Equity Release Adviser Yorkshire

Hi, I’m Sonya Shaw, a qualified equity release adviser helping homeowners over 55 unlock tax-free cash from their property. Whether you're looking to boost your retirement income, fund home improvements, or support loved ones, I offer expert, tailored advice to help you explore your options with confidence.

Sonya Shaw is a Company Director of Smart Choice Equity Release, which is a trading style of One Stop 4 Equity Release Limited who provide independent whole of market advice.

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Meet your Equity Release team

As your equity release advisor, Kevin Woods has the support of a dedicated team to assist you throughout your Equity Release journey. No matter how small your question, our team will always endeavour to respond and keep you updated with the progress of your case. With the help of his assistant Samantha and his paraplanner John, we are here to help you fulfil your ambitions and expectations to ensure you receive the best equity release service we can provide. Phone 01489 454545 to start your journey with a free consultation to see if equity release is the right option for you.

Sonya Shaw

Sonya Shaw is a highly experienced Independent Whole-of-Market Equity Release Specialist based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. With over 25 years of expertise in sales and client services, she is renowned for her client-focused approach and meticulous attention to detail. Sonya is committed to empowering individuals with clear, ethical, and practical financial advice tailored to their unique circumstances.

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Kevin Woods

There are many financial experts, so why come to Kevin Woods? Kevin successfully combines professionalism with an ability to put people at their ease. He is driven by the need to help his clients with their individual financial circumstances which have brought them to him and to consider equity release.

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Reviews and Ratings for Financial adviser Sonya Shaw, Portsmouth

Areas we cover

What can you use Equity Release for?

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Holiday

Home Improvements

Financial Security

Why Choose Smart Choice Equity Release?

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Compassionate Support During Life’s Challenges

Financial decisions can be daunting, particularly when managing long-term care costs or dealing with loss. Our compassionate, expert advice provides the support you need, offering peace of mind no matter your circumstances.

Always Available When You Need Us

We believe in building long-term relationships with our clients. From your first enquiry through to completion and beyond, we’re available when it suits you—whether during or outside of normal office hours. You’ll have direct access to Kevin Woods and our team by phone, Zoom, or in person, ensuring you receive the support you need, when you need it.

Your Needs Come First

We put your needs at the forefront of everything we do. We take the time to understand your personal circumstances, ensuring our recommendations are always in your best interest and provide fair value.

Trusted by Clients, Recognised by the Industry

We are proud to have earned a Certificate of Excellence from VouchedFor, reflecting the trust and confidence our clients place in us. As SOLLA-accredited advisers, we specialise in later-life financial planning, including advice on care funding, to ensure you receive the most up-to-date and accurate guidance for your financial future.

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Testimonials

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“Working with Kevin and Samantha has been such a positive experience. They were approachable and completely professional throughout the whole process. They were not at all fazed by any of the hurdles we faced along the way in securing the right ER product, especially in the current volatile economic climate.”

Ms JM and Ms MC

“A gentleman through & through. Always has been, always will be. Be assured you’re in the safest hands with this gentleman.”

John Aris

“Kevin was really very helpful and we were very happy with the service he provided. Kevin is very approachable and easy to talk to and he explained everything so clearly to us. He is patient, kind and just a down to earth person to work with. We would definitely recommend him to anyone else who wanted to release equity from their home too.”

A couple from Hampshire

“'I was thoroughly pleased with the service I received from Kevin. He was efficient and informative, and the money was released a lot more quickly than I had expected. On the whole I was very pleased with everything.' ”

A gentleman from Hampshire

“We are more than pleased with the level of service given by Kevin. He was professional, friendly and understanding of our needs. At no time were we under any pressure to accept his recommendations. We would have no hesitation in highly recommending Kevin to anyone considering Equity Release.”

Pauline and Michael

“Everything went smoothly and Kevin kept me updated the whole way which I very much appreciated. I was very happy with everything he did for me.”

Carol, Hampshire

“Working with Kevin and Samantha has been such a positive experience. They were approachable and completely professional throughout the whole process. They were not at all fazed by any of the hurdles we faced along the way in securing the right ER product, especially in the current volatile economic climate.”

Ms JM and Ms MC

“Kevin was really very helpful and we were very happy with the service he provided. Kevin is very approachable and easy to talk to and he explained everything so clearly to us. He is patient, kind and just a down to earth person to work with. We would definitely recommend him to anyone else who wanted to release equity from their home too.”

A couple from Hampshire

“It was fantastic and it all went really well and so quickly too! Kevin is very likeable and we are very happy.”

Mr and Mrs F, Hants

Testimonials

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“'I was thoroughly pleased with the service I received from Kevin. He was efficient and informative, and the money was released a lot more quickly than I had expected. On the whole I was very pleased with everything.' ”

A gentleman from Hampshire

“Kevin was really very helpful and we were very happy with the service he provided. Kevin is very approachable and easy to talk to and he explained everything so clearly to us. He is patient, kind and just a down to earth person to work with. We would definitely recommend him to anyone else who wanted to release equity from their home too.”

