Equity Release
Release the wealth tied up in your home without selling or moving.
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.
About Equity Release
Equity release allows homeowners aged 55 and over to access a tax-free lump sum or regular income secured against their property, with the loan repaid from the eventual sale. We provide independent whole-of-market advice - comparing all Equity Release Council approved lenders to find the right plan for your circumstances.
The options we compare
Lifetime Mortgage
The most common form of equity release. Borrow against your home - interest rolls up and is repaid from the property sale. Drawdown options allow you to take money as needed rather than all at once, reducing the interest cost.
Home Reversion Plan
Sell a percentage of your property to the provider in exchange for a tax-free lump sum or regular payments. You retain the right to live in your home for life, rent-free. You retain ownership of the unsold share.
Equity Release for Home Improvements
The most common use of equity release - 21% of all releases in 2025. Fund an extension, adaptation for mobility, new kitchen, or any home improvement without saving or borrowing on a monthly repayment basis.
Equity Release for Gifting
13% of all equity release in 2025 was used for intergenerational gifting. Help children with a house deposit, fund a grandchild's education, or advance an inheritance while you can see its benefit.
Equity Release to Clear Mortgage
26% of all equity release in 2025 was used to clear existing mortgages. Use equity release to repay an interest-only mortgage reaching its term end, removing the repayment deadline and the threat of forced sale.
Equity Release for Income
Drawdown lifetime mortgages provide a reserve to top up retirement income as needed. Draw monthly or annually - interest only accrues on amounts drawn, making this a cost-effective supplement to pension income.
How We Help
Free consultation
We assess your home value, any existing mortgage, your income, health, and what you want the money for. We compare equity release against RIO and other alternatives before any recommendation.
Whole-market comparison
We compare plans from all major ERC-approved lenders: Aviva, Legal & General, Just, Canada Life, More2Life, Pure Retirement, OneFamily, LV=, Royal London, Standard Life, and others.
Key Facts Illustration
Your recommended plan is presented in a Key Facts Illustration - a standardised document comparing the loan amount, interest rate, and projected future balance. You receive independent legal advice from a solicitor.
Completion
Funds are released - typically 4-8 weeks from application. Your solicitor manages the legal work. The lender registers a charge against your property.
Speak to our later life lending specialists
Call 0204 6211776 · Whole-of-market advice across all later life products · FCA No. 814533
Frequently asked questions
Is equity release safe?
Equity release regulated by the FCA and offered through Equity Release Council approved lenders is a well-regulated, contractually protected product. The ERC's protections include: no negative equity guarantee, right to remain in your home for life, portability to a new suitable property, and fixed or capped interest rates. Independent financial and legal advice is required before any plan completes. It is not inherently unsafe - but it is a long-term commitment with significant financial implications that require careful independent advice.
Will equity release affect my means-tested benefits?
Releasing a lump sum may take you above the savings threshold for means-tested benefits including Pension Credit, Council Tax Reduction, and Housing Benefit. The impact depends on the amount released, how it is spent, and your current benefit entitlements. We assess the benefits position as part of our recommendation. Using a drawdown plan and taking funds only when needed can limit the benefit impact.
Who are the best equity release providers in 2026?
The leading Equity Release Council approved providers in 2026 include Aviva (most established - £11.9bn released to 300,000+ customers), Legal & General Home Finance (won Best Provider at 2026 Equity Release Awards), Just (specialist in enhanced plans), Canada Life, More2Life, Pure Retirement, OneFamily, LV=, and Royal London. We compare all of these for every client.
How much can I release?
The amount depends on your age and property value. At 55, typically 20-25% of the property value is available. At 70, typically 35-40%. At 80, typically 45-50%+. Enhanced plans for poorer health can release more. We model the exact amount from your age and current property valuation.
Can I move home if I have equity release?
Yes - Equity Release Council approved plans are portable to a new property, subject to the new property meeting the lender's criteria. If you downsize to a less valuable property and have held the plan for at least 3 years, Downsizing Protection (available on many plans) allows repayment without early repayment charges.