2025 Update: What’s New Among the Best Equity Release Companies?
Worried about your retirement funds? Read this before making a move in 2025. For many older homeowners, a house is not just a shelter; it is decades of memories. Most importantly, it is an unlimited source of financial strength. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 65% of individuals aged over 65 years have no mortgage on the home they own. Equity release came into the limelight in 2025 as a flexible approach. It is the best option for people who want to finance their retirement without selling the home they love.
As inflation squeezes wallets and traditional pensions shake, thousands of homeowners in the U.S. are wondering which are the best equity release companies in 2025. This guide cuts the noise as it covers the best equity release companies. Moreover, you will find the mortgage comparison, equity release tools, real stories, and alternatives to equity release.
What Is Equity Release?
Equity release enables 55-year-olds and above to take a portion of their property’s value and live in it. It is not a technical loan but a long-term agreement that can finance retirement. Knowledge of the different types of equity release schemes is necessary to make the right decision. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Lifetime Mortgage
- You take credit for your home’s worth.
- The interest can be rolled up or paid in a monthly installment.
- You retain full ownership.
- The loan ends if you die or are in care.
Home Reversion Plan
- You sell a part/all of your home to a provider.
- On the other hand, you will receive a lump sum/payment as compensation.
- You live for free in your home.
- Upon dying or being transferred to care, the provider sells the home to recover the remaining part.
Although the majority of products offered by lenders in the UK are lifetime mortgages, U.S. homeowners tend to consider home equity conversion loans, commonly known as reverse mortgages.
Why People Choose Equity Release?
For many retirees, fixed income does not go as far as it once did. The needs keep growing from medical bills to family support and inflation-related costs. That is why more homeowners turn to equity release.
Moreover, equity release has been gaining popularity as the most convenient retirement financial solution, especially for the “asset-rich and cash-poor.” Retirees can access some of the value from their homes rather than sell them to get that value.
Here is why most people prefer equity release:
- Helping family: Whether it is home deposits for adult children or a grandchild’s education.
- Supplementing retirement income: Particularly for persons with low pension/Social Security.
- Home renovations or adaptations: Increasing access to a property by one’s age.
- Covering long-term care costs: Not having to go into a facility immediately.
- Clearing existing debts: Mortgages, credit cards, or loans that are burdens when one is retired.
Top 10 Equity Release Companies in 2025
Are you searching for the best equity release companies in 2025? The following are the 10 best equity release companies that are reliable sources, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and members of the Equity Release Council (ERC). Each provides distinctive product features, good customer protection, and clear eligibility terms.
Below is a simple breakdown of the top equity release providers of this year:
- Aviva
Aviva is one of the most trusted providers of lifetime mortgages with flexible payment options. It has been in the financial services business for years. Aviva’s good record and attractive rates make it the favorite of retirees who want long-term security. Their flexible payback terms give customers additional control over the charges on their loans. Here are the key benefits:
- It provides lump sum and drawdown choices at low rates
- It has inheritance protection and voluntary payments available
- Cashback options on selected plans
- Legal & General
Legal & General is a locally known brand that is simple but flexible, mainly due to its transparent product terms. Its stable policy form and consumer-oriented approach attract careful debtors. The company is particularly popular among first-time equity release users. The key benefits include:
- Stable rates of interest and 10% yearly repayment allowance
- Broad eligibility for homeowners aged 55+
- Rated well in terms of plan selection and customer service
- LV= (Liverpool Victoria)
LV= is a mutual company with a good record for customer focus. It offers user-friendly plans tailored for first-time equity release users. The mutual status provides LV= with an edge for a customer-focused outlook, and the plans are for those who need simple terms with little complexity. Here are the key benefits:
- Side effects do not include adverse reactions
- It provides inheritance protection and flexible terms of repayment
- Strong customer satisfaction ratings
- Canada Life
Canada Life is notable for its high borrowing limits and fixed early repayment costs, making it the best option for borrowers who need more assistance. It is a reasonable option for borrowers who do not mind cash upfront and relatively open and available structured pay-back options. Here are the key benefits:
- High loan-to-value (LTV) ratios
- Graded plans are based on age and home value.
- Fixed fees and flexible features
- Pure Retirement
This specialist mortgage supplier is solely dedicated to providing lifetime mortgages and has adapted its services to suit the requirements of older customers. With tailored options and the adviser-only model, Pure Retirement provides a plan tailored to your situation. Here are its key benefits:
- Improved plans offered for the sick
- Concise online resources and applications are provided by the adviser.
