LONDON, February 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Equity Release Sales increased steadily in 2011 boding well for further growth in 2012

The equity release market has reported a rise in both total lending and sales of equity releases plans with strong growth in the fourth quarter of 2011. The number of sales plans rose by 6% in the quarter, leaving commentators positive about further growth in 2012. According to the industry's trade body, 90% of this growth was achieved by independent financial advisers (IFAs), including Bower Retirement Services.

Bower Retirement Services is an award-winning home equity release adviser, who won Best Financial Adviser in 2011. It makes the whole process of releasing equity in your home easy, straightforward and efficient. It advises on four different equity release schemes: lump sum lifetime mortgages; lifetime mortgage with flexible cash release; interest only lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans.

The process of equity release at Bower Retirement Services is easy. First you will receive an initial, free and no obligation consultation, where you'll be talked through the process and given some idea as to how much equity you can expect to release from your home. The second stage recommends for you  an equity release plan. The third step is when you'll be able to release cash from your home. At this stage you will be provided with Bower Retirement Service's lifelong aftercare service.

It is this fully honed and well-rounded service that has resulted in multiple awards and a loyal customer base for Bower Retirement Services. But along with good service it can also offer you the best deals on the market. It compares the UK's leading equity release providers, such as LV, AVIVA, Stonehaven and Bridgewater to make sure you get the best possible equity release package.

Bower Retirement Services also takes financial safety very seriously and only choose schemes that adhere to its strict safety criteria. You can rest assured that Bower Retirement Services is regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and it recommends equity release plans from SHIP (Safe Home Income Plans), which come with certain guarantees that are approved by the entire financial industry.

Equity release plans are a real and valuable alternative for older people looking to bolster their state pension. They can now be structured around monthly routine expenditures and can be used to pay for one off items. Equity release schemes via Bower Retirement Services therefore offer both security and certainty.

To qualify for equity release schemes via Bower Retirement Services you must be a homeowner over the age of 55.

About Bower Retirement Services

Bower Retirement Services are an award-winning specialist UK equity release advice company. Fully regulated and authorised by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to provide advice on equity release products from the whole market. Winners at the 2009 and 2011 Equity Release Awards, with Bower customers are guaranteed to receive the very best equity release advice.

Geoff Charles, Managing Director, gsc@brsequity.co.uk, Tel: +44(0)1277-262724, Web: http://www.brsequity.co.uk

SOURCE Bower Retirement Services