IFAs forecast equity release boom

The third Equity Release IFA Confidence Index, issued by provider Hodge Lifetime, suggests most advisers predict at least a 5% increase in completed applications by the end of March. A total of 57% of respondents reported there had been more interest in equity release among consumers during the last quarter of 2008 than during the first half of last year. However, 58% also expect consumer confidence to dip over the coming months if uncertainty within the banking sector continues, with 42% expressing concern falling house prices are being "wrongly" portrayed as detrimental to equity rele...