An independent Derby mortgage and financial advice business is celebrating one year in its Pride Park offices with the launch of a brand-new Equity Lounge.
Mortgage and Finance Arena, led by experienced adviser Suzanne Bradshaw, has opened the new lounge on the ground floor of its offices in Melbourne Business Court, directly opposite Pride Park Stadium.
The accessible and welcoming space has been created in response to growing demand from homeowners who are looking to release equity from their properties.
With rising living costs and many people keen to unlock the value tied up in their homes, Suzanne says equity release has become an increasingly popular way to access funds for home improvements, family support, or enjoying retirement – all without having to move house.
She said: “We’ve seen a massive rise in people asking about equity release over the past year, which is why we have created a specific space for these clients downstairs, which means it’s also accessible for elderly clients who can’t manage the stairs.
“Previously we’ve done home visits to go through the options with people, but since enquiries have really grown in this area we have designed a dedicated space.
“There is a broad range of reasons people want to access their equity – sometimes for home improvements, or to give their children some money while they can see them enjoy it.”
Suzanne added that while equity release has been a key growth area for the business, many clients are also getting in touch early to renew their mortgages ahead of the next budget.
“People are feeling a little nervous about what might happen with interest rates and the wider economy,” she explained. “We’re seeing more homeowners wanting to secure new deals in advance, just to give themselves peace of mind.
“I don’t think anyone has forgotten what happened with Kwasi and how everything can change overnight, so we’re really seeing a lot more caution amongst customers today.”
Since moving into their Pride Park offices last November, the Mortgage and Finance Arena team has gone from strength to strength – helping hundreds of local people secure mortgages, review their finances and plan for the future.
“It’s been a fantastic year for us,” added Suzanne. “Derby is our home, and we’re so proud to be part of this community. The new lounge is just another way we can make sure our clients feel supported every step of the way.”
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