Equity Release

Access the wealth tied up in your home to fund the retirement you deserve. Our specialist equity release advisers provide clear, honest guidance on the options available and the long-term implications.

Get Expert Advice

Your specialist equity release adviser

Holly Hensleigh

Specialist Equity Release Adviser — CeMAP, CeRER

Holly joined Veracity in 2024 and has worked in financial services since 2013. She specialises in equity release and long-term care funding, helping clients access the wealth tied up in their property with clear, honest advice on the implications. Holly holds the Certificate in Equity Release (CeRER) — the specialist qualification required to advise on these products.

Common reasons for equity release

There's no single reason to consider equity release — it can support a wide range of financial goals in later life:

Pay off an existing mortgage

Clear your remaining mortgage to reduce monthly outgoings and free up income in retirement.

Supplement retirement income

Access tax-free cash from your property to top up your pension income and maintain your lifestyle.

Home improvements

Adapt your home for later life — level-access shower, stairlift, extension — without dipping into savings.

Gifting to family

Help children or grandchildren with house deposits, university fees, or other major costs — giving a living inheritance.

Funding care costs

Pay for home care, live-in care, or residential care home fees without selling your property.

Debt consolidation

Clear outstanding debts such as credit cards or personal loans to simplify your finances in retirement.

How much can you borrow?

The amount you can release depends primarily on your age and the value of your property. The older you are, the more you can typically borrow as a percentage of your home's value.

Typical maximum LTV by age

Age 55

26%

Age 65

36%

Age 75

46%

Age 85

56%

These are typical maximum percentages. Your actual entitlement will depend on the lender, your health, and the property.

Your safeguards

We only recommend products from lenders who are members of the Equity Release Council, which provides important protections:

No negative equity guarantee — you will never owe more than your home is worth
Right to remain — you can stay in your home for life, provided it remains your main residence
Fixed or capped interest rates — so you know the maximum rate that will apply
ERC safeguards — fair early repayment charge terms if you need to repay the loan early
Independent legal advice — you must receive independent legal advice before proceeding

Frequently asked questions

What is equity release?

Equity release allows homeowners aged 55 and over to access the wealth tied up in their property without having to sell or move. The most common form is a lifetime mortgage, where you borrow against your home and the loan (plus interest) is repaid when you die or move into long-term care.

Will I still own my home?

Yes. With a lifetime mortgage, you retain full ownership of your home and the right to live there for the rest of your life. The loan is secured against the property, but it remains yours.

Can I leave an inheritance?

Yes. Many lifetime mortgages allow you to ring-fence a percentage of your property's value as a guaranteed inheritance. You can also choose to make voluntary repayments to reduce the loan balance over time.

What is the no negative equity guarantee?

All Equity Release Council-approved products come with a no negative equity guarantee. This means you will never owe more than your home is worth, regardless of how long you live or what happens to property prices. Your beneficiaries will never have to pay back more than the sale proceeds.

Are there any ongoing costs?

With most lifetime mortgages, you make no monthly payments — the interest is rolled up and added to the loan. However, you can choose to make voluntary interest payments to control the loan balance. There are no mandatory monthly outgoings.

Considering equity release?

Book a free, no-obligation consultation with our specialist adviser to explore your options.

Book a Free Consultation

Or call us: 0115 967 0888

Equity release will reduce the value of your estate and may affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits.