Equity Release Rates by Age 2026 — Updated October 2026
- fixed lifetime rates
- 6.2%–7.5% AERfixed lifetime rates
- release at 55
- c.20%release at 55
- release at 85
- c.50%+release at 85
- Last updated
- October 2026Last updated
Important: Equity release is a long-term commitment and will reduce the value of your estate. It may affect entitlement to means-tested benefits. Independent financial and legal advice is required. All plans recommended are from Equity Release Council approved lenders. Your home may be repossessed if you do not maintain required payments on a secured loan.
How much you can release depends mainly on the age of the youngest borrower. In October 2026 a 55-year-old can typically release about 20% of their home's value and an 85-year-old 50% or more, at fixed lifetime rates of 6.2%–7.5% AER.
Equity Release by Age — Typical Maximum Release, October 2026
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Youngest borrower's age | Typical maximum release |
|---|---|
| 55 | 20%–25% |
| 60 | 25%–30% |
| 65 | 30%–35% |
| 70 | 35%–40% |
| 75 | 40%–45% |
| 80 | 45%–50% |
| 85+ | 50%–55% |
What equity release costs over time: worked example
- Owed after 10 years
- £187,714
- Owed after 15 years
- £257,184
- Owed after 20 years
- £352,365
£100,000 released at 6.5% with interest rolled up.
Paying some interest, or drawing funds in stages, cuts this sharply.
A free, no-obligation later life lending review with a qualified adviser
The figures above are indicative and describe the best case. Send your own scenario and we will come back the same working day with terms from the lenders that actually fit it.
- Enquiry type
- Later Life Lending
- About
- Equity Release by Age
No upfront fees on loans over £1m.
Enough detail to price it is the amount, the security, the purpose and how you plan to repay. The rest we can fill in on a call.
Whole of market · 130+ lenders · FCA 814533 · Same working day response
Rate context and outlook
Lifetime mortgage rates are fixed for life and are priced from long-dated gilt yields, which rose in September alongside other market rates. Bank Rate is 3.75% after the 17 September hold, with the next decision on 5 November.
Retirement interest-only and retirement mortgages follow the wider mortgage market, where fixed rates rose in September. Rates are indicative and depend on age, property value and the amount released.
Reviewed by David Doulton, Director, Doulton Bridging Finance — over 20 years in property finance. Last reviewed 1 October 2026. Doulton Money Ltd t/a Doulton Bridging Finance, FCA No. 814533.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get more if I have health conditions?
Yes — enhanced plans can raise the release; see Enhanced Equity Release Rates.
Will I owe more than my home is worth?
Plans meeting Equity Release Council standards carry a no-negative-equity guarantee.
Does property value affect the release percentage?
Yes. Higher-value homes can sometimes reach higher percentages, and some lenders have minimum values.
Is the release based on the younger partner's age?
Yes, for joint applications.
Can I release more later?
With a drawdown plan or a further advance, subject to age and value at the time.
What is the minimum age?
55 for lifetime mortgages; many RIO and retirement mortgage lenders start at 50–55.
What happens when I die or move into care?
The loan is repaid from the sale of the home, usually after the last borrower dies or moves into long-term care.
Will it affect my benefits?
Releasing cash can affect means-tested benefits; your adviser will check this before you proceed.
Can my family still inherit?
Yes, what remains after the loan is repaid, and some plans let you protect a percentage of the property's value.
Do I need advice?
Yes. Equity release must be arranged through a qualified adviser, and we recommend involving your family.
Where this applies
Talk to us about
Work it out
Equity release will reduce the value of your estate and may affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits. Advice is provided by a qualified equity release adviser. Check that this mortgage meets your needs if you want to move or sell your home, or want your family to inherit it.
Get a personalised rate comparison for your case
Independent whole-of-market advice · FCA No. 814533