A couple from Hampshire

“I would have no hesitation in recommending Kevin, and his team, to anyone thinking of going down the Equity Release road, as I did. First class service all round!”

Mr V

“A gentleman through & through. Always has been, always will be. Be assured you’re in the safest hands with this gentleman.”

John Aris

“My wife and I would like to take this opportunity to thank your team for all the support they have given us in securing our Equity Release.”

Mr and Mrs Butcher

“'I was thoroughly pleased with the service I received from Kevin. He was efficient and informative, and the money was released a lot more quickly than I had expected. On the whole I was very pleased with everything.' ”

A gentleman from Hampshire

“There were no problems working with Kevin from start to finish. He communicated well with us in all the appointments and gave clear feedback throughout the whole process. We were very happy with the service we received from Kevin and I am so pleased that my research in finding him proved him to be everything that we expected.”

Mrs F

“It was fantastic and it all went really well and so quickly too! Kevin is very likeable and we are very happy.”

Mr and Mrs F, Hants

Testimonials

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“I wouldn't go anywhere else! Kevin was so good with my first Equity Release that there was no doubt I would use him when I needed to do it again. He is so honest and trustworthy and you really know you are in safe hands with Kevin. ”

Mrs Quincey, Dorset

“We recommend without any hesitation Kevin Woods as your adviser for equity release. He explained all matters very clearly, without any rush or any pressure. He responded very quickly to any questions we had. A true gentleman at all times. ”

Mr & Mrs A Haslemere

“Everything went well with our equity release process. Kevin came around to our house to explain it all to us and take us through the paperwork and we were very happy with the way in which he helped. The whole process went through very smoothly and we now have the funds we needed. We would have no hesitation in recommending Kevin to anyone else who wanted to do the same.”

Mr and Mrs B, Oxford

“A gentleman through & through. Always has been, always will be. Be assured you’re in the safest hands with this gentleman.”

John Aris

“Everything went smoothly and Kevin kept me updated the whole way which I very much appreciated. I was very happy with everything he did for me.”

Carol, Hampshire

“Kevin not only brings a wealth of experience to support his advice, he brings integrity and a drive for satisfied customers that raise him to the highest levels in his chosen fields.”

Steven Hulbert

“Working with Kevin and Samantha has been such a positive experience. They were approachable and completely professional throughout the whole process. They were not at all fazed by any of the hurdles we faced along the way in securing the right ER product, especially in the current volatile economic climate.”

Ms JM and Ms MC

“When we decided to switch equity release plans to another provider we had no hesitation in again relying upon Kevin’s excellent professional services as he had previously advised us so proficiently. As expected, he was thorough and expeditious throughout and got us the best deal. We would highly commend Kevin to anyone considering an equity release plan”

Dr and Mrs P

“It was fantastic and it all went really well and so quickly too! Kevin is very likeable and we are very happy.”

Mr and Mrs F, Hants

“Kevin was brilliant to work with; very professional and thorough throughout.”

Mr Hatcher

What is Equity Release?

Equity Release could be the ideal, tax-free solution for those of us who are cash-poor but property-rich. Equity Release involves unlocking some of the tax-free cash that is tied up in your property, which you can spend in a variety of ways.

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Why use Smart Choice Equity Release?

There are many Equity Release experts out there, so why should you consider talking to us as opposed to anyone else? The first thing we would say is, please do talk to someone! It is so important to identify firstly whether Equity Release is right for you, and secondly, which plan will work for your circumstances and your future.

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See how much you can borrow

For a guide to the maximum amount you could potentially release from your home, why not ask us now? Totally without obligation, this service gives you an indication of the amount of money that could be available based solely upon the value of your property. The actual amount will also be dependent upon your lifestyle (or age of the youngest homeowner) and your health situation.

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Case Studies

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Family Matters

A couple in Winchester were financially comfortable but worried about their children’s future. Their resources were just enough to cover their own needs. We demonstrated how equity release could unlock funds tied up in their property, enabling them to support their children without compromising their own lifestyle.

Freedom to Care

A woman in Romsey longed to give up work to care for her husband, who has Alzheimer’s, but their finances wouldn’t allow it. By using equity release, she was able to retire and devote her time to looking after him, secure in the knowledge that their finances were stable and their home remained protected.

Dreams Come True

A couple in Southampton had never visited their son’s family in Australia and had not yet met one of their grandchildren. They were overjoyed when we showed them how equity release could fund an extended holiday down under and provide the means to build the conservatory they had always dreamed of enjoying during their retirement.

Why not get in touch and see how we can help?

Equity release could be the answer to some of your financial questions. If you would like to know more about it, and see if it could be the right option for you, please book an appointment or request a call-back

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Providers include

Equity release will reduce the value of your estate and may also affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits. You should always think carefully before securing a loan against your home.

Unless you decide to go ahead with a plan, our service is completely free of charge, as our fixed advice fee of £1,295 is only payable on completion of a plan.

A lifetime mortgage is the most popular form of equity release, and is a loan secured against your home that’s typically repaid when you pass away or go into long-term care.