It's Free to Speak to an Advisor, 7 days, 8am - 10pm

How Does Equity Release Work?

How Does Equity Release Work?

In this article

Accordion Arrow

Equity release works by allowing homeowners, aged 55 or over, to release tax-free money from their homes.

With most equity release plans, you’ll maintain full ownership of the property and you can choose whether to make monthly payments, like a regular mortgage, or not.

You can choose to take the money as a lump sum or in smaller chunks as and when required.

Equity Release

Explained in 2 mins 58 seconds

Find more videos like this on MoneymanTV

Is Equity Release right for me?

Here at UK Moneyman, we are one of a limited number of mortgage advisors in the UK that can consider the full range of later life mortgage products.

The full range, in order of consideration, is a regular mortgage which, in some cases, can run until age 85, the wide collection of more specialist retirement interest only mortgage products (RIOs) and lifetime mortgages, including equity release plans.

Our specialist later life team will recommend the most appropriate product or combination of products for your personal situation. It’s important to remember that equity release is not the only answer, and another option may suit your circumstances and needs better.

You are only able to release equity, via an equity release plan, from your main residence, not a second home or buy to let property. Regular mortgage options maybe more suitable in these situations

The Application Process

If you feel ready to take the next step with us, we’d love to hear from you. You can telephone or book online to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation where we can discuss your equity release options.

We’ll answer all your questions and recommend a way forward. We don’t need anything in the call other than your ages and your address.

Evening calls are available to fit around any work or family commitments also.

Do I have to make monthly payments with equity release?

Yes, but you can choose how that interest is handled. Some lifetime mortgages let you avoid monthly payments entirely, with interest rolling up over time.

Others allow you to pay the interest monthly, just like a standard mortgage, or to pay a smaller fixed amount to keep the interest as low as possible.

You only pay interest on the amount you actually release. So if your total facility is £100,000 but you only take £10,000 in the first year, interest is charged just on that £10,000. Nothing else accrues until you draw more funds later.

It’s worth speaking to an experienced age 50+ mortgage advisor, like the team at UK Moneyman, who can explain the different options and help you find the one that suits your needs.


Latest Age 50+ Guides

Author Image of Dan Osman - Head of Later Life at UK Moneyman Ltd.

About the Author

Dan Osman

Head of Later Life at UK Moneyman Ltd.

Dan joined the Financial Services sector back in 2002, but actually left the industry in 2008 before returning some years later. During the in-between years, he took a degree to become a Social Worker specialising in working with vulnerable adults.

Upon his return, Dan combined his experiences in the two sectors to become an Equity Release Specialist and he now heads up UK Moneyman’s Age 50+ mortgage team. He genuinely believes in a holistic approach and always ensures his clients receive a proper consideration of all the options available, including non-lending alternatives to Equity Release.

Learn More

Continue Reading

UK Moneyman Limited is Registered in England, No. 6789312

Registered Address: 9 Gallows Lane, Beverley, United Kingdom HU17 7FJ.

Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

We are entered on the Financial Services Register No. 627742 at www.register.fca.org.uk.

© UK Moneyman Limited 2025.

Equity Release Council Logo Facebook Image X Logo Instagram Image YouTube Image LinkedIn Image SpotifyImage

We value your privacy

This website uses cookies. If you continue to use the site, we will assume that you agree with our use of cookies.