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EQUITY RELEASE 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 this year, 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.
Nick is always willing to listen and offer advice. He is knowledgeable, professional, and personable, which makes it very easy to discuss matters with him. He found us a great mortgage product previously, and now, as our circumstances are changing, we have reached out to him again, and he will be helping us as we go forward.
Mr A, Gloucestershire, 11/9/24
Susan is very driven and pro-active. Her wealth of knowledge and contacts within the industry enabled her to specifically target those Lenders she knew would be willing to consider our property which is not straightforward. This meant that she did not waste time in futile approaches to uninterested funders which in turn saved us a lot of potential stress and disappointment.
Mrs H, Surrey, 3/9/24
I had paid off my mortgage but found myself short of cash. Shaun has been exceptional in helping me with this problem. He quickly grasped my situation and helped me get to where I wanted. I never once felt that I was not in good hands. There were a few problems along the way and Shaun was more than willing to help me.
Mrs W, Essex, 27/8/24
David has been a breeze to deal with. Always helpful and informative and quick to answer any queries and put our minds at rest.
Mrs C, Liverpool, 16/8/24
What can I say! Susan literally held my hand and travelled with me through an extremely challenging journey. She understood because she listened and provided solutions I did not anticipate or know I needed.
From our first contact with Katie she has given us sound professional advice has been very helpful and answered all our questions in a manner we could understand we couldn’t ask for a more helpful advisor and we are very satisfied with the outcome
Mr M, Sussex, 25/7/24
Dawn explained the process step by step and in depth in order that I could make an informed decision. She was only an email or message away for any queries that I had and responded promptly. I felt that she “got” what I was looking for and I believe found me the best deal. I was very happy with all aspects of our transactions.
Mrs J, Yorkshire, 18/7/24
I don't think David could have done any better. I had spoken to another company before speaking to him and the whole attitude was very different. I think he really cares that customers get something tailored to their individual needs and is prepared to put the time in to ensure that is the case. He has helped me considerably by taking every slowly,, checking I understood all parts of the procedure, answering loads of questions and telling me to be sure abut what I was doing. He forwarded all the relevant paperwork and ensured that I read and understood it. Most important he was friendly, kind and very patient with the dozens of questions about all kinds of eventualities.
Mrs L, Liverpool 15/7/24
Roy advised me and my husband on a lifetime mortgage (equity release). Unlike other advisers we spoke to, Roy made us feel comfortable and would not move on during a session until he was confident that we had fully understood the information given to us. There is lots of information to take on board, so this was very important to us.
Mrs M. 8/7/24
My mum had Rob as her equity release advisor and has been nothing but helpful any time my mum needed help and advice, it gave me confidence to go this route because I know Rob will always be on hand should i need help or advice or just to chew his ear, nothing is a problem for him.
Mrs T, Essex, 1/7/24
Katie was great, explained everything making it easy to understand, and was very patient with me, as I had had a stroke a couple of months ago and it took me a while to digest everything and understand. Would highly recommend her.
Mrs H, Sussex, 13/6/24
Our interest only mortgage was nearing its end and we needed to either downsize or release some equity to clear our remaining mortgage. Rob explained thoroughly the choices we had and left us with all the relevant information to make our own minds up without rushing us or hassling us to make a decision. Once we were ready to go ahead with our decision we contacted Rob and he came back to see us to run through everything again to make sure we were happy with everything.
Mrs R, Essex, 12/9/24
Susan, came to visit me and got to know me. she explained the different product offerings that could meet my requirements. We selected the most cost effective and appropriate product. she led me through the process and made it appear simple and pointed out all the caveats, dos and don'ts, and time frame. I confidently stopped the estate agent, took the property out of the market. She was able to complete the process to avoid any penalties from my mortgage lender. My home is safe, she arranged for extra money to update my home. With affordable payments, I am so relieved and extremely delighted that this products is like a turnkey to my issue. well done Susan! Susan is superb!
Mr A, Surrey, 3/9/24
Russell made the process of equity release very easy. From start to finish he explained all matters very well and kept me informed.
Mrs V, Buckinghamshire, 28/8/24
I don’t think there was any room for improvement as soon as you contacted Katie she would respond with an answer. If things had to be looked at she would get back to you as soon as possible.
Mr J, Sussex, 20/8/24
David contacted me and arranged a time to chat over the phone about my requirements. He spent a lot of time making sure I understood all my options. He then visited me to go through my finances and to discuss what equity realease scheme would suit my needs best. I was confident that I understood everything, as David explained the process very clearly. He also mentioned the ups and downs of a life mortgage, as such I felt under no pressure to proceed with the looking at suitable scheme.
Mrs H, 20/8/4, Liverpool
has been excellent in helping me to select the right product he answered all my questions in a timely manner also explained them to me in a clear way which made it easier for me to understand.
