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How does equity release work?

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Checked for accuracy and updated on 27 June 2023

Equity release allows homeowners over the age of 55 to unlock the value of their property without the need to sell or downsize.

In principle, equity release schemes come in two formats:

Lifetime mortgages are a type of mortgage secured on your property which can be your main residence, second home or even a holiday home.

Homeowners continue to own their home and can choose either a single cash lump sum, income or take smaller chunks of money over time – known as drawdown. All the money released is tax-free and the homeowners get to stay in their property until they die or go into long-term care.

The money raised from any equity release scheme can be used for any legal purpose: from home improvements to clearing existing debts or mortgages.

And if it’s just some extra funds needed to buy a new car or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, that’s fine too – we never tell you what to do with your money.

Or

Home reversion plans allow you sell a percentage of the value of your property in return for a tax-free cash lump sum, or series of capital amounts. The home reversion provider offers a lifetime tenancy to the homeowners, enabling them to live rent free in their home for the rest of their lives.

Although home reversion has a minor role in today's equity release market, they still provide peace of mind as a way of releasing tax-free cash AND guaranteeing an inheritance for your beneficiaries.

What’s the equity release application process?

At Equity Release Supermarket, we provide a transparent and customised service which sees our experienced and friendly advisers guide you through the whole application process. From initial research to the successful release of funds at completion, you can rely on our team to explain everything in a language that’s easy to understand.

Here is a guide to explain the equity release application process:

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1 Advice and recommendation

The first part in the equity release process is to have a free initial consultation with one of our advisers. They will provide you with a personalised suitability report based on your circumstances and products currently available in the market.

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2 Application

Following acceptance of our recommendation, your equity release adviser will complete an application form, collecting supporting documentation and identification. Our new business team will then forward your file onto the equity release provider.

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3 Valuation report

Upon receipt of your application, the lender will instruct a local independent surveyor to contact you and arrange a mutually convenient valuation of your property. The surveyor will conduct a market appraisal, advising its current value and condition for security purposes. The outcome of this report will determine how much equity can be released.

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4 Conveyancing and legal

Your appointed equity release solicitor will be responsible for dealing with the legal process. They will liaise with the lenders’ solicitor and fill out an initial questionnaire about you and your property. You will then receive an offer from the lender, along with a Solicitor's Certificate.

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5 Offer made

Once the lender deems the surveyor’s valuation report satisfactory, you will be sent an equity release offer. This confirms the terms and conditions of the mortgage, including the rate, charges and amount borrowed. The original offer is sent to your solicitor, requiring a signature in the presence of your solicitor during a face-to-face meeting.

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6 Completion

Finally, when the lender’s solicitors have completed their final checks of all the legal paperwork, they will set a completion date. The funds released are sent to your solicitor initially with any charges deducted. Dependent upon your preferences, the net amount will then be forwarded to your nominated bank account or posted via cheque.

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7 Enjoy the proceeds!

With the funds released, you are now free to spend the equity release proceeds in whatever way you wish. Equity Release Supermarket prides itself on service, so we will always try to check-in on an annual basis to make sure the plan remains competitive.

What our happy customers have to say about our equity release advisers

Anna was friendly, helpful, patient with our endless questions and made everything easy, including the legal stuff.

Ms C - Devon

Simply fabulous service. I would say that the help and advice I got from Claire was superb. Every effort was made to ensure... READ MORE

Mrs B - Fareham, Hampshire

I want to say thanks for the excellent service I received, Jo gave me help and advice with a smile.

Mrs F - Camberley, Surrey

My telephone call with my advisor Rebecca was very informative. She was friendly, professional and laid everything out to... READ MORE

Ms B - Fife

Stuart Young was efficient in the way he explained the numerous options available to me. I never felt under pressure and... READ MORE

Mrs T - Winchester, Hampshire

We found the whole process easy to deal with. There was no pressure on us to take out the lifetime mortgage. We were kept... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs R - Regents Park, Hampshire

Paul Newsome was extremely helpful & efficient & using Equity Release Supermarket enabled us to get the best deal & the benefit... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs T - Donaghadee, County Down, N Ireland

All very helpful. What I really like is that they always respond quickly to any question you may have and nothing is too... READ MORE

Miss K - Liskeard, Cornwall

Excellent from beginning to completion. Andrew explained everything very clearly. Being able to initially do my own research... READ MORE

Mrs M - Exeter, Devon

The service was excellent right through the process, Paul kept updated at all times, everything was explained, and independent... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs B - Norwich

I liked the fact there is a system where the customer can keep track of their application. I got the feeling the smaller... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs M - Sutton Coldfield

Dan was very polite and professional. He took his time to really understand what we were looking to do and took onboard any... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs F - Skipton, North Yorkshire

A total pleasure to deal with, thank you so much for finding us the perfect product! Nothing but complete professionalism... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs T - London

From start to finish everything was explained very well. Very friendly staff, very professional indeed and would certainly... READ MORE

Mrs B - Blackpool, Lancs

Haydn was very professional, he identified an appropriate solution rather than trying to sell a product.

Mr & Mrs H - Ashford, Surrey

Gary was very clear with his explanations and helped us understand all our options. Everyone involved was very helpful and... READ MORE

Mr and Mrs R - Canterbury

Tara was an exemplary advisor in my case every step of the way. She spoke with clarity using language I could understand... READ MORE

Mrs D - West Sussex

Adam is very knowledgeable on the matter we raised, and his explanations were very clear and easy to understand.

Mr & Mrs G - London

‘In these uncertain times, John's support and extensive knowledge have been outstanding. My husband and I have previously... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs J - Cardiff, Wales

Sue appreciated that we had carried out extensive research ourselves so was able to aim our discussions at the appropriate... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs H - Morecambe, Lancashire

Sara Whitbread provided an excellent service. She enables us to find the perfect offer & the whole process was handled swiftly,... READ MORE

Mrs A - Hereford, Herefordshire

Equity Release Supermarket really got things moving with my application and business was concluded within two weeks of contacting... READ MORE

Mr H - Didsbury, Manchester

Despite the limitations imposed by Coronovirus, I was extremely pleased by the highly professional approach adopted by all.... READ MORE

Mr W - Knebworth, Hertfordshire

Excellent service. Derek Wren explained everything we needed to know in a friendly manner.

Mr & Mrs C - Isle of Grain, Kent

David was excellent with his advice & knowledge. We were kept well informed by David & Boyd Legal were 1st class.

Mr & Mrs F - Broxburn, West Lothian

From first meeting to cash in the bank took just 28 days. Much faster than I could have expected.

Mr H - Richmond, Surrey

Excellent Service. Mark was very helpful & always returned calls very quickly if unavailable. We were always kept upto date... READ MORE

Mr & Mrs W - Redditch, Worcestershire

How long does the equity release application process take?

A lifetime mortgage scheme usually takes somewhere between 4 to 6 weeks to complete, while a home reversion plan is more like 8 to 10 weeks, assuming the title on the house is clear. How long this takes will also depend largely on how efficient and experienced your solicitor is.

Applying for equity release involves legal work, which should be handled by a solicitor with expertise in equity release. This can help to avoid any potential delays in your application.

Equity Release Supermarket can provide a panel of qualified equity release solicitors to choose from, who can handle your application. All these solicitors offer a home visit if required and a competitive pricing structure, backed up by a 'no completion, no fee' guarantee.

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