The Complete Guide to Equity Release 2026
A straightforward guide to equity release for UK homeowners aged 55 and over — covering how it works, what it costs, what the consumer protections are, and how the process works from start to finish. Written and reviewed by Chris, CII-qualified equity release specialist. Free to download. No subscription.
What’s inside:
- What equity release is — and what it isn’t
- Lifetime mortgages vs home reversion plans
- How compound interest works — with examples
- How much you can typically release by age
- Costs, fees, and what to watch out for
- The consumer protections that apply
- Common concerns — answered honestly
- The step-by-step process from enquiry to completion
- Questions to ask before you sign anything
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What the guide covers
The guide covers the fundamentals of equity release in plain English — what it is, how a lifetime mortgage works, how compound interest accumulates over time, and what the typical process looks like from initial enquiry through to receiving the funds. It includes a worked LTV-by-age table showing indicative borrowing amounts at different ages, a detailed look at the consumer protections that apply to regulated products, and an honest section on the considerations and concerns that frequently arise. The final section lists the key questions worth asking before signing anything.
Who the guide is for
For homeowners aged 55 and over who are considering equity release and want a clear, straightforward explanation before speaking to an adviser. It is also useful for adult children or other family members who want to understand the product before discussing it with an older relative.
The guide provides information only — it does not constitute financial advice. Equity release is a significant decision and regulated advice from a qualified adviser is mandatory before any product can be taken.
About the author
Chris
Equity Release Specialist & Content Reviewer
Chris has worked in UK financial services for over 30 years and holds the CII qualifications CF1 (Financial Services Regulation & Ethics), CF6 (Mortgage Advice), and ER1 (Equity Release). All content on Verity Home is written with reference to his expertise and reviewed by him for accuracy before publication.
Reviewed by Chris, CII-qualified equity release specialist · Last reviewed July 2026