EQUITY release allows homeowners aged 55 and over to unlock the equity that has built up in their homes as tax-free cash. But is equity release a good idea for you?

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It may allow you to unlock from a minimum of £10,000 up to 53% of the value of your property – providing it is worth at least £70,000.

The exact amount of money that you can access is based on the age of the youngest homeowner, the value of your home, and your individual needs.

Calculate how much you could unlock

What are the advantages of equity release?

It can be a flexible option with many different plan features to suit individual needs and requirements. For example, you can choose how you take the money you release, either as a lump sum or in smaller amounts over time.

One of the main benefits of equity release for many people is you’re not required to make any repayments if you don’t wish to, as the money you unlock, plus accrued interest, is repaid when you die or move into long-term care. 

Plus, with a lifetime mortgage, the most popular type of equity release plan, you continue to own 100% of the home you love.

Another advantage is that the money you unlock can be used for a variety of reasons; a new car, holiday, or even providing a financial gift to loved ones. As long as any existing mortgage is repaid first, the money is yours to enjoy spending.

Plans which meet the Equity Release Council’s standards feature a no negative equity guarantee.  This means that your estate will never owe more than the property is worth when it is sold.

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What are the drawbacks?

With equity release, interest can build up over time on the amount you borrow which can be a significant amount.

With a lump sum plan where you take all the money in one go, you know exactly how much this will be when you take the loan.

With a drawdown plan, where you take the money in smaller amounts over time, you only pay interest on the money when you withdraw it, and the interest rate is typically the current rate at the time the funds are drawn.

Releasing equity could increase your income enough to make you ineligible for means tested benefits, now or in the future.

Equity release may involve a home reversion plan or a lifetime mortgage, which is secured against your property and the value of your estate will be reduced. This means that there will be less wealth to pass on to loved ones, and funding long-term care will be impacted by releasing the money tied up in your home.  

Equity release can be complex, and it is a long-term financial commitment so it’s important to get the right advice.

Calculate how much you could unlock

Is equity release a good idea for you?

It’s important to carefully consider the impact of equity release on your individual circumstances when evaluating if it is a good idea for you.

Advice is required before proceeding with equity release and a specialist advisor, such as those at Age Partnership, can talk you through the different options to help you find out if it could be right for your individual needs, or if another option could be better.  

Initial advice is provided for free and without obligation. Only if your case completes would an advice fee of £1,895 be payable. Other lender and solicitor fees may apply.

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Age Partnership is a trading name of Age Partnership Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA registered number 425432. Company registered in England and Wales No. 5265969. VAT registration number 162 9355 92. Registered address, 2200 Century Way, Thorpe Park, Leeds, LS15 8ZB.           

UAE is undoubtedly one of the best places to find properties with the highest return on investment. Over the years, things have become really investor-friendly. In 2023, the country saw a massive boost in foreign direct investment, reaching $30.69 billion, which marks a 34.97% increase from the previous year. This upward trend underscores the growing confidence in the market, showcasing why finding the best investment properties for sale in UAE remains a lucrative opportunity for investors.

But what makes a property an attractive investment opportunity in UAE? And what are some of the top investment properties currently available in the country? Let’s dive in and guide you through finding the best investment properties in UAE that will bring you high returns in 2025 and beyond.

Signs of the Best Investment Properties for Sale in UAE

Here are some key signs to look out for when searching for the best investment properties for sale in UAE:

Location

Location is the most important factor when hunting for top investment properties in the UAE. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best location? Well, if it’s your first time, then we’ll recommend Dubai Marina. It is a stunning residential area known for its calming vibe, glamorous lifestyle, and towering skyscrapers. Called “The Tallest Block in the World,” Dubai Marina offers amazing marina views with various properties, from high-rise apartments to luxurious hotels.

Then, there’s Downtown Dubai, filled with energy and home to the iconic Burj Khalifa. Here, property choices range from cozy studios to spacious 5-bed townhouses. Prices for these high-end apartments start from AED 3,570,373. Downtown Dubai is perfect for those who want easy access to shopping malls, schools, and great entertainment like the Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain.

And don’t forget about Palm Jumeirah, a jaw-dropping man-made island shaped like a palm tree. This fascinating island offers everything you need, from fun leisure activities to delightful dining options and pristine private beaches. If you invest in a property here, expect to get a very high rental return, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Infrastructure Development

The UAE’s property market has flourished in the last few years, driven by strategic investments and supportive government policies. The increase in foreign direct investment is living proof of the confidence investors have in this ever-evolving landscape. Key to this growth is the solid infrastructure development across the nation. 

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has implemented 129 development projects worth approximately AED 11.8 billion as part of the ministry’s five-year plan (2018-2023). This extensive development has increased demand for properties, making UAE one of the hottest investment spots globally.

