Strong demand for Regulated Equity Release qualification

The ifs School of Finance, who offer the industry leading Certificate in Regulated Equity Release (CeRER), revealed that demand for this qualification has been incredibly strong in recent weeks despite increasing difficulties in the mainstream residential mortgage market.

The news follows figures from Equity Release trade body Safe Home Income Plans (SHIP) that business volumes produced by SHIP members in the second quarter of the year have increased by 14% compared to quarter one. £275.7m of equity was released by SHIP members in the second quarter, compared to £242.7m released in the first.

Earlier this week research from Hodge Equity Release showed that over 50% of mortgage advisers were looking to diversify their advice offering with many considering a move into advising on Equity Release products.

Mark Roberts, Head of Financial regulation at the ifs School of Finance said; "Our figures support what all other indicators have been suggesting - that the Equity Release sector is a growing and vibrant market.

We have received almost 400 registrations for our Certificate in Regulated Equity Release (CeRER) or the CeRER "top up" during the last three months alone.

Increasing demand for this qualification bodes well not only for the adviser community but for the increasing number of consumers seeking advice in this area. Holding an appropriate qualification not only meets regulatory requirements, it reassures consumers that they are getting good advice from a knowledgeable and competent adviser."

For further information please visit ifslearning.ac.uk