UK: Norwich Union increases equity release interest rates

Norwich Union is increasing the fixed interest rates on its Fixed Rate Lifetime Mortgage by 0.20%. The interest rate will increase to 7.19% for business introduced through IFAs and to 7.49% for direct business. The new rates will be effective on loans completed on and after 2 August 2004.

The Fixed Rate Lifetime Mortgage is a mortgage-based equity release product.

Mark Kelly, Director of Norwich Union Personal Finance, said: "Equity release plans provide a solution for many older home owners who have no other way of generating a cash lump sum and want to stay in their own home. In recent weeks we have seen long-term interest rates move upward and therefore the cost to Norwich Union of raising funds has increased. These rate increases reflect the increase in funding costs. Existing customers whose loans have already completed or who will complete before 2 August 2004 are unaffected by this change."

Press office contact:

David Gwyer 01904 452828 07800 699508

James Evans 01904 452791 07790 487105

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