Equity Release
Release the wealth tied up in your home without selling or moving.
Independent introduction serviceAccess to specialist lendersNo obligation
Get Indicative TermsGet indicative terms - free, no obligation
Doulton Money Limited · No obligation enquiry
What happens next
- Fill in the form (2 minutes).
- We'll match you with the right specialist for your situation.
- A specialist independent broker will contact you to discuss your options.
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. The specialist brokers we work with source plans 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. As an independent introduction service, we introduce you to equity release specialists who are qualified to advise you on the right plan for your circumstances.
The options available
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 It Works
Free consultation
A specialist will review your circumstances - your home value, any existing mortgage, your income, health, and what you want the money for - and consider equity release against RIO and other alternatives before any recommendation.
Specialist comparison
The specialist can compare plans from 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 · Introductions to later life lending specialists
Equity release rates 2026
Fixed rates for equity release lifetime mortgages currently range from around 6.2% to 7.5% AER depending on the lender, product type and loan-to-value. Rates are fixed for life, giving you certainty.
| Product type | Rate range (AER) | Interest treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Lump sum lifetime mortgage | 6.5%–7.5% | Rolls up or serviced |
| [Drawdown lifetime mortgage](/later-life-lending/drawdown-lifetime-mortgage) | 6.4%–7.3% | Charged on drawn amount only |
| [Enhanced lifetime mortgage](/later-life-lending/enhanced-lifetime-mortgage) | 5.8%–6.8% | Rolls up or serviced |
| [Home reversion plan](/later-life-lending/home-reversion-plan) | N/A (property sale) | No interest - share sold |
Rates shown are indicative. Your personal rate depends on your age, property value, loan amount and health status. The equity release specialist we introduce you to can compare rates for your circumstances.
Who qualifies for equity release?
- Aged 55 or over (both applicants if applying jointly)
- Own a UK property worth at least £70,000–£100,000 (lender dependent)
- Property in reasonable condition and of standard construction
- Main residence (not a buy-to-let or second home in most cases)
- Any existing mortgage must be repaid from the equity release proceeds or be below lender LTV limits
Pros and cons of equity release
Potential benefits
- Access tax-free cash
- Continue living in your home
- No monthly repayments required (unless you choose to pay interest)
- No negative equity guarantee
- Plans are portable if you move
- Enhanced plans available for health conditions
Points to consider
- Interest compounds and reduces estate value
- May affect means-tested benefits
- Early repayment charges typically apply
- Reduces inheritance
- Long-term commitment - plan should suit your circumstances now and in the future
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. A specialist adviser will consider the benefits position as part of their 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. The specialists we introduce work with providers across this market.
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. A specialist adviser can calculate 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.
What is the minimum age for equity release?
The minimum age for equity release is 55. Both lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans require you to be at least 55 years old. If you are applying jointly, both applicants must meet the minimum age requirement.
Will my family owe money after equity release?
No. Lifetime mortgage plans from Equity Release Council member providers include a no negative equity guarantee, meaning you will never owe more than your home is worth. Your family will not inherit a debt from the equity release plan.