Without knowledge of the equity release criteria in 2025, you may miss out on the chance to unlock tax-free cash for your retirement.

Whilst some lenders' criteria may differ, there are some universal eligibility factors that typically apply to all.

Our team of leading experts has searched the market for the most accurate and up-to-date equity release information to empower you.

We have mapped out what you need to know about the equity release criteria. 

Do All Equity Release Plans Have the Same Qualification Requirements?

While equity release plans share the common goal of allowing homeowners to access the value of their property, the qualification requirements can vary between different types of plans and between lenders. 

We’ve broken down the qualification criteria of lifetime mortgages and home reversion schemes.

Lifetime Mortgage Qualification Criteria

Lifetime mortgage qualification criteria generally include having to be of a certain age and meeting minimum property requirements. 

Here are the general qualification criteria you’ll need to meet:

• Age Requirement: Typically, you need to be a minimum of 55 years old to qualify for a lifetime mortgage, depending on the lender's specific criteria.
• Property Ownership: Generally, the property must be your primary residence in the UK and have a minimum value of £70,000. It should be of standard construction.
• Property Condition: The property must be in a reasonable state of repair and deemed suitable for the lender's valuation. The home is collateral against the loan.

Home Reversion Qualification Criteria

Home reversion qualification criteria differ slightly but still have minimum age and property requirements that must be met. 

Here are the general home reversion qualification criteria:

• Age Requirement: Home reversion plans are typically available to homeowners aged 65 or older, but this is lender-dependent.
• Property Ownership: Similar to lifetime mortgages, you must own a property in the UK that meets the eligibility criteria set by your lender. The property's value and location will be taken into consideration.
• Property Type: Companies usually require freehold properties or those with a long leasehold.

Personal Equity Release Criteria

Individual or personal equity release criteria include being at least 55 years old, owning a property in the UK, and having a sufficient amount of equity in the property. 

In addition

Lenders also take into account factors such as health and marital/co-ownership status to determine eligibility and the terms of the equity release scheme.

How Does Age Impact Equity Release Eligibility?

Age is a crucial factor in determining equity release eligibility because it’s specifically designed for older homeowners. 

The older you are, the more options you may have, as the minimum age requirement is 55, but is 60 or 65 in some cases. 

Can Health Conditions Influence Your Equity Release Criteria?

Yes, health conditions can influence equity release criteria, but not negatively. 

Some providers offer enhanced or impaired lifetime mortgage plans, which consider your health as a factor in determining interest rates and the amount of equity you can unlock.

In such cases

You’ll receive more equity than you would with a traditional lifetime mortgage equity release.

How Do Financial Circumstances Affect Equity Release Qualification?

Financial circumstances don’t entirely affect your equity release qualification eligibility because lenders won’t consider credit checks the most important lending criteria.¹

Unlike traditional forms of borrowing, it’s a secured loan against your property and no repayments are required during your lifetime.

Be aware, however, that interest will be added to the capital loan and repaid at the end of the loan term, usually from the sale of the property.

Can Joint Ownership Influence Equity Release Eligibility?

Yes, joint ownership can influence equity release eligibility. 

If you co-own the property with someone else, both parties must meet the eligibility criteria set by the equity release provider to qualify for a joint plan. 

Most importantly

You can’t have more than 2 people on your property title deed if you want to qualify for equity release.

How Does Marital Status Impact Equity Release Options?

Marital status can impact equity release options because you’ll need to consider both you and your partner’s future. 

If you are married or in a civil partnership, you may be eligible for joint equity release schemes. 

This allows both partners to release funds and benefit from the equity in your shared property. 

Otherwise, your partner would need to vacate the property when it’s sold once you pass away or move to long-term care.

How Can You Determine Your Personal Equity Release Limits?

To determine your personal equity release limits, you’ll need to consult with a professional equity release advisor or broker to receive a valid quote. 

They will assess your individual circumstances, taking into account factors such as: 

• Your age
• Property value
• Existing mortgage
• Your health

Is Equity Release Possible for Non-UK Residents?

Equity release is typically only available to UK residents because the home must be your primary residence, with a minimum of 6-month annual occupancy.² 

Property-Specific Equity Release Criteria

When considering equity release in the UK, certain property-specific criteria must be met, including a minimum value, being of reasonable condition, and it must be located on acceptable types of land. 

