When it comes to saving for retirement, many of us are split on whether property or a pension is the best way to invest, but while both have their merits, new figures from Key (formerly Key Retirement) would suggest that property almost certainly remains a better option.
Fresh analysis from the independent equity release adviser shows that mortgage free retired homeowners saw their homes increase by almost £1,000 a month over the past six months despite housing market uncertainty.
Total property wealth owned by over-65s who are mortgage free is at a new record high of £1.118trn with the average homeowners seeing the value of their homes increase by £28bn.
Across Great Britain, average gains for the over 65s in property wealth are worth £5,998 each with all areas of the country benefiting in the past six months.
Homeowners in Yorkshire and Humberside (+£8,607) have seen the biggest increases followed by those in Wales (+£7,875) and the North West (+£7,546) have also done better than average (+£5,889).
Retired, mortgage free homeowners in London (+£1,655) have the least to celebrate and have only just matched over six months the same amount over-65s in Yorkshire & Humberside have achieved in a month (+£1,435).
Since Key started analysing the un-mortgaged property wealth of the over-65s in 2010 retired homeowners have seen growth of nearly £340bn in property wealth – equivalent to an increase of 43%.
Will Hale, CEO at Key, commented: “Retired homeowners who have paid off their mortgage have made on average nearly £1,000 from their homes per month with over-65s in some parts of the country experiencing even bigger gains. Those in Yorkshire and Humberside have seen the biggest increases while those in London have seen more modest gains.
“The numbers are fascinating but the basic fact is that no matter what happens year to year to house prices many over-65s will have considerable property wealth which can transform their standard of living in retirement and help family members.
“Increasingly equity release customers are able to make substantial gifts to family members including their adult children or even grandchildren with money being used to clear debts, fund university fees and pay for house deposits and weddings. Customers can also use the money to ‘age-proof’ their own homes and preserve wealth for the family.
“While equity release is not right for everyone, it is clear that if your home is your largest asset in retirement, you should take some time to think through when and if you might need to access this wealth. Speaking to a specialist adviser is key to making smart choices.”