through the maze giving good & clearly explained advice. He pulled out all the stops to get us through the last part of the process which was stressful & time sensitive, keeping us updated & liaising with the mortgage company on our behalf.

Mr Jauncey, Manchester 22/12/21

We had to sell our flat to pay off our old mortgage. Now in our 60's it would have been difficult to get a mortgage and equity release is a minefield so we were looking at a lifetime mortgage. We had a number of difficulties, mainly caused by solicitors, but Gérard helped us tremendously by liaising with the mortgage company, solicitors and keeping us informed at all times. He went above and beyond what is expected of a broker and we really appreciated it. 

Mr and Mrs Del Castello, Surrey 9/12/21

We have received an excellent service from the first contact until the end.  All of our business was concluded in a timely manner and the advice given by Kerry was excellent and unbiased.  Thank you for guiding us through the whole process.

Mr and Mrs Wilson, Lancashire 19/11/21

David came to see us and explained what equity release meant for us and our son. He found the right mortgage for us and explained everything and how the interest would be added and that we could if we wanted pay this. He rang several times to make sure things were happening as they should.

Mrs Smith, Leicestershire, 27/10/21

Dawn was the fifth Equity Release advisor whom we sought for help in making the switch. It was her down to earth and honest approach which persuaded us to go with her advice. Our journey through the equity release maze was all conducted over the phone and yet we never felt the need to have a face to face meeting as expected before the pandemic.

Private, Yorkshire 15/9/21

Shaun is very polite and informative nothing was to much trouble for him if you needed Shaun to explain something again he would 10 times if necessary.

Mr John, Essex 12/8/21

My elderly parents had an existing Equity Release policy taken out 20+ years ago. We needed to arrange a re-mortgage to a better rate with the provision of a drawdown facility for future possible care needs.  Susan was wonderful! Having talked my partner and I through various products and options she then met me along with my parents to fully explain the products she recommended and the reasons why.

Mrs Jackson, Surrey 27/7/21

Susan gave us step by step advice with equity release in detail. She was extremely patient, has a friendly approach and explained everything in simple terms. We went over things several times and has been very flexible and accessible at all times.

Private, Surrey

June 21

I found Shaun Tillyer​ extremely helpful and very professional in his approach and nothing was too much trouble for him in explaining everything to me.

Private, Essex

June 21

Over the best part of a year, Mark explained the terms of equity release, interest charged and penalties for early repayment. He talked to my daughter and I together on one or two occasions. I found him quick to respond to me and answered my questions clearly.

Private, London

May 21

Thank you Paul for explaining everying and making it all very clear.

Mr and Mrs Martin, Hertfordshire 14/5/21

Paul helped me to understand all the implications of taking out equity release from my property.  I have no hesitation in recommending him to others who are considering the same.  All bases are covered and explained clearly.

Private, Hertfordshire 9/2/21

Dave took the time to thoroughly explain the process of equity release.  He was friendly and informative and kept me updated at every stage.  The process was totally painless. I cannot recommend Dave and Viva Retirement Solutions highly enough.  I have no hesitation in using them again in the future.

Private, Birmingham 9/2/21

Nick took the time to explain the whole process, from start to finish it was totally painless.  He obtained several quotations very quickly and kept me posted every step of the journey.  Overall, my experience and perception of Viva is excellent.  Their fees were ultra competitive, bearing in mind that other providers such as Age Partnership charge in the region of £1,600.  Overall a job well done.

Private, Gloucestershire, 20/1/21

At all times we were kept informed of the progress.  We are totally happy with the outcome and David was very easy to talk to.

Private, Leicestershire, 26/1/21

First class service in every respect and on every level.  Took time to understand our requirements.  Was in regular contact and kept us fully informed at every stage.  David used his skills to expedite our requirements to our total satisfaction.  Would highly recommend David and his services.

Private, Leicestershire, 17/1/21

Advised us thoroughly with all the options and offers. Dave was extremely thorough and patient. His advice was excellent and hugely appreciated. He facilitated everything with ease and was always approachable and trustworthy. Excellent.

Mr Ware, Birmingham 

12/12/21

Rob Polworth was extremely knowledgeable, always very responsive, very patient, Ready to answer any queries more than once, supported through the whole process I am very pleased that I had Rob as an adviser sooo helpful and extremely reliable also as kept informed all the way through the process.

Private, Essex 2/12/21

Steph sorted practical, affordable & easily understandable options for me so that I could decide how I wanted to finance the major renovation of my new home.

Mrs Dowden, Buckinghamshire 10/11/21

Robert approached the case with professionalism, patience and understanding. He gave ample time for questions and concerns to be addressed. Robert was a clear communicator and sought to offer advice for other issues the gentleman faced. I was thoroughly impressed.  

Mrs Gregory, Manchester 2/11/21

​Russell is a true professional,a gentleman,man of his word and delivered a complete package exceeding my expectations.

Mr Whiting, Buckinghamshire 11/10/21

First of all Nick ascertained our current position and our objectives in order to recommend the correct product (which was indeed a RIO). First impressions of Nick were that he was professional and knowledgeable, but more importantly he came across as a genuine person who was interested in helping us, so that made the process easier right from the start. We had been badly let down by an IFA previously (which resulted in us having to move into rented accommodation due to a failed house purchase) so we were a little pessimistic about going through the whole process again. Nick however made the process easy and simple, and more importantly succeeded in securing us a great deal (something our previous IFA failed to do with the same lender) therefore Nick succeeded where others had failed! From beginning to end Nick's communication and advice was excellent, frequently chasing things up for us and updating us along the way. We will definitely use Nick for any future business, and will have no reservation in recommending him to anyone we can in the meantime.

Mr Ashton, Gloucestershire 4/9/21

We found Russell to be extremely helpful, supportive friendly and professional in all aspects of our Mortgage application and Protection plans.  Russell listened to our needs and found us the best possible rates.  We were provided with regular updates on the status of our application.  The advice we received was invaluable and we would not hesitate to use Russell and Viva Retirement Solutions again in the future.

Daniel & Catherine, Buckinghamshire, 14/1/21

As an 80+ year old, moving was very difficult, with problems of covid and ill health and the fact that my husband's hearing stops him using the phone.  Shaun was a life saver, visiting us and also emailing my daughter to check everything was ok.  I phoned him numerous times and he always helped in in a cheerful manner and I was never made to feel a nuisance.  His patience and kindness to me was wonderful, I felt like he was my friend.  I would recommend him to anyone.

Private, Essex

18/2/21

Very happy with the service Rob provided.  Professional, efficient, particularly with the restrictions Covid 19 caused.  Very good with phone calls, thanks for all your help.

Mr and Mrs Cronin, Essex

21/1/21

I cannot fault the service I received from Viva Retirement Solutions - prompt, courteous and efficient throughout.  All my questions were handled expertly and sympathetically, all the advice I received was balanced and well-considered.  I felt I was in good hands from start to finish - to the desired outcome.

Private, Buckinghamshire, 24/1/21

In view of the period during which Russell acted for me (ie the pandemic).  The resuits showed him in a very professional manner.  Which helped me to achieve my goal on time.

R Crisford, Buckinghamshire, 8/2/21

Dave took the time to thoroughly explain the process of equity release.  He was friendly and informative and kept me updated at every stage.  The process was totally painless. I cannot recommend Dave and Viva Retirement Solutions highly enough.  I have no hesitation in using them again in the future.

Private, Birmingham 9/2/21

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