CLEAR EQUITY RELEASE GUIDANCE

Could equity release help you access tax-free cash from your home?

Check your eligibility and get an instant estimate.

No contact details Instant estimate Eligibility check

Step 1 of 3 · Home ownership

Do you own your home?

The minimum property value for equity release is £70,000.

All owners of the property must be over 55 to qualify for equity release.

Your information is safe and secure

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Customer experiences

What our customers say

Customer review★★★★★
Went out of the way to find the best product available to us and kept us well informed throughout the process.
Linda Jones
Customer review★★★★★
The adviser was knowledgeable and helpful. He kept us informed throught th process. We felt that we ccould approach him at any time
David
Customer review★★★★★
We had a clear point of contact in Martyn Fisher, who guided us through all the mortgage options and was able to advise us as events moved on. It was really good to have a single person to contact who was familiar with our requirements.
I W JONES
Customer review★★★★★
The representative from Home Equity Release, Martyn Fisher, took us through the process from start to finish in a friendly and professional manner.
Chris Farr
Customer review★★★★★
Excellent and friendly advice. And NO pressure whatsoever. Brilliant
Ted Swoffer
Customer review★★★★★
Very helpful and efficient
roger king
Customer review★★★★★
Simple, well supported and efficient. Dam good job
Alan Brodie
Customer review★★★★★
5* says it all really an excellent service
Mr Richard Clayton
Customer review★★★★★
Very professional and polite.
John mcmillan
Customer review★★★★★
David Belsham was very professional,informative and kept me updated. The support I received enabled me to make the decision to proceed with confidence. The process was made easy and seamless completely free from stress. I was given lots of different options and outcomes which confirmed to me thst equity release was the right decision for me. I never felt pressurised and understood that I could withdraw my application. I now have financial freedom ,flexibility and the knowledge of how equity release will benefit me the family and future.
Karen Matcham
Customer review★★★★★
Subjective and unbiased advice provided by agent. Many questions answered and information provided. Awaiting suitable offer to suit our specific circumstances
Robert Bryant
Customer review★★★★★
After my initial phone call to Martyn, the process to completion was flawless. We were kept up to date with the progress of our application. We would recommend this company; totally trustworthy, with the customers interest paramount.
Margaret & Brian
Customer review★★★★★
I found this company extremely helpful and very informative. I would certainly recommend this company to anyone wanting Equity Finance. You will not be disappointed. P. Nicholls.
Mrs P.N.
Customer review★★★★★
After searching the internet for equity release companies, one of my colleagues recommended Mr Roshan Percy from home-equityrelease. Mr Percy was polite, calmly spoken and very articulate in explaining all the possible options available to me, including all the for's and against for each option. After choosing a lender that best suited my needs, i proceeded with the services of Mr Percy of home-equityrelease. the whole process took 5 to 6 weeks from the first consultation to completion and funds into my account, all the time Mr Percy kept me up to date on a weekly bases, this is why i have given Mr Roshan Percy of home-equityrelease 5 stars.
Peter Diprose
Customer review★★★★★
The personal agent Roshan Percy was very helpful and always available.
Roy
Customer review★★★★★
Mr James guided me through all the procedures, & made the whole experience of equity release on my home as stress free as possible. I can't fault the service I received, & would recommend the company to anyone considering equity release. The service I got was excellent.
Clive Warren
Customer review★★★★★
Thanks to Neil, our equity release went through! I would highly recommend Neil if you need to do an equity release!
Matt B
Customer review★★★★★
Yes, excellent work by Neil, much appreciated.
M E Davies
Customer review★★★★★
Friendly, knowledgeable advisor. He searched the market and found the best company to meet my needs.
bill peake
Customer review★★★★★
I found it a very easy process to go through and the advisor explained everything in detail that I needed to know also he was always on the end of the phone if I had any more queries done with such professional work highly recommend this company
Hilary Garnett
Customer review★★★★★
Martyn of Home Equity Release, was very professional and informative, he listened carefully to my requirements and advised accordingly. For me, having a home visit was very important. Of the several companies I researched Home Equity Release was the only company that offered that. The process was smooth, quick and not at all complicated. I would highly recommend Home Equity Release.
Bernadette Trainor
Customer review★★★★★
Martyn was an absolute pleasure to deal with. Explaining everything we needed to know reassured us we were making the correct decision & made it very easy with his explanation about every detail. He came as an advisor & after 2 visits & many phone calls we now look on him as a friend. We would Highly Recommend this company. The date below is as clear as we can remember but not 100% sure, definitely around that time though!
Margaret Loughran
Customer review★★★★★
From start to finish Home-Equity were helpful, supportive and professional - Discussions with Neil James gave us the confidence to start the process and help throughout from David Belsham made the procedure free from concern!
Mr John Smith
Customer review★★★★★
We found Home Equity Release through Unbiased. Very impressed with the whole process. We were new to the concept of home equity release and a bit daunted but Martyn was friendly, easy to talk to and explained everything well. He was on WhatsApp which was great for all those little questions and sending forms etc. We also went with them for Wills and Power of Attorney with Neil.
Gaynor
Customer review★★★★★
brilliant service and very patient with us
Mrs fiona puckett
Customer review★★★★★
Martin, who came to talk to me about equity release was very thorough and professional and guided me to a very good equity release plan that suits my situation so well. They were very efficient in getting the money released quickly . The download plan I have now has relieved me of the financial stress I was dealing with.
Heather Ghinn
Customer review★★★★★
Everyone involved was helpful,professional,informative and very responsive. I felt complete trust in the process and I don't have any regrets. My house is now receiving the much needed renovation/decoration and all debts paid off which has freed up my wages. I have the option to pay back the loan which I may do once I receive my pension. I now have so many options that weren't open to me before this process.
Karen
Customer review★★★★★
Martyn Fisher was very helpful. He was always at the end of the phone if I had any questions. I would recommend this company.
Elaine
What is equity release?