Market Trends

Staying updated with the latest market trends is crucial when searching for top investment properties in UAE. One noteworthy trend is the growing popularity of off-plan properties or projects that are still under construction. These offer attractive payment plans and flexible options, making them a preferred choice for many investors. In 2023 alone, Dubai recorded 57,360 off-plan property transactions, a 48% increase from 2022. The success of these off-plan projects shows a promising future for investors looking for high returns.

Rental Yields

When it comes to rental yields, the UAE is shining bright! In the first quarter of 2024, the average gross rental yield was 5.16%, which is an amazing increase from 4.93% in the third quarter of 2023. This rise shows how strong and exciting the property market is becoming in the UAE. For investors, such high rental yields mean more money in their pockets. It’s like getting a bigger piece of a delicious pie! So, if you’re looking to invest, the UAE is the place to be for exciting rental returns.

3 Best Investment Properties for Sale in UAE

Now that you know what makes a property an attractive investment opportunity and the key signs to look out for, let’s take a look at the 3 best investment properties for sale in UAE.

Number 1. Apartment in TIGER SKY TOWER

How wonderful would it be to start your day in a stunning 2-bedroom apartment located right in the bustling heart of Dubai’s Business Bay? Welcome to the TIGER SKY TOWER. With its generous 144.87 square meters of living space, this apartment is designed for comfort and relaxation.

You will have two elegant bathrooms to complement the luxurious living space, and being just 450 meters from the sea, the location couldn’t be more ideal for those who love the ocean breeze. Priced at 4 771 665 AED, this property not only provides you with modern living but also great value, situated close to Dubai’s vibrant city centre.

Number 2. Apartment in Beach Walk

Imagine living in a cozy apartment in the beautiful Beach Walk area of Dubai. This fabulous place features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, offering a comfortable living space of 93 square meters. It’s close to the sea, just 350 meters away, making it perfect for anyone who loves the beach.

The apartment is priced at 3,300,000 AED, giving you a chance to invest in a valuable property in a prime location in Dubai. If you invest in this property, you’ll also enjoy a range of amenities such as gymnasiums, restaurants and cafes, and breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Number 3. Apartment in Beach Walk

Discover the stunning Apartment in Beach Walk, Dubai, UAE, a remarkable investment opportunity with elegant features and a prime location. This luxurious property contains 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, providing a generous living space of 93 square meters. Strategically located just 350 meters away from the beautiful sea, this apartment offers both comfort and convenience.

With its exquisite design and access to various amenities, this property promises a harmonious lifestyle in one of Dubai’s sought-after areas. Priced at 3,300,000 AED, it represents an exceptional investment potential.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A complete guide to finding the best investment properties for sale in UAE. Who doesn’t want to invest in a booming real estate market that offers high rental yields, incredible infrastructure development, and a wide range of property options? Be it the luxurious Palm Jumeirah or the lively Downtown Dubai, you just can’t go wrong with any investment in the UAE. Happy investing!

Want to know more? Visit https://emirates.estate/.

The venerable small self-administered scheme (SSAS) has been with us as a pensions option for well over 50 years now.

It was the true progenitor of self-investment in the pensions industry, leading the way to more opportunities for business people to save for later life.

Over the years, however, SSAS has become somewhat forgotten, particularly once Sipps exploded onto the scene in 1987. Sipps seized the centre stage of self-investment, though the Sipps of today look very different to those early schemes.

Decades of product development have brought the rise of the investment platform, which, although versatile and holding a vice-like grip on the majority of the Sipp market, doesn’t really encapsulate the true spirit of self-investment.

Many planners, perhaps even most, will have never dealt with a Ssas, let alone recommended its use

The challenge is that, alongside this relentless development of Sipps, the client and adviser demographics have also greatly changed. The old guard of pure advisers is slowly ebbing away and a new generation of planners are taking their place.

Many planners, perhaps even most, will have never dealt with a Ssas, let alone recommended its use.

Is SSAS even relevant in today’s world of financial advice?

Yes, I say, absolutely – perhaps now more than ever.

The entrepreneurial self-investment capability still has a solid place within the advice sector, particularly to meet the practical needs of small and medium-sized enterprises – in other words, business-owning clients, who will be on virtually every planner’s books.

Loanbacks – where the scheme lends up to 50% of the scheme value to the sponsoring employer – are highly attractive to business owners

One of the key roles SSAS can play is the opportunity to associate the client’s business as a sponsoring employer. This unlocks that wonderful SSAS specific feature: the loanback.

Loanbacks – where the scheme lends up to 50% of the scheme value to the sponsoring employer – are highly attractive to business owners. This gives access to low-cost funding that can generate business expansion.

There are, of course, rules, or tests, to ensure these loans are compliant with HM Revenue & Customs stipulations, though these are considerably less onerous than the typical lending process deployed by most institutional lenders.

When Sipps began to rule the roost of self-investment, up until around 2012 with RDR, and most certainly from 2016 onwards with the introduction of provider capital adequacy rules, they were the go-to option for anyone looking at non-retail investment solutions. One of the most popular avenues of that time was investment in private company shares.

