Homesafe Solutions Pty Ltd
 | |
| Private | |
| Industry | Financial services |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Founder | Peter Szabo |
Area served | Victoria, New South Wales |
Key people | Dianne Shepherd (Managing Director) |
| Products | Homesafe Wealth Release® (equity release solution) |
| Website | www.homesafe.com.au |
Homesafe Solutions Pty Ltd is an Australian company that provides a debt-free equity release solution for older homeowners. Founded in 2005 in Melbourne, Australia, the company offers retirees a unique alternative to accessing home equity without incurring debt. Unlike traditional reverse mortgages, Homesafe Wealth Release allows homeowners to unlock the value of their homes without making repayments or accumulating interest, ensuring financial security and flexibility in retirement.[1]
History
Homesafe Solutions Pty Ltd was founded in 2005 by Australian actuary Peter Szabo as a joint venture with Bendigo & Adelaide Bank. The company launched a debt-free equity release solution for homeowners aged 60 and over, operating across 90% of postcodes in greater Melbourne and Sydney.[2][3]
In 2007, Homesafe transitioned from its initial pilot phase, establishing an internal customer contact center and proprietary branding. In 2014, the product was rebranded from Homesafe Debt Free Equity Release to Homesafe Wealth Release to better reflect its offerings.[4]
By 2023, Bendigo & Adelaide Bank valued its Homesafe investment at $958 million.[5] Later that year, the bank announced a restructuring of its investment, ceasing further funding from June 30, 2024.[6] In July 2024, Homesafe Solutions was acquired by Federation Asset Management, which assumed full ownership and entered a partnership with a major Australian bank to fund future expansion.[7][8]
In 2025, the company underwent a brand refresh, launching a new TV campaign to enhance engagement with its target audience.[9]
Products and services
Homesafe Solutions provides a debt-free equity release product called Homesafe Wealth Release. This solution allows eligible homeowners to access a lump sum payment in exchange for selling a capped share of the future sale proceeds of their home. Unlike a reverse mortgage, the agreement does not involve compounding interest, repayments, or the transfer of legal ownership, ensuring the homeowner retains control over the property. The agreement also includes rebate options to ensure fair financial outcomes for homeowners who sell their homes earlier than expected.[10]
The company primarily operates in Victoria and New South Wales, with potential plans for expansion into Queensland and other states. Homesafe Wealth Release is targeted at homeowners aged 60 and over who are asset-rich but cash-poor, providing financial flexibility for expenses such as debt repayment, home improvements, living costs, and medical expenses.[11]
Corporate structure
Homesafe Solutions Pty Ltd is headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, and employs over 20 staff across senior management, customer relations, administration, compliance, operations, and finance.[12][13]
From 2005 to 2024, Homesafe was led by Dianne Shepherd, who joined in 2006 and became Chief Operating Officer in 2017.[14] Following the 2024 ownership transition, Shepherd was appointed as Managing Director.[15]
References
- ↑ "Homesafe Solutions - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding". Crunchbase. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ↑ "Homesafe Solutions 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Funding & Investors | PitchBook". pitchbook.com. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ↑ Rundle, Belle (11 December 2024). "Homesafe Wealth Release Launches New Client Testimonial Campaign via Burninghouse and The Faith Agency". The Faith Agency | Full Service Marketing Agency in Melbourne. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ↑ Watts, Carmen (2 September 2018). "Debt free equity release continuing to be a popular alternative to Reverse Mortgages". AdviserVoice. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ↑ "Update on Homesafe investment". www.bendigobank.com.au. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ↑ "Bendigo exits Homesafe". Banking Day. 17 July 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ↑ Watts, Carmen (15 July 2024). "Federation Asset Management acquires Homesafe". AdviserVoice. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ↑ "Homesafe lands with local asset manager after Bendigo exit". Australian Financial Review. 14 July 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ↑ "Homesafe Wealth Release launches new campaign via Burninghouse and The Faith Agency". Campaign Brief. 9 December 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ↑ "Homesafe Solutions - Submission in response to: Retirement Income Covenant" (PDF). treasury.gov.au. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ↑ "PRESS RELEASE: Homesafe: A Debt-Free Alternative to facilitate the "Bank of Mum and Dad" whilst providing protections for the future". Get The Word Out. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ↑ "Homesafe Solutions Pty Ltd". zoominfo. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ↑ Taylor, Mike (14 July 2024). "Federation Asset Management acquires Homesafe". Financial Newswire. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ↑ Goh, Jassmyn. "Govt's RIR welcomed but opposing views on key issues | Money Management". www.moneymanagement.com.au. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ↑ "Federation AM acquires Homesafe". Financial Standard. 15 July 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2025.