Mr D, Liverpool 1/8/24
David was punctual, Knowledgeable , clear on my options and encouraged me to ask questions. David put me at ease and I felt much better informed after our meeting and appreciated there was no pressure put on me to make a decision.
Mrs S, Leicestershire, 18/7/24
I wanted to release some funds from my property to help my children. I spent time researching all the different equity release companies and Viva Retirement were award winning and stood out as being the best. I then took out equity release using Viva Retirement. The whole process was efficient and reassuring. When I needed advice on possibly moving and/or possibly paying off part of the equity release / or all of it , I sought advice from Susan. She was extraordinarily helpful; she came to my house and we talked through all the options. Subsequently I called her and discussed plans to update my house (including a installing a new boiler) and some family issues which were worrying me at that time. Susan went well above and beyond her role as an equity release adviser and was a lovely cheerful and humourous sounding board despite discussing some serious family problems. She is wise and understanding and someone who is very easy to talk to. I trust her judgement and know she will be there to help me when I do need advice on downsizing and will come and see me and spend time talking through all the issues.
Mrs M, Surrey, 13/7/24
Liz has helped me immensely in every way possible she was fantastic very friendly very approachable and very knowledgeable. I would give her 10 out of 10.
Mr O, Dorset, 10/6/24
After a pleasant and objective introduction, review of my position and assessment of my hopes of achievement Gerard provided 1st class advice, bespoke and clearly representative of my position. After considering the ‘sound’ and completely appropriate advice and options discussed and upon my decision to proceed following that ‘sound’ advice, in the most pleasant, professional and practicable manor he led me through the process. Excellent all round.
Mr F, Surrey, 31/5/24
Katie was brilliant, she explained everything so that I could understand everything she talked about, I’d recently had a stroke so it took me time to register everything but she was very understanding and patient with me which helped me relax. I can’t express just how much I appreciated it.
Mrs H, Sussex, 27/5/24
David took be through the equity release process efficiently and compassionately, understanding my concerns and discussing them with me. He even responded to a problem I had on the Bank Holiday. He helped me make my mind up about moving forward but I never at any time felt pressurised making the decision.
Mrs A, Liverpool 16/5/24
Susan went above and beyond to help us to secure a mortgage for our property when no one else would. Susan was available to us at any time should we have any concerns and called us back without delay. Without Susan’s help we were facing selling our house to pay off our mortgage. Susan made sure we fully understood all the terms and conditions which gave us peace of mind. She got the best deal she could for us which we were very grateful.
Mr S, Surrey 9/5/24
Nick has been invaluable in helping me to decide how to proceed to achieve the desired outcome with a lifetime mortgage. His knowledge and expertise is only exceeded by his patience and understanding of my particular needs. He explained clearly and patiently all aspects of the procedure. I cannot praise him highly enough and would not hesitate to recommend him to others - indeed I already have to a personal friend in a similar situation. If this helps others, I am a 77 year old widowed female who wanted to move to be nearer to family and friends. I did not think this would be possible but Nick has shown that it indeed was!
Mrs W, Gloucestershire 3/5/24
From the start of the process to the end, Susan displayed professionalism, approachability and a strong desire to achieve the best outcome for me. She clearly and concisely outlined all the relevant facts regarding equity release and ensured that these were fully understood by me before proceeding. She then worked extremely hard to get this process completed as swiftly as possible and kept me regularly updated throughout the whole process. She is very pro-active in her work and her desire to achieve the best outcome for her clients is always evident.
Mrs T, Surrey 11/4/24
Tremendous service, a very understanding person in what was a extremely challenging time for my wife and myself.
Mr S, Gloucestershire 6/4/24
We have been considering our options with regard to future proofing our housing needs for a couple of years and being unable to find an affordable bungalow in this area (Westbourne) we have decided to stay where we are as we like our house and its location. We therefore wanted to release some capital to make some alterations/repairs. Liz discussed our situation and needs in depth and trawled all relevant retirement mortgage providers for the best deal
Mrs P, Dorset 26/3/24
I had a mortgage which was coming up to having to be settled. I was unfortunately ill and could not move to downsize - also did want to stay in my house. Susan came to see me, answered my questions, and helped me with the form filling. Everything went very smoothly. She is very calm and explains things well, so you know where you stand. She does come over as a friend which is reassuring.
Mrs M, Surrey 14/3/24
Shaun was brilliant from day one and all the way through the process . Alway replied to my calls and emails with answers to questions and kept an eye on change of interest rates as they would come down he would reduce my rate accordingly . He is knowledgeable, reliable and listens to your needs and offers the best service possible .
