How Much Equity Release Can You Get?

If you are a homeowner aged 55 or over, equity release lets you unlock some of the money tied up in your home without having to move. A natural first question is: how much can you actually get?

As a general guide, most people can release somewhere between around 20% and 60% of their property's value through equity release. The exact amount depends mainly on your age, the value and type of your home, and your health — older applicants and higher-value homes typically qualify for a larger percentage.

This insight explains the factors that decide how much you can release, the difference between a lifetime mortgage and home reversion, and where to get regulated advice. It is general information only, not personal advice.

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Key Takeaways

• The amount you can release is expressed as a loan-to-value (LTV) — a percentage of your home's value — usually rising with your age.
• Older applicants and those with certain health conditions can often release a higher percentage.
• A lifetime mortgage lets you borrow against your home; home reversion involves selling a share of it — the maximum amounts differ.
• Equity release is a regulated product and you must take advice before proceeding, so any figure here is a general guide, not a quote.

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How Much Can You Release?

The amount available is set as a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio — the percentage of your property's value a provider is willing to advance. Across the market, that generally ranges from around 20% at the younger end (from age 55) up to roughly 55–60% for older applicants. So on a £300,000 home, a release of somewhere between about £60,000 and £180,000 is a realistic broad range, depending on your circumstances.

These are illustrative ranges only. The precise LTV a provider offers depends on their own criteria and current market conditions, which is why regulated advice is essential before relying on any figure.

Looking For Equity Release Advice?

If you're thinking about releasing equity from your property, but unsure where to start?

We can help you find an equity release specialist to offer you the very best advice. Complete our Sunny Fact Find form to provide us a bit more detail about your circumstances and we'll find the best-suited adviser for your needs.

Your appointed adviser will contact you to discuss how they can help, you decide how to proceed.

What Affects How Much You Can Get?

Several factors combine to decide your maximum release amount.

• Your age: the single biggest factor. LTVs rise with age because providers expect the loan to run for fewer years, so the interest has less time to roll up. On a joint plan, the age of the younger applicant is used.
• Property value: a higher-value home generally allows a larger cash sum, though most providers set a minimum property value (often around £70,000–£100,000).
• Your health and lifestyle: some providers offer "enhanced" plans with a higher release for people with certain medical conditions or lifestyle factors, as these may shorten the expected loan term.
• Property type and condition: flats, ex-council, non-standard construction and leasehold properties can attract lower LTVs or be excluded by some providers.
• Any existing mortgage: you can usually still release equity with a mortgage outstanding, but it must be repaid from the release, reducing the cash you receive.

Lifetime Mortgage vs Home Reversion

The two main types of equity release calculate your maximum in different ways.

A lifetime mortgage is the most common option. You borrow against your home, keep full ownership, and the loan plus rolled-up interest is repaid when you die or move into long-term care. The amount is based on the LTV percentages described above.

A home reversion plan works differently: you sell a share (or all) of your home to a provider in exchange for a lump sum or income, while continuing to live there rent-free. Because the provider only recoups its money when the property is eventually sold, the cash offered is usually well below the market value of the share you sell. You can get a rough feel for the trade-off with our home reversion calculator.

Should You Release the Maximum?

Being able to release a large sum does not mean you should. On a lifetime mortgage, interest is charged on the amount released and can compound over many years, so borrowing more than you need can significantly increase the eventual debt and reduce what is left for your estate. This is closely tied to the relationship between equity release and inheritance tax, which an adviser can talk you through.

Many people release less than the maximum, or use a drawdown plan that lets them take money in stages so interest only builds on what they have actually withdrawn. It is also worth weighing up the alternatives to equity release before committing.

For a fuller overview of how the products work, see our main equity release guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum I can release?

There is no single national maximum — it is set as a percentage (LTV) of your property value. Broadly, this ranges from around 20% up to roughly 60%, with older applicants and higher-value homes at the upper end.

Does my age really make that much difference?

Yes. Age is the main driver of how much you can release. The older you are when you take out the plan, the higher the percentage of your home's value a provider will typically offer.

Can I release equity if I still have a mortgage?

Usually yes, but the outstanding mortgage must be cleared using the money you release, which reduces the cash left over for you.

Do I have to take advice?

Yes. Equity release is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and you must receive advice from a qualified adviser before taking out a plan. This protects you and ensures the product suits your circumstances.

Wrapping Up

How much equity release you can get comes down to your age, your property's value and type, and your health — with most homeowners able to release somewhere in the region of 20% to 60% of their home's value. The figures here are general ranges to help you understand the product, not a personal quote. Because equity release is a long-term, regulated decision that affects your home and your estate, always speak to a qualified adviser before going ahead.