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Free equity release guide
Considering equity release?
It's normal to have questions like, “Is equity release a good idea?” or "Is equity release right for me?".
Watch our video to learn how equity release works and what it could mean for you.
Am I eligible for equity release?
To be eligible for equity release, you must be:
- Aged 55+ (including the youngest applicant)
- A UK homeowner with a property worth at least £70,000
ⓘ Not eligible yet?
Try our later life mortgage finder. We could still help you take control of your later life finances.
When could equity release be right for me?
Equity release lets you access tax-free cash from your home’s value. It offers a way to help boost your retirement finances. You can use it in several ways, such as:
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Repay your existing mortgage
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Support your loved ones
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Boost your retirement finances
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Make home improvements
We've helped over 1 million customers see if equity release was right for them. With expert advice on equity release, we guide you every step of the way to ensure you make an informed decision. Watch their personal stories to see how we helped them find the right equity release plan to unlock a better retirement.
Michael and Carol
64 & 63, approaching retirement
"All the worries and the stresses have gone now. We can just look forward to having a nice relaxing retirement…We’re planning to go away on a couple of cruises."
Read more on Michael and Carol
Watch more of our customer stories
Read more on Michael and Carol
Watch more of our customer stories
What should I consider before going ahead?
Before going ahead with equity release, it’s important to understand your options. Our expert equity release advisers provide personalised advice to help you make an informed decision. We’re here to help you find the right plan for your needs. There’s no pressure to go ahead, and if equity release isn’t right for you, we’ll tell you.
Benefits and drawbacks explained
Watch our video to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of equity release and see if it could be right for you.
All our equity release advice relates to lifetime mortgages - a loan secured against your home.
Video transcript (pdf)
If you're considering equity release, it’s important to think about your home’s current and future value. This will affect any inheritance you plan to leave behind.
Property values have generally increased
UK house prices have more than doubled in the past 20 years. If property values keep rising, you might build up more equity over time to pass on to your loved ones. Just remember, compound interest will also add up over the life of the plan.
But property values can also fall
House prices might decrease during your plan’s term, which could lower the inheritance you leave behind. However, lifetime mortgages recommended by Key come with a no negative equity guarantee. This means you won’t owe more than your home’s value, and any equity release related debt won’t be passed on to your loved ones.
Here's an example...
| When you take your plan | After 15 years with interest | |
|---|---|---|
| Property value | £364,586 | £423,273 |
| Lifetime mortgage balance | £78,334 | £195,310 |
| Remaining equity | £286,252 | £227,963 |
This example is based on an annual fixed interest rate of 6.28% and house price inflation of 1%. The value of your house could go down or not increase at the same rate. Lifetime mortgage amount and property value are based on the average values in Key's Market Monitor 2023.
Download your free equity release guide
If you're thinking about equity release, it's important you have all the facts.
Download your free, comprehensive guide today to see if equity release is right for you.
When isn't equity release right for me?
Equity release can be a useful way to boost retirement funds, but it’s not right for everyone. It’s important to understand when equity release might not be the right option for you.
Examples of when equity release isn't right
What are my other options?
Before going ahead, make sure you've considered your other options.
ⓘ Did you know...
Our advisers can also help you find out which benefits you’re entitled to, which could be another option. We’ll explain how releasing equity might impact any means-tested benefits you already receive.
We also offer other later life financial options which may be better suited to you.
Retirement interest only mortgages (RIOs)-
A conventional mortgage where your monthly repayments are limited to the interest of the mortgage
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Mortgage is paid back from the sale of your home when you, or the last remaining applicant, pass away or enter long-term care
Retirement repayment mortgage
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Higher age limit than most mortgages
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Capital plus interest repayment
If another product is more suitable, we'll refer you to a different specialist adviser within Key Group who can help. If you go ahead, you'll never be charged more than our standard fixed advice fee of £1,699, even if their fee is higher.
Why choose Key as your equity release adviser?
Key is a specialist, award-winning later life mortgage provider for the over 55s. We've helped over a million customers see if equity release was right for them. After we take the time to understand your needs, we'll recommend the most suitable later life option for you.
Next steps to release equity from your home
Equity release FAQs
Equity release is a way to access some of the tax-free funds from the value of your home. It can help you take control of your later life finances.
Equity release is available to UK homeowners aged 55 or over. There are two types of equity release available with Key in the UK and they work in different ways.
More on equity release
Equity release reduces the value of your estate. This will mean there may be little or no inheritance remaining for your beneficiaries. With a lifetime mortgage, interest grows over time, which can further reduce what’s left for your family.
An equity release adviser can explain how this will impact any inheritance and help you make an informed choice.
Arrange a no-obligation chat
Yes, you can repay an equity release loan early, but it depends on your plan.
With a lifetime mortgage, you can make early repayments to reduce or pay off the loan. However, lifetime mortgages aren't designed for short term lending and early repayment charges (ERCs) may apply. Check your plan details and talk to an equity release adviser to find out more.
Arrange a no-obligation chat
Yes, you can move to a new home with an equity release plan, but it depends on your plan’s terms. The lifetime mortgages we recommend are portable (subject to criteria), meaning you can transfer the loan to a new property if it meets your lender’s requirements.
The new property generally needs to be of equal or greater value and in good condition. If it’s worth less, you might need to repay part of the loan.
You might also have to pay some of the funds back if the maximum loan available on your new property is lower than the outstanding balance of your existing lifetime mortgage. Check with your equity release adviser to find out more.
Arrange a no-obligation chat
Equity release plans include several important protections to keep you safe. Key is a proud member of the Equity Release Council.
All lifetime mortgages we recommend come with a no negative equity guarantee. This means you'll never owe more than your home's worth, even if the amount you borrowed plus interest is more than the property's value.
You’ll also get clear advice from a qualified equity release adviser before you go ahead with a plan.
More on equity release protection
Page last updated: Wednesday 14 May 2025