Mrs P, Essex 11/3/24
The very first day Susan was referred to us, she rang later that evening and spent over 1.5 hours asking questions and trying to understand what we wanted to achieve in the short term and our longer term goals and objectives and how we thought we would achieve them. Susan dealt with both myself and my wife as individuals and made sure that each of us was happy with her suggestions and the general direction of travel. By the end of the phone session Susan had explained to us very clearly what she thought our best options were and why. By the end of the evening (10.30pm!) there were 2 loan illustrations in my email inbox! 2 days later Susan visited us in our home to ensure that our property valuation was realistic. She made it perfectly clear to us what repairs and improvements were needed BEFORE a formal valuation was carried out. That advice proved invaluable!
Private, Surrey 18/5/24
With David's help we have been able to release more equity, which has meant we have been able to maintain our property, and make some needed adjustments in the house, garden and lifestyle, due to health issues that have come with increased age.
Mrs M, Leicestershire 15/5/24
I was not considering equity release but after speaking to Russell I realised that this might be the best option for me in my particular situation. Over time through discussions with Russell I came to understand that this was the case and I am very happy with my decision to proceed with this mortgage option. Using his knowledge of my situation and the mortgage options available to me Russell patiently allowed me to understand that equity release was the best option for me.
Mrs C, Buckinghamshire 20/2/24
Rob was very good at obtaining products for me and it was my reluctance that I missed some very good deals. I didn't realize how fast the market changed.
Mr G, Essex, 4/7/24
David was knowledgeable and considerate. He ensured that I took my time to understand the process and happily answered the fifty odd questions I had for him with patience. He explained everything up front ensuring I knew the financial implications of what fees would be involved and how long the whole process would take. He really cares about his clients and doggedly continued to try to find a solution when I was initially turned down. I don't think many people would put in the effort he has put in and he was genuinely delighted when he could find a solution for me. I am very grateful that he was so persistent.
Mrs L, Liverpool, 14/6/24
It has all been finalised in a very short time meaning that our Mortgage was settled even before the deadline , although we had left it quite late to seek help . Very impressed !
Mrs A, Dorset, 12/6/24
Dave has been upfront in all information both the positives and negatives in taking equity release from my property , and guided me through its complexities and silly bureaucracies along the way which could have delayed the release for months.
Mrs W, Liverpool 8/5/24
Nick is extremely professional and easy to talk to when telling him your personal requirements. Understanding your reasons for all your needs and at all times keeping me very well informed. I have the outcome I hoped for and felt that with Nick's constant attention to getting the results I needed guided me very well through the process. found Nick extremely personable and professional so gave excellent advice. At all times keeping me very well informed of the process.
Mrs G, Gloucestershire 17/4/24
I already had a lifetime mortgage of 8 years with another lender. However, when I applied for a further advance, I was told I had to withdraw the remaining drawdown I had not used. I went through the process of applying for a drawdown of my remaining unused balance. When this process was complete, I applied for a further advance as advised. To my astonishment and despair, I was refused a further advance on the basis that their flood risk criteria had changed and that I was suddenly in a flood risk area. Although the financial adviser I was allocated by that lender from Key tried to find another lender, his fees were very high, plus there would be the early repayment fees. I decided to find my own financial adviser and did an extensive search online. Based on the Viva reviews and the industry awards, I made contact with Viva and was contacted by Roy Tozer on 14 March 2024. When Roy introduced himself to me, he immediately understood my circumstances and state of mind after the disappointment of my previous lender's refusal. Alhough I was sceptical to start the process all over again, Roy put me at ease from the start and said he would do all he could to find another lender. He was very reassuring. From that initial contact, he kept me informed all the way. He researched the whole market and came up with the best option for me. I particularly liked the process of going through the whole process by video calls face to face, and to be kept up to date with emails attaching all the necessary documentation. Roy not only found another lender at the best interest rate, but also he went the extra mile by contacting my current lender and persuaded them to waive the early repayment charge, effectively reducing the amount of my loan that would save me thousands over the term of the loan. Roy Tozer could have done nothing better. He went over and above, the extra mile etc. etc. I would have no hesitatation in recommending him to friends and family and to anyone who wanted the recommendation of a financial adviser. I cannot comment him enough. He is a credit to Viva.
Mrs R, 10/7/24
Kerry explained the various options available and clearly indicated which type of product she considered the best on the market at the time. Also responded swiftly to requests for further information or clarifications. Kerry and the legal team used were very efficient and professional in processing the application.
Mr B, Lancashire 4/4/24
Katie was very thorough in her dealings with us, ascertaining what our needs were and what our future plans were before making her recommendations based on that information. We had a very clear idea of the pros and cons and costs involved. We decided to proceed with the equity release and Katie has been there to assist throughout the process.
Mrs M, Sussex 13/3/24
At our ages nearing 80 we had little liquid assets to cover emergencies such as health costs, major house repairs like boiler, roof and external decorating. Although our income is good and guaranteed, trying to borrow for any of the above reasons is fraught…….ageist.
