Why More Over-60s Could Be Turning to Equity Release and What it Means for Advisers

As of April 2025, UK homeowners aged 60 and over hold a staggering £2.89 trillion in housing wealth. This is a significant milestone that highlights the scale of later life property wealth in the UK. It is more than just a headline, it’s a clear signal to advisers and brokers that later life lending could be entering a new phase of opportunity.

At Key Partnerships, we know that many of you are already helping clients tap into this growing pool of wealth through responsible equity release referrals. But with statistics such as these, now is the time to deepen conversations, broaden your reach, and ensure your clients understand the role equity release can play in retirement planning.

The Rise of the ‘Property-Rich, Cash-Poor’

Many in the older age group find themselves asset-rich but income-light. With pensions under pressure, inflation nibbling away at savings, and care costs rising, an increasing number of older homeowners are looking at ways to make their homes work for them. That’s where equity release comes in.

Why are so Many Choosing Equity Release?

Equity release allows homeowners in the UK aged 55 or over, to access tax-free cash from the value of their home without needing to sell or move out. The funds can be taken as a lump sum, through a series of smaller withdrawals (known as drawdown), or a combination of both, depending on the product chosen.

With nearly £3 trillion in housing wealth held by homeowners in the over-60 demographic, equity release is increasingly being viewed as a viable financial planning option for later life. Funds released can be used in a variety of ways but are often used to:

• Supplement retirement income
• Pay off existing debts or mortgages
• Fund home improvements or accessibility adaptations
• Support younger family members with deposits or education
• Cover private healthcare or in-home care costs

As awareness grows and products become more flexible, equity release is increasingly considered as one of several later life financial planning tools. However, it may not be suitable for everyone and should be carefully considered with advice.

With product innovation at an all-time high, there are more ways than ever to tailor solutions to clients’ unique needs – yet awareness and understanding still lag. That’s where you, as a trusted adviser, come in.

Final Thought: Turn Insight Into Action

The £2.89 trillion headline is your conversation starter. Why not use it to explore new opportunities with your clients who are approaching, or in retirement. With equity release now firmly in the financial mainstream, the chance to add value for your clients whilst bringing in additional revenue has never been greater. Through Key Partnerships, advisers can earn an average of £1,646 per successful referral*, all while ensuring their clients receive expert, FCA-regulated advice from one of the UK’s leading later life lending specialists. Additionally, you maintain client trust and remain in control of the client-adviser relationship, all whilst opening the door to new income streams and broader financial planning conversations.

Ready to Learn More?

Log in to the Key Partnerships portal or speak to one of our Telephone Account Managers on 0800 138 1663 about integrating equity release into your broader financial planning conversations.

*Average referral fee paid per completed case in 2024.