What is equity release?

Equity release lets homeowners aged 55 and over access the value tied up in their property — as a lump sum, drawdown facility, or regular income — without having to sell or move.

Lifetime mortgage

The most common form of equity release. A loan secured against your property that does not need to be repaid until you die or move into long-term care. Interest rolls up over time unless you choose to make voluntary payments.

Advantages
  • No monthly payments required
  • No negative equity guarantee
  • Right to remain in your home
  • Flexible drawdown options
  • Enhanced terms for health conditions
Considerations
  • Compound interest grows the loan
  • Reduces the inheritance you leave
  • Early repayment charges may apply
  • May affect means-tested benefits

Retirement Interest-Only (RIO)

You pay the interest each month, so the loan balance never grows. The loan itself is only repaid when the property is sold — on death or entry into long-term care. Subject to affordability assessment.

Advantages
  • Loan balance stays fixed
  • Preserves more for your estate
  • Right to remain in your home
  • No fixed end date
Considerations
  • Monthly payments required
  • Full affordability assessment needed
  • Income must be sustainable
  • Fewer lenders in this market

Who is equity release suitable for?

Equity release is not right for everyone. We will always explore alternatives first.

It may be suitable if…

  • ✓ You are 55+ and own your home
  • ✓ You want to stay in your home
  • ✓ Downsizing is not right for you
  • ✓ You want to gift money to family
  • ✓ You need to supplement retirement income
  • ✓ You want to clear an interest-only mortgage

Consider alternatives if…

  • ! You have not considered downsizing
  • ! Family financial support is available
  • ! You have not checked state benefit entitlements
  • ! You may want to move in the near term
  • ! Leaving maximum inheritance is the priority

The Equisure promise

We will always consider every alternative before recommending equity release. If equity release is not the right answer for your circumstances, we will tell you so.

Talk to us →

Myths about equity release

“I will lose ownership of my home”

False. With a lifetime mortgage you remain the legal homeowner. The lender simply places a charge on your property — exactly like any other mortgage.

“My family will not inherit anything”

Not necessarily. Many plans allow you to ring-fence a percentage of your property’s value for your beneficiaries. Use our inheritance calculator to explore the numbers.

“Equity release is not regulated”

It is strictly regulated. Equity release advice must be provided by FCA-regulated specialists who follow clear consumer protection rules. Equisure is FCA authorised and regulated (FRN 730866).

“I cannot move home if I take equity release”

Most modern plans are portable. Subject to lender approval and the new property meeting lending criteria, you can move to a suitable property in the future.

Equisure is a trading style of Release My Equity Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 730866). Registered in England and Wales. Company No. 08525726. Registered address: 231 Elliott Street, Tyldesley, Manchester, M29 8DG.
Equity release will reduce the value of your estate and may affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits. A lifetime mortgage is a loan secured against your home. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. All calculator outputs on this website are illustrative only and do not constitute financial advice or a personalised recommendation.