Understanding equity release

Understand how equity release works and the safeguards that help protect you.

What is equity release?

Equity release lets eligible homeowners, typically aged 55 and over, access tax-free cash from their home without moving. It can support retirement income, home improvements or family plans.

How does a lifetime mortgage work?

A lifetime mortgage is the most popular form of equity release in the UK. It is a loan secured against your home, while you retain ownership.

The loan and any unpaid interest are usually repaid from the sale of your home when the last borrower dies or moves into permanent long-term care.

On plans with no required monthly repayments, unpaid interest is added to the loan. Interest is then charged on the growing balance.

Your options

  • Take the money as a single lump sum
  • Access money in stages through a drawdown facility, allowing you to take more later.
  • Make optional interest payments or voluntary repayments to help manage the balance.
Estimate how much you could release

Free, instant estimate. No personal details needed.

Is equity release safe?

Equity release is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our lifetime mortgage recommendations meet Equity Release Council standards which include additional protections, although the right plan still needs to suit your circumstances.

Protections built into your plan

  • Stay in your home: for life or until permanent long-term care
  • No negative equity guarantee: you or your estate won’t owe more than the value of the property
  • Fixed interest: the interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan
  • Ability to move home: transfer the plan to a suitable property
  • Make repayments: repay within the provider’s permitted limits without charges
  • Long-term care protection: early repayment charges are waived for a qualifying permanent move into care

Advice before you decide

A qualified adviser helps you understand the plan, compare alternatives and consider its long-term impact. You also receive independent legal advice before proceeding.

Is equity release right for me?

Explore how equity release could support your plans

We’re here for your situation. These are some of the most common reasons people consider releasing money from their home.

An older couple enjoying time together outdoors

Supplementing your retirement income

You may have a valuable home but a limited pension income. Releasing some equity could help top up your finances without having to move.

  • Covering everyday living costs
  • Managing inflation and rising bills
  • Maintaining your standard of living
An older couple reviewing their household finances together

Repaying existing debt or mortgages

If you reach retirement with borrowing still outstanding, equity release could help you repay it and simplify your finances.