SSAS will be around for a long time yet. However, I acknowledge it isn’t as popular as the Sipp and has a much smaller target market

These non-standard investment solutions no longer exist in the Sipp world – we could even regard them as extinct.

With SSAS, however, many non-retail asset classes can still be chosen. Furthermore, even when rare Sipp-based private share investment proposals are available, SSAS and loanback can often combine to offer a robust alternative solution.

All sounds great, right? So, why my concern about SSAS extinction?

I believe SSAS will probably be around for a long time yet. However, I acknowledge it simply isn’t as popular as the Sipp and has a much smaller target market. And so, as those advisers familiar with SSAS head into retirement, it’s vital the next generation understand and embrace the product and its many unique capabilities.

For me, it’s a perception thing – SSAS is indeed a ‘legacy’ product. Many of the new generation of advisers weren’t alive when it came into being. Amazingly, many weren’t even around for the advent of Sipps.

Let’s re-think, embrace and celebrate SSAS and the long future it clearly has ahead of it

Perhaps I am being unfair here, though it does feel at times like some people are conflating the legacy feel and age of SSAS with it being obsolete. Equally likely, it’s the perceived complexity of SSAS that’s an issue, particularly in contrast to the hyper-evolved offshoot of those first Sipps: the platform.

Ultimately, clients using SSAS are taking on a more involved role as trustees, with key decision-making responsibilities. Perhaps this alone creates a fear of things going awry.

Nevertheless, when we truly understand its capabilities, it’s hard to draw any conclusion other than, actually, SSAS is absolutely suitable for a segment of today’s clients. And with client outcomes at the heart of the decision-making process, the right solution should always trump other factors, like inherent bias.

The key for the latest generation of advisers and planners is to ensure they obtain the right support structure from the provider they use for SSAS. This includes receiving technical guidance that removes complexity, along with gaining added confidence when recommending SSAS where suitable for client needs.

So let’s re-think, embrace and celebrate SSAS and the long future it clearly has ahead of it.

Matt Storey is head of business development at @sipp

THOUSANDS of retirees can get a free TV licence, saving them up to £169.50 per year.

Anyone who wants live television including Sky, ITV, and BBC must obtain one.

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The Government is responsible for setting the level of the licence fee.

Last December it was announced that the government would raise the licence fee by 6.7%, in line with inflation, taking effect from April 2024.

This has brought the cost of a colour licence fee to £169.50 per year and a black and white licence fee to £57 per year.

It is illegal to watch live TV without a licence, and you could be fined up to £1,000 if you’re caught.

But if you are claiming the state pension and are aged 75 or over, you could get the licence for free.

That is because anyone in this age bracket can use the service for free if they are claiming pension credit.

If you’re over 75 and not in receipt of pension credit you have to pay for a TV licence, which could be up to £169.50 a year.

You can also get a free licence if your partner claims pension credit but you do not.

To apply for a free TV licence you can visit the following website, https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/cs/pay-for-your-tv-licence/index.app.

Alternatively, you can call the following number and apply over the phone 0300 790 6071.

But remember, you must be claiming pension credit to get the freebie.

If you are confused about whether or not you claim the payment check one of your bank statements.

You should see an entry with your National Insurance Number followed by the letters “PC”.

What is pension credit?

Pension Credit gives you extra money if you claim the State Pension and are on a low income.

If you live with a partner and you are both of State Pension age, your weekly income must fall below around £350.

However, if your income is slightly higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.

You could get an extra £81.50 a week if you have a disability or claim any of the following:

• Attendance allowance
• The middle or highest rate from the care component of disability living allowance (DLA)
• The daily living component of personal independence payment (PIP)
• Armed forces independence payment
• The daily living component of adult disability payment (ADP) at the standard or enhanced rate.

You could get the “savings credit” part of pension credit if both of the following apply:

• You reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016
• You saved some money for retirement, for example, a personal or workplace pension

This part of Pension Credit is worth £17.01 for single people or £19.04 for couples.

Pension Credit opens the door to other support, including housing benefits, cost of living payments, council tax reductions and the Winter Fuel Payment.

How do you apply?

You can start your application for Pension Credit up to four months before you reach State Pension age.

To apply you’ll need to provide your National Insurance number, information about any income, savings and investments you have, and your bank account details.

If you live with a partner you’ll also need to provide their details.

You can apply online here or by calling 0800 99 1234.

Other ways to get a discounted TV licence

You could be eligible for a discounted TV licence if you live in residential care or sheltered accommodation, or if you’re registered blind.

If you live in sheltered accommodation or residential care and are over 60 or disabled you can get a licence for just £7.50.

If you’re registered blind, or live with someone who is, you’re in line for a 50% discount.

The licence must be in the name of the person registered blind, but if your existing licence is not in their name, you can apply to transfer it.

You can apply for the discount on the TV Licensing website.

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