Clive Bolton, ‘at-retirement’ director at Aviva, comments on the relaunch of SHIP as the Equity Release Council:

“The new Equity Release Council, with its expanded membership and safe-guards, is the ideal vehicle to help both grow and install confidence in the equity release market.

“Aviva’s Spring Real Retirement Report* revealed that 80% of over 55s own a home, with an average value of £235,608, indicating the significant potential for housing equity to provide financial support for retirees. We are pleased to be a part of this important relaunch, which will increase the accessibility of products and give more people the confidence to use equity release as a key retirement planning tool.”