EFEquity Fountain

Home Improvements

Home improvements and accessibility adaptations

Homeowners aged 72 and 70 funding a level-access bathroom and heating replacement.

Illustrative photograph for the scenario: Home improvements and accessibility adaptations
Illustrative photography supplied by Equity Fountain. Images do not depict actual clients or cases and are used for presentation purposes only.

Client profile

Joint applicants, 72 and 70, owner-occupiers for 31 years, modest defined-benefit pension income.

  • · Fund adaptations to remain in the home
  • · Avoid monthly commitments from pension income

Property & amount

Semi-detached house, standard construction, valued at £340,000, no outstanding mortgage.

£45,000

Alternatives considered

  • · Local authority disabled facilities grant
  • · Savings
  • · Family contribution
  • · Downsizing

Possible advantages

  • · Remain in a familiar home and community
  • · No compulsory monthly payment
  • · Fixed rate for life

Important disadvantages

  • · Estate value reduced over time
  • · Interest compounds if unserviced
  • · Early repayment charge may apply

Questions an adviser should consider

  • · Has a grant application been explored first?
  • · Are the works necessary now or deferrable?
  • · Would a smaller initial advance with a drawdown reserve reduce total cost?

Vulnerability considerations

Neither applicant showed indicators of vulnerability at fact-find; hearing support was offered.

Calculation example

£45,000 at 6.2% with no repayments projects to approximately £82,000 after 10 years.

Illustrative only — not a provider quotation or personalised recommendation.

Last reviewed 2026-09-13 · sample

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