Compare Standard Life Equity Release Quotes Against The Market

Standard Life is one of the most established and trusted names in UK financial services, with a heritage spanning nearly 200 years. While traditionally known for pensions and investments, Standard Life entered the later-life lending market in 2021 through a strategic partnership.

It's important to understand that Standard Life Home Finance is a lender, but their products are provided and administered by specialists in the equity release sector, Key Group. This partnership combines the trust and financial backing of the Standard Life brand (part of Phoenix Group) with the specialist product expertise of Key Group.

If you are wondering whether Standard Life are the right choice for your equity release, get in touch below and one of our advisers will carry out an independent assessment.

What is Standard Life Equity Release?

Standard Life Home Finance offers a dedicated range of lifetime mortgages called the 'Horizon' range. These are loans secured against your home, allowing you to release tax-free cash while retaining full ownership. The loan, plus compounding interest, is repaid when the last borrower passes away or moves into permanent long-term care.

The Horizon range is designed to be highly flexible and includes:

• Horizon Lump Sum: You take all the money in one go.

• Horizon Drawdown: You take an initial lump sum and leave the rest in a pre-approved reserve facility, withdrawing funds as needed. Interest is only charged on the money you have actually taken.

• Horizon Interest Reward: A more specialist option for those on a lump sum plan who can commit to making set monthly interest payments for a fixed term (e.g., 5, 10, or 15 years). In return, they receive a discounted interest rate for the life of the loan.

Key Features of Standard Life Equity Release

The Horizon product range is Defaqto 5-Star rated and comes with some of the most modern and flexible features on the market, included as standard:

• No Negative Equity Guarantee: A core Equity Release Council protection ensuring your estate will never owe more than the property's sale price.

• Voluntary Repayments: You can repay up to 10% of your initial loan amount every year, starting from day one, without incurring an Early Repayment Charge (ERC).

• Downsizing Protection (from Day 1): This is a standout feature. Most lenders require you to wait 3-5 years. Standard Life allows you to repay your loan in full without penalty from day one if you decide to downsize to a new home and that property does not meet their lending criteria.

• Fixed ERCs: The early repayment charges are fixed for only 8 years, which is shorter than many competitors (who are often 10-15 years).

• Significant Life Event Exemption: On joint plans, if one partner passes away or moves into long-term care, the surviving partner has the option to repay the loan in full, penalty-free.

Standard Life Equity Release Interest Rates

Standard Life Home Finance offers highly competitive fixed-for-life interest rates. The exact rate you are offered will depend on your age, property value, loan-to-value (LTV), and whether you choose a lump sum or drawdown plan.

As of late 2025, their rates are among the most competitive in the market. Their "Horizon Interest Reward" plan may offer an even lower discounted rate in exchange for making monthly payments.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Standard Life Home Finance 'Horizon' plan, you generally must:

• Be aged 55 or over (both applicants must be 55+ for joint plans).

• Own a property in mainland England, Scotland, or Wales.

• Have a property valued at a minimum of £99,000.

• Be looking to borrow at least £15,000.

• Your property must be your main residence.

• The loan must be used to clear any existing mortgage on the property.

Standard Life Equity Release Reviews

As a modern lender, Standard Life Home Finance has built a strong reputation quickly, largely due to its trusted brand name and highly flexible product features. Advisers often praise the "Downsizing Protection from Day 1" and the short 8-year ERC period as major benefits for clients. Customer feedback is positive, highlighting the peace of mind that comes with a well-known brand and the flexibility of the plan.

Pros and Cons of Standard Life Equity Release

Pros:

• Highly Trusted Brand: One of the most recognised financial names in the UK.

• Market-Leading Flexibility: Downsizing protection from day one is a significant advantage over competitors.

• Shorter ERC Period: The 8-year fixed ERC term is much shorter than the 10-15 years offered by many other lenders.

• Flexible Repayment Options: The ability to repay 10% of the loan each year helps to manage the compounding interest.

• Competitive Rates: Their interest rates are often among the lowest available.

Cons:

• No Enhanced Plans: They do not currently offer medically enhanced plans. If you have a significant health condition, another lender (like Just or Canada Life) might offer you a larger loan.

• Higher Minimum Property Value: Their £99,000 minimum property value is higher than some competitors who start at £70,000.

• Administered by a Third Party: While seamless for the customer, some people may be confused that the plan is administered by Key Group, not Standard Life directly (though this is a partnership, not a downside).

How to Apply for Standard Life Equity Release

You cannot apply to Standard Life Home Finance directly. It is a regulatory requirement that all equity release products are sold through a qualified financial adviser.

An independent adviser can assess your circumstances and compare Standard Life's 'Horizon' plans against the entire market to ensure it is the most suitable and cost-effective solution for your needs.

Get started here to begin a free, no-obligation chat with an equity adviser who specialises in Standard Life’s product range and can help you access their best deals.