The Pros and Cons of Equity Release: Weighing it up
Equity release frees tax-free cash from age 55 with a no negative equity guarantee, but it cuts inheritance and rolls up interest. Here are the pros and cons.
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Get an indicative idea of how much tax-free cash you might release from your home, based on your age and its value.
Around 31% of your property’s value at your age.
A rough indication only. The actual amount depends on the provider, your age, health and property. Equity release is a big decision that reduces your estate, and regulated advice is required before taking one out.
Equity release lets homeowners aged 55 and over unlock some of the value tied up in their home, usually through a lifetime mortgage. The older you are, the higher the percentage you can typically release.
It is a major, long-term decision: it reduces what you leave behind, can affect means-tested benefits, and interest rolls up over time. Regulated advice is required before you take a plan out, and the consumer protections are worth understanding first. Weigh up the pros and cons carefully.
Keep reading
Equity release frees tax-free cash from age 55 with a no negative equity guarantee, but it cuts inheritance and rolls up interest. Here are the pros and cons.
Equity release is FCA-regulated, and reputable plans carry a no negative equity guarantee so you can't owe more than your home's value. Here are the key safeguards.
Learn how a Lifetime mortgage works. Get a lump sum or fixed income for life by securing a loan against your property.