  • Paying off an interest-only mortgage at maturity
  • Clearing personal loans or credit card debt
  • Reducing monthly repayment commitments
Grandparents reading a book with their grandchild

Helping family members now

Some people choose to give loved ones a helping hand during their lifetime, when the support could make a difference.

  • Helping children onto the property ladder
  • Paying university costs
  • Assisting with debt repayment
  • Supporting family through major life events
A couple discussing plans for their home

Home improvements and adaptations

If you’d rather stay in your home than move, releasing equity could help fund work that makes it more comfortable for the years ahead.

  • Renovations, extensions, kitchens or bathrooms
  • Accessibility changes, such as stairlifts or walk-in showers
  • Energy-efficiency upgrades
See what your equity could fund

Free, instant estimate. No personal details needed.

How does it work?

Our four-step process

Equity release is a significant decision. We keep the process clear and straightforward, helping you understand your options at every stage.

  1. Step 1

    Initial discussion

    We start with a conversation about your situation, your property and what you’re looking to achieve. We answer your questions and explain how everything works, with no obligation to proceed.

  2. Step 2

    Exploring your options

    We explain how equity release works in plain language, including how interest builds up and what it could mean over time. We also discuss alternatives so you can make an informed decision.

  3. Step 3

    Personalised recommendation

    If equity release is appropriate, we recommend a plan tailored to your circumstances. We clearly explain the costs, risks and long-term impact, so you understand the recommendation.

  4. Step 4

    Ongoing support

    If you decide to proceed, we guide you through the process to completion. We remain available to support you in the future as your circumstances change.

Get your free estimate

Free, instant estimate. No personal details needed.

Your questions answered

Equity release FAQs

Clear answers to some of the questions homeowners often ask.

What is equity release, and how does a lifetime mortgage work?

Equity release lets eligible homeowners access some of the value in their home without selling it. With a lifetime mortgage, you borrow against your home and repay the loan, plus any interest, usually from the sale proceeds when the last borrower passes away or moves into permanent long-term care.

Who may be eligible for equity release?

Many lifetime mortgage plans are for homeowners aged 55 or over, but age limits, property requirements and other criteria vary between lenders. Your eligibility depends on your circumstances and property, so the calculator estimate is only an initial indication.

How much could I release from my home?

The amount depends on factors such as your age, property value and type, and any mortgage or secured borrowing already on the property. Our calculator gives an illustration; a lender’s criteria and a personalised recommendation determine what is available.

How does interest build up, and what could I owe over time?

On a roll-up lifetime mortgage, unpaid interest is added to the loan, and future interest may be charged on the growing balance. Some plans let you make payments that can reduce how quickly the balance grows. Your personalised illustration should show how the balance could change over time.

How could equity release affect my inheritance?

The loan and any interest are usually repaid from the sale of the home, which can leave less for your beneficiaries. The amount left will depend on the loan, interest, repayments and the home’s value when it is sold.

Could releasing equity affect my benefits?

Releasing equity could affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits or local authority support. The effect depends on your circumstances and how you use the money. We’ll discuss the possible impact with you before you decide to do anything.

Will I still own my home, and can I move later?

With a lifetime mortgage, you remain the homeowner and can stay in your home as long as you meet the plan’s conditions. You may be able to transfer the mortgage if you move, subject to the new property meeting the lender’s criteria.

What protections could a lifetime mortgage include?

Protections depend on the plan. A lifetime mortgage that meets Equity Release Council product standards includes a no-negative-equity guarantee, subject to its conditions. Check the product terms and illustration to see which protections apply.

What fees and early repayment charges might apply?

Costs may include advice, arrangement, valuation and legal fees. Some plans also have early repayment charges if you repay earlier than the plan allows. Costs vary; we’ll give you a full breakdown before you decide to do anything.

Do I need regulated advice, and what alternatives should I consider?

Yes. A specialist regulated adviser will assess whether equity release suits your circumstances and explain its costs and risks. They’ll also discuss relevant alternatives, which could include using savings, downsizing or considering another type of borrowing. The FCA requires advisers to consider relevant alternatives and possible effects on benefits and tax; see its equity release advice guidance.

Check if you may be eligible

Free, instant estimate. No personal details needed.

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