How Much Equity Can I Release?

The amount of equity you can release depends on your age and property value. At 55, expect 20-25% of your home's value. At 65, around 30-35%. At 75, approximately 40-50%. For a £300,000 property, a 70-year-old might release £105,000-£135,000. Joint applications are based on the younger person's age. Use our calculator for an estimate based on your specific circumstances.

Learn more about equity release guide in our detailed guide.

Learn more about lifetime mortgages in our detailed guide.

Learn more about mortgages over 50 in our detailed guide.

Learn more about pensioner mortgages in our detailed guide.

How much equity can I release from my home?

The amount depends on your age and property value. At age 55, you might release 20-25% of your home's value. At 70, this rises to 35-45%. At 85+, up to 50-55%. For example, a 70-year-old with a £300,000 home might release £105,000-£135,000. Joint applications use the younger person's age.

What is the minimum age for equity release?

The minimum age for equity release (lifetime mortgages) is 55. Some home reversion plans require you to be 60+. The amount you can release increases as you get older because the loan has less time to compound before the property is sold.

How does interest work on equity release?

With a lifetime mortgage, interest 'rolls up' (compounds) on your loan. For example, £100,000 at 6% becomes £106,000 after year 1, £112,360 after year 2, and so on. After 15 years, it could double. Some plans let you make interest payments to prevent this growth.

Will equity release affect my inheritance?

Yes, equity release reduces the inheritance you leave. The loan plus rolled-up interest is repaid when your home is sold (after death or moving to care). However, all plans from Equity Release Council members guarantee you'll never owe more than your home's value.

Can I release equity and still leave an inheritance?

Yes, several options exist: take a smaller amount, make interest payments to stop the loan growing, choose a plan with inheritance protection (guarantees a % of home value), or use a drawdown facility to only take what you need when you need it.

Is equity release a good idea?

It depends on your circumstances. Pros: access tax-free cash, stay in your home, no monthly payments required. Cons: reduces inheritance, interest compounds over time, may affect means-tested benefits. Always get independent advice and consider alternatives first.

Quick Answer

How Much Can I Release From My Home?

Last reviewed: December 2025

Reviewed by Jay Sabine – CeMAP Qualified – 29 years experience

Typically 20-55% of your property value depending on age. Older borrowers can release more. At age 70, expect around 40% LTV.

Equity release through a lifetime mortgage allows homeowners aged 55+ to access cash from their property while continuing to live there. The amount you can release depends primarily on your age - lenders use age to calculate how long the loan will compound before being repaid. At 55, you might access 20-25% of your home's value. By 70, this increases to 35-45%. At 85+, up to 50-55%. The property type and condition also matter - some properties attract lower percentages. For joint applications, the younger person's age determines the maximum. All plans from Equity Release Council members include a 'no negative equity guarantee' - you'll never owe more than your home's value.

Equity release will reduce the value of your estate and may affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits. A lifetime mortgage is a loan secured against your home. Seek independent advice.

Key Points

1Release amount increases with age
2Minimum age is 55 for lifetime mortgages
3No negative equity guarantee from ERC members
4Interest compounds if not paid monthly
5Reduces inheritance but stays in your home
6Tax-free cash released

Eligibility Criteria

Aged 55 or over (younger for joint applications)
Own a UK property worth at least £70,000
Property must be your main residence
Property in reasonable condition
Any existing mortgage must be repaid (can use equity release)

Typical Timeframe

Equity release applications typically take 6-10 weeks from initial advice to completion. The process includes a face-to-face advice meeting, application, valuation, and legal work. You'll have a reflection period to consider the decision.

Next Steps

1Use our calculator for an estimate
2Consider what you need the money for
3Speak to family about the decision
4Get advice from a qualified equity release adviser
5Consider alternatives (downsizing, standard remortgage)

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Age	Typical LTV	£250k Home	£400k Home
55-59	20-25%	£50k-£62k	£80k-£100k
60-64	25-33%	£62k-£82k	£100k-£132k
65-69	30-38%	£75k-£95k	£120k-£152k
70-74	35-45%	£87k-£112k	£140k-£180k
75-79	40-48%	£100k-£120k	£160k-£192k
80+	45-55%	£112k-£137k	£180k-£220k

How Much Can I Release From My Home?

Key Points

Eligibility Criteria

Typical Timeframe

Next Steps

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