Your Equity Release Journey

Your equity release journey starts here

Before deciding to take out equity release, it’s crucial you seek expert advice. Which is why, if you’re considering unlocking tax-free cash from your home, we take the time to get to know you and your circumstances before guiding you every step of the way. And remember, all of our equity release advice is free of charge.

Get started online

Before speaking to us, you can use our website to find out more about equity release and see how much cash you could release from your home.

Claim your free equity release guide to start your journey
Use our free equity release calculator to see how much you could release
See what equity release could do for you
See how Key have helped more than 1 million people decide if equity release is right for them

This is what the typical equity release journey looks like

1. Speak to an expert

When you first contact us, one of our specialists can answer any initial questions you might have over the phone. Then, when you’re happy, they’ll arrange a telephone appointment for you with one of our expert equity release advisers.

2. Talk to your family

We encourage discussing equity release with your family so they can be part of every step, offering peace of mind for everyone involved that you're making the right decision. We’re happy to answer any questions they may have too. If you’d rather not involve others, we'll always respect your decision.

3. First appointment

Your first appointment gives you the chance to find out more about equity release. It's where your equity release adviser will get to know you, your situation and needs. During this appointment, if your expert adviser believes equity release isn't right for you, they'll tell you there and then.

4. Finding the right plan

After your first appointment, if you then decide to go ahead, your adviser will organise a convenient time for your second appointment. In the meantime, they'll search the product range we’ve created, guided by Key’s 20 years’ experience and unique insight from helping over 1 million people decide if equity release is right for them, to find the right plan for you.

5. Second appointment

Here your adviser will present their recommendation and answer any further questions you might have. They'll also provide a personalised illustration to highlight the pros and cons of the recommended plan, including how much you can release, the interest rate and its terms and conditions. Annual interest rates from as low as 2.58% AER* and plans that could allow you to release up to 56% of the value of your home, depending on your circumstances.

6. Starting the paperwork

If you’re then happy to proceed, your application will be submitted and your property will be valued by an independent RICS registered surveyor, so you can be confident of securing an accurate valuation.

7. Offer issued

After the paperwork has been reviewed and completed, and it meets their criteria, you'll receive an offer. This will include all the terms and conditions of your plan for you to review and decide if you wish to go ahead.

8. Legalities

Once you’re happy with everything, an independent solicitor acting on your behalf will cover the legal aspects and you will sign the relevant paperwork.

9. Complete in 8-12 weeks

After the legalities have been taken care of, a completion date will be set. Although we can never guarantee timescales, eight to twelve weeks is typically how long it takes from application to completion.

10. Money released

Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s now time to put your tax-free cash to use.

* Now you could access annual interest rates from as low as 2.58% fixed for life with us. Most Key Equity Release customers have received a fixed annual interest rate of 3.79% or lower. The overall cost for comparison is 3.97% APR. All stated rates correct as of 6 March 2020. Interest rate received and plan features are subject to eligibility. Ask for a personal illustration.

Arrange advice

All of our advice is free and unique to you, delivered by fully-qualified equity release experts. We're authorised and regulated by the FCA and take the time to get to know you and your needs to ensure we find and recommend the right outcome for you.

Arrange advice

Things to consider

Your specialist equity release adviser will explain:

You have to get advice before releasing tax-free cash from your home - please read all our information and make sure it’s right for you
Key Equity Release offer lifetime mortgages only, which is a loan secured against your home. It will reduce the value of your estate and may affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits
All of our plans meet the Equity Release Council standards and come with several protections, including the no negative equity guarantee, which means you’ll never owe more than your home’s value

Your journey