David has explained all the risks of Equity Release making sure we understood them before making a decision. He was thorough in his investigation of our situation. He understood our criteria on the interest rate charged……..and he achieved that. He was available at all times and ensured the processes were timely. He introduced us to Equity Law and tracked their processes. They proved to be highly professional, like David and more than met our expectations.
Private, Liverpool 7/3/24
I needed to release money from my bungalow to improve my property and to give myself some finances to have holidays and a new car. Dave was very clear and concise in helping me to understand the intricacies of equity release that can be very daunting to a lay person.
Mrs P, Birmingham 21/1/24
Susan LISTENED….picked through every piece of information and tailored her financial expertise to my individual circumstances. There was not just advice for the the present but for the future which was comforting to know she was on my side.
Mrs G, Surrey 6/6/24
Kerry’s knowledge and guidance was incredible. She stuck with us throughout and negotiated with the lenders for equity release with great professionalism. She was absolutely invaluable and totally reassuring. I couldn’t recommend her high enough.
Mr B, Lancashire, 30/5/24
Dave has been upfront in all information both the positives and negatives in taking equity release from my property , and guided me through its complexities and silly bureaucracies along the way which could have delayed the release for months.
Mrs W, Liverpool 8/5/24
Nick is extremely professional and easy to talk to when telling him your personal requirements. Understanding your reasons for all your needs and at all times keeping me very well informed. I have the outcome I hoped for and felt that with Nick's constant attention to getting the results I needed guided me very well through the process. found Nick extremely personable and professional so gave excellent advice. At all times keeping me very well informed of the process.
Mrs G, Gloucestershire 17/4/24
I already had a lifetime mortgage of 8 years with another lender. However, when I applied for a further advance, I was told I had to withdraw the remaining drawdown I had not used. I went through the process of applying for a drawdown of my remaining unused balance. When this process was complete, I applied for a further advance as advised. To my astonishment and despair, I was refused a further advance on the basis that their flood risk criteria had changed and that I was suddenly in a flood risk area. Although the financial adviser I was allocated by that lender from Key tried to find another lender, his fees were very high, plus there would be the early repayment fees. I decided to find my own financial adviser and did an extensive search online. Based on the Viva reviews and the industry awards, I made contact with Viva and was contacted by Roy Tozer on 14 March 2024. When Roy introduced himself to me, he immediately understood my circumstances and state of mind after the disappointment of my previous lender's refusal. Alhough I was sceptical to start the process all over again, Roy put me at ease from the start and said he would do all he could to find another lender. He was very reassuring. From that initial contact, he kept me informed all the way. He researched the whole market and came up with the best option for me. I particularly liked the process of going through the whole process by video calls face to face, and to be kept up to date with emails attaching all the necessary documentation. Roy not only found another lender at the best interest rate, but also he went the extra mile by contacting my current lender and persuaded them to waive the early repayment charge, effectively reducing the amount of my loan that would save me thousands over the term of the loan. Roy Tozer could have done nothing better. He went over and above, the extra mile etc. etc. I would have no hesitatation in recommending him to friends and family and to anyone who wanted the recommendation of a financial adviser. I cannot comment him enough. He is a credit to Viva.
Mrs R, 10/7/24
Having been in the finance industry until I retired some years ago, I have high standards!! Rob met every one of them. From our first meeting he was pleasant and professional taking me through every step confidently. Once he had submitted my application he was with me every step of the way. I was amazed at how quick and easy it was from start to finish.
Mr S, Essex 18/3/24
To me, Gerard Hucker was the star of the whole process. I don't believe I could have begun to achieve what he did - and he was always to hand and available. I was particularly impressed by his contacting separately my daughter to ensure she understood the implications for her eventually of my potential equity release. Also Gerard Hucker achieved a significant reduction in the interest rate on the back of an unnecessary delay in the process caused by the lender's surveyor's patently deficient and over-hasty survey, including their claimed but well outdated, local knowledge.
Mr C, Surrey 12/2/24
I needed extra cash which I did not have, to keep my home up to scratch. Paul talked me through everything I needed to be aware of, good and not so good. There was no pressure, his demeanor was always professional but friendly.
Mrs K, Hertfordshire 1/2/24
Because of family circumstances, I wanted to release equity which I could use to support some charities and Church Projects that are close to my heart, during my lifetime. I contacted a couple other Equity Release Companies without success. Robert listened to my needs and circumstances and has been able to put me in touch with a company that has satisfied my requirements. He definitely went the extra mile.
Mrs C, Manchester, 25/1/24
David was friendly, professional & very knowledgable about the equity release market & the vast amount of lenders out there. He sorted out the very best deal for us and answered all my questions without hesitation.
Private, Leicestershire 25/1/24