
If you are 55 or over and own your home, equity release can let you access some of the value tied up in your property as tax-free cash, without having to move or make monthly repayments. Darryl explains how it works, the risks, and whether it could be right for you.
Quick answer — What is the difference between equity release and a lifetime mortgage? Equity release is the umbrella term for several products that let you access cash from your home's value. A lifetime mortgage is the most common type of equity release product, where you take out a loan secured against your home that does not need to be repaid until you die or move into long-term care.
Equity release is a way for homeowners typically aged 55 and over to access cash from the value of their home while continuing to live in it. The most common form is a lifetime mortgage, where you borrow against your home's value and the loan, plus accumulated interest, is normally repaid when you die or move into long-term care, usually from the sale of the property.
Equity release is a significant financial decision that reduces the value of your estate and can affect your eligibility for means-tested benefits, so it is not something to enter into lightly. Darryl will give you an honest assessment of whether equity release is genuinely the right option for your circumstances, or whether alternatives such as downsizing or a standard later-life mortgage might serve you better.
Under 55, or just want to borrow more against your home the normal way rather than a lifetime mortgage? See I have equity but bad credit — what are my options?
20+ years in financial services. Award-winning specialist. Featured in the Daily Express, FT Adviser, The Intermediary and Daily Mirror. I have helped hundreds of people across the UK who were told no by their bank — and I work with 65+ lenders including specialist adverse credit lenders you will not find on comparison sites.
When you contact me, you speak to me directly. No call centres. No being passed around. I personally review every case and respond within 2 hours.
No credit search. No obligation. Darryl personally reviews every enquiry and responds within 2 hours.
Lender criteria, rates and deposit requirements quoted on this page are indicative and subject to change without notice. Individual circumstances vary. This page provides general information only and does not constitute regulated financial advice. The Mortgage Geezer is a trading style of Access Financial Services Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Financial Services Register number is 301173. Registered in England No. 04427489. Registered office address Access Financial Services Ltd, Unit 1 Furtho Court, Towcester Road, Old Stratford, Milton Keynes, MK19 6AN. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP YOUR REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED AGAINST IT.