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22 January 2026
Hub page introduction, criteria and FAQs added
12 December 2024
First Published
Equity release is a type of finance, similar to a mortgage, that allows homeowners aged 55 or older to unlock the cash tied up in their property without the need to sell. This provides a tax-free lump sum that can be used to boost retirement income, fund major expenses like a dream holiday, or help children get on the property ladder.
You can read more about how it works in our complete guide to equity release.
The differences between equity release and a standard residential mortgage are as follows:
Equity release is specifically designed for older borrowers
There are no mandatory monthly payments
Enhanced terms are available for those with serious health conditions
You must be a homeowner to qualify for equity release
The main factors that determine the amount of equity you can release are your age, the property value and the loan-to-value ratio. The older you are, the more you can typically release. This table shows how the amount varies based on these variables.
|
Property Value |
Age (based on youngest homeowner) |
Amount you could release |
Maximum loan-to-value (LTV) |
|
£250,000 |
65 |
£107,500 |
43% |
|
£500,000 |
60 |
£190,000 |
38% |
|
£750,000 |
70 |
£360,000 |
48% |
|
£1,000,000 |
55 |
£310,000 |
31% |
No, the cash you release is tax-free. However, if you invest that money, any income or interest generated from the investment might be taxable. It’s important to discuss your plans with a financial advisor.
If you choose a plan from a provider that is a member of the Equity Release Council, you will benefit from the "No Negative Equity Guarantee." This ensures that you or your beneficiaries will never owe more than the value of your home when it is sold, even if the property market crashes.
Yes, but it can be expensive. Because these plans are designed to last for the rest of your life, early repayment charges (ERCs) can be significant. However, many modern plans now offer "downsizing protection" or fixed ERC periods, which can make leaving the plan cheaper after a certain number of years.
THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
IF YOU ARE THINKING OF CONSOLIDATING EXISTING BORROWING YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT YOU MAY BE EXTENDING THE TERMS OF THE DEBT AND INCREASING THE TOTAL AMOUNT YOU REPAY.
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