- Highly rated for customer transparency
- Just
Just provides both lifetime mortgages and retirement interest-only mortgages. It is perfect for property owners who earn an income and prefer interest payments. It’s one of the few providers serving people with regular post-retirement income. The availability of RIO options makes the whole process even more flexible. The key benefits include:
- Flexible repayment and underwriting options
- Strong financial advice framework
- No negative equity guaranteed
- OneFamily
OneFamily is a customer-owned mutual offering simple equity release plans with convenient features for the elderly. OneFamily’s ethnic background attracts customer-minded individuals who seek transparency in loan management operations and desire low friction. The following are its key benefits:
- Voluntary and partial repayment options
- Fast quote tool and simplified applications process
- Suitable for borrowers aged 65+
- More2Life
More2Life is known for its extensive range of products and effective tech-led services, which are usually provided through professional brokers. It’s perfect for people who require an instant decision and a wider range of specialist equity release products. Here are its key benefits:
- Wide-ranging eligibility in terms of age, health
- Fast application approval timelines
- Innovative platform for adviser support
- Saga (Partnered with Just)
Saga provides equity release solutions via Just, targeting customers of 60+ who boast a high-touch service. The brand is highly recognizable in terms of effectiveness and the user-friendly nature of the offered material, which makes it accessible for less financially confident clients. Here are the key benefits of Saga:
- Plans tailored for older retirees
- Use of explicit language and support.
- Strong reputation among UK retirees
- Hodge Lifetime
Hodge Lifetime is a lending pioneer that provides lifetime and interest-only products without automatic early redemption. Conservative borrowers mostly prefer Hodge because they search for smaller-stage payments rather than huge lump-sum payments. The key benefits include:
- No charges for early repayment upon the qualifying period.
- For small loans and part drawdowns
- A trusted brand in retirement planning
The adults considering equity release should also understand how their income affects snap eligibility. This SNAP 2025 guide can be useful in this regard.
Comparison of the Best Lifetime Mortgage Providers in 2025
When you are choosing between the best equity release companies, it is necessary to compare the actual product details side by side. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the reliable lifetime mortgage providers, highlighting the most important features to consumers.
| Provider | Min Age | Starting Interest Rate | Max LTV | Repayment Flexibility | ERC/FCA Member | Standout Feature |
| Aviva | 55+ | Starting from 5.23% | 58% | Up to 10% yearly | Yes | Offers drawdown and inheritance protection |
| Legal & General | 55+ | Starting from 5.20% | 55% | Voluntary partial repayments | Yes | Fixed interest and simple product terms |
| LV= | 60+ | Starting from 5.30% | 50% | inheritance & early repayment | Yes | Strong customer support |
| Pure Retirement | 60+ | Starting from 5.40% | 52% | Tailored to older retirees | Yes | Best health-based enhanced plans |
| Canada Life | 50% | Starting from 5.35% | Up to 60% | Tiered flexibility | Yes | Higher LTV, fixed early repayment fees |
| Just | 60+ | Starting from 5.45% | 48% | Includes RIO options | Yes | Offers both lifetime and interest-only |
Rates listed in the table are suggestive starting points. Rates vary depending on borrower age, property value, and plan type.
Best Equity Release Companies Regulations
Before deciding on one of the best equity release companies, you need to be sure that your money and even your home are safe. Luckily, all the best providers listed in this guide are members of the Equity Release Council (ERC) and regulated as FCA equity release providers. When a company belongs to the ERC, a set of strict conduct codes is required to be followed. This includes:
- No-negative-equity guarantee
- The right to continue life in your home until death
- Mandatory face-to-face legal advice
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) also provides another safety by regulating financial products and intermediaries. Besides, the FCA regulated equity release company is more responsible to its customers, provides notice of risks, and prevents misleading information.
Choosing from the list of FCA-regulated equity release providers is not only a matter of trust; it is also necessary for peace of mind.
Tools to Help You Decide
Comparing the best equity release companies, even with the most trusted names, can be overwhelming. Several platforms offer free, easy-to-use tools to help you compare possibilities before committing. These tools ease financial decisions and boost confidence.
- Equity Release Calculators
This tool provides a quick, initial estimation of equity release potential. Enter your age and property valuation to get an estimated figure without calling or consulting.