Additionally, the type of property, such as freehold or leasehold, and the presence of Japanese Knotweed can also influence eligibility and the terms of the equity release scheme.

What are the Key Property Requirements for Equity Release?

The key property requirements for equity release include owning a property in the UK, which is typically your primary residence.

Further

The property must have a minimum value set by the equity release provider, usually around £70,000. 

It should also be in a reasonable condition and located on acceptable types of land.

Can Your Property's Location Impact Equity Release Eligibility?

Yes, your property's location can impact equity release eligibility, as it needs to be in the UK and in a location that qualifies.

These include parts of:

• England
• Ireland
• Northern Ireland
• Scotland

Additionally, properties located in areas with lower demand or perceived higher risk may affect the valuation and eligibility for specific equity release schemes.

Does the Type of Property Influence Equity Release?

Yes, the type of property can influence equity release, as standard construction is generally required. 

Most lenders accept freehold houses and flats. 

However, non-standard construction, such as timber-framed or thatched properties, may be unacceptable or require specialist lenders. 

Other properties that will likely be declined include:³

• Shared ownership properties
• Park homes
• Studio and basement apartments
• Holiday homes
• Commercial properties

How Does Property Condition Affect Equity Release?

Property condition is an important factor in equity release. 

While lenders don’t expect the property to be in perfect condition, it should be in a reasonable state of repair and suitable for habitation. 

Significant structural issues or extensive repairs may impact eligibility. 

Lenders will require a valuation or survey to assess the property's condition and ensure it meets their requirements.

Does the Value of the Property Matter in Equity Release?

Yes, the value of the property matters in equity release. 

The maximum loan amount you can release is typically calculated based on a percentage of the property's value. 

The higher the value, the more equity you may be able to release. 

However 

Lenders usually set a maximum loan-to-value ratio and certain plans have a maximum as well as a minimum property value.

What Role Does Outstanding Mortgage Play in Equity Release?

If you have an outstanding mortgage on your property, it must be repaid or cleared with the proceeds from the equity release. 

Providers require that any existing mortgage or secured loans be settled before releasing the remaining available equity. 

Can a Leasehold Property Qualify for Equity Release?

Yes, with some lenders, leasehold properties can qualify for equity release. 

However, lenders typically have requirements for the remaining lease term, often needing it to exceed 75 years or even more.⁴ 

Leasehold properties may also require additional checks to ensure there are no onerous lease terms or issues that could impact the property's value.

Does Japanese Knotweed Affect Your Ability to Qualify for Equity Release?

The presence of Japanese Knotweed can affect your ability to qualify for equity release.

Most lenders view Japanese Knotweed as a significant concern due to its invasive nature and potential impact on the property's structure. 

Some lenders may decline applications outright if Japanese Knotweed is present on the property, while others may require a treatment plan and ongoing monitoring to consider the release of equity. 

It’s advisable to consult with an equity release advisor or broker who can provide guidance specific to your situation.

How Can I Find Out if I Qualify for Equity Release? 

To determine if you qualify for equity release, it is recommended to follow these steps:

• Research and Educate Yourself: Learn about equity release, its benefits, and potential drawbacks. Understand the eligibility criteria and the different types of equity release schemes available.
• Seek Professional Advice: Consult with an independent equity release advisor or broker who can assess your circumstances. 
• Conduct a Financial Assessment: Prepare your financial information, including income, assets, debts, and expenses. The advisor will review these details to determine if you should consider alternatives instead.
• Property Valuation: Your property will need to be valued by a qualified surveyor approved by the equity release provider or broker. The valuation will determine the maximum amount you can release based on the loan-to-value ratio.
• Eligibility Confirmation: Based on the assessment and property valuation, the equity release advisor will confirm whether you qualify for equity release. They’ll provide you with information on the available options, associated costs, and potential risks.

Remember, equity release is a significant financial decision, so it's crucial to seek professional advice to ensure it aligns with your long-term goals and circumstances.

Common Questions

Conclusion

Factors such as age, property value, health conditions, financial circumstances, property type, and existing mortgage all come into consideration when assessing whether equity release is viable. 

It’s crucial to understand and meet these criteria to ensure a smooth and successful equity release process. 

By meeting the equity release criteria, individuals can unlock the potential of their property to access funds for various purposes.