- Downloadable PDF Guides
Guides explain equity release essentials, from interest accumulation to inheritance. They provide essential knowledge before meeting with a financial consultant.
- Forms for Free Quotes
Many websites allow users to fill out brief forms to get customized quotes. These quotations usually contain predicted interest rates, repayment flexibility, and eligibility feedback.
- Online Consultations
It allows you to talk to advisers about equity release possibilities in detail. Online appointments let you discuss choices with licensed professionals, which is helpful if you want clarity before choosing a supplier.
How Does Equity Release Look Like in Real Life?
Although comparisons and calculators provide clarity, real-world experiences provide facts on working with the best equity release companies. These stories offer insight into the emotional and financial impact of equity release upon people’s lives and the lessons they learned.
- Joe & Liza (Funding Retirement Without Selling Their Family Home)
Joe (68) and his wife, Liza (65), had most of their wealth wrapped up in their property. The retired couple utilized equity release to pay their healthcare bills and renovate their home without selling it. They felt good about remaining in the most comfortable place and having access to more money during their retirement period. The plan’s flexibility gave them peace of mind and space to handle expenses.
- Christiana (Helping Her Daughter Buy a First Home)
Christiana (72) withdrew $60,000 from her home to help her daughter save for a deposit. She utilized a drawdown lifetime mortgage to assist her adult child with the home deposit. Slowly extracting equity assisted her in managing interests and pursuing family goals. She liked that she could keep a portion of her estate and not face unnecessary financial pressure from the start and that it was something the best equity release companies could offer.
These stories demonstrate that each decision is accompanied by a personal objective, security, freedom, or family support. Good equity release companies not only provide money but also help make milestones possible.
Who Offers Retirement Interest-Only Mortgages in 2025?
Many top providers have retirement interest-only mortgages in their product lineups. Such plans are convenient for homeowners who want to make interest payments monthly and not see their debt accumulate over time. Below are the benefits of interest-only mortgages during retirement.
- Monthly interest payments ensure that the loan is constant.
- More control of future estate value
- Appropriate for people with a stable income for retirement
- Usually, it offers the opportunity to pay off the entire loan in case of downsizing or dying.
- It can be accessed from several of the best equity release companies with flexible terms.
Is Equity Release Right for You?
Equity release is not the only method of gaining value from your home. Although it works well for most people, it is not for all. Before signing up for a long-term arrangement, one should consider some of the home equity release options, plans, and reverse mortgage alternatives available in 2025.
- Downsizing to a smaller home
- Remortgaging or refinancing
- Government or local benefit programs
- Reverse Mortgages
Although the types of equity release plans remain in trend, such options may provide fewer financial strings in the long run. Analyze all paths thoroughly, compare, and count on your decision.
Choosing the Right Provider
With all the equity release providers who claim to sell almost the same products, there is a need to look deeper. Some of the best equity release companies are distinguished by extremely low rates, consumer protection, flexibility, and proven trustworthiness.
The five questions that would help you make the right decision before you go ahead with any quote are as follows:
- Are they FCA-regulated?
- Do they offer flexible repayment?
- What’s their interest rate structure?
- Are they members of the ERC?
- How do customers rate them?
What’s New in 2025? Equity Release Trends to Watch
The equity loans market in 2025 is characterized by a trend toward greater flexibility, transparency, and consumer empowerment. As inflation is leveling out, the average rates for lifetime mortgages have relaxed a little from 2023 to 2024, benefiting borrowers with more favorable deals. The leading equity release companies have responded by altering products and policies to address changing financial needs.
Below are the top trends of 2025:
- Interest rate adjustments
- Flexible repayment options
- Greater demand for retirement interest-only plans.
- Strict FCA regulatory oversight
- Enhanced online tools
Conclusion
Selecting the top equity release companies is not about rates or the amount of loans, it is about how you will find a solution that works for your retirement plans. This blog has covered the most recent product offers and regulatory changes, so you are reading up-to-date information when you compare the best equity release companies in 2025.
With the increased flexibility of the products, enhanced protection, and increased transparency in 2025, you have great tools to make informed decisions. Use calculators, refer to guides, and consult qualified advisers before proceeding. If you want additional revenue, consider helping your family or saving for the future. An equity release plan is the best choice. It can release your home’s potential without losing the home you love. Ask yourself questions and find a provider that puts your future first.For more helpful blogs, news, and updates, visit our website or follow Founding Startups on social media today.
