While selling your house with equity release can be complicated, with the right support, it can be easier than you think.

According to a study conducted with 500 British homeowners aged 55 and above, 30% advised they were considering equity release as a part of their retirement plan.¹

If this is you, but you are concerned about unexpected life changes, this article is for you.

Our research team at SovereignBoss has compiled all the essential information you need on selling your house with equity release in 2025.

Therefore...

Is It Possible to Sell Your Home With Equity Release?

Yes, you can sell your house even if you have an equity release plan, but there are specific considerations and steps involved:

• Check Terms and Conditions: Your equity release agreement will have specific terms about selling your property. It is important to review these terms or consult with your provider.
• Repaying the Loan: When you sell your house, the proceeds are first used to repay the equity release loan, including any accrued interest.
• Moving to Another Property: Some plans allow you to transfer the equity release to a new property, subject to the new property meeting the lender's criteria.
• Early Repayment Charges: Some equity release plans may have early repayment charges. You should check if these apply in your case.
• Surplus Funds: If the sale price exceeds the amount owed on the equity release, the surplus is yours to keep.
• Consulting with an Advisor: It is advisable to consult with a financial advisor to understand the financial implications of selling your house with an equity release plan.

Remember, the specific details can vary based on the type of equity release plan you have (lifetime mortgage or home reversion) and your provider’s policies.

Learn More About Equity Release Here

Why Sell a House with Equity Release?

You may want to sell your house with equity release for one of the following reasons:

• A desire for financial liquidity or need to move into a more suitable property (downsizing or relocating).
• The need for funds for lifestyle changes, unexpected expenses, or healthcare needs.
• To manage your estate's value while still alive, providing a chance to personally benefit from your property's value or help your family.

It is important to take into account potential early repayment charges, legal implications, and the potential impact on your future financial circumstances before proceeding.

The best way to do this is by consulting a qualified equity release advisor or broker to look at all of your options, help you understand just how equity release works, and run through the pros and cons. 

What Is the Process of Selling a House with Equity Release?

Selling a house with equity release typically involves several steps, though the exact process may vary depending on the specifics of your equity release plan and other factors.

The process will typically involve the following steps:

• Valuation: Get an independent valuation to determine the current market value of your property.
• Equity Release Provider: Work with your equity release provider to establish the loan amount and interest accrued on your property, and determine if you will owe early repayment charges. You will want to know if there is an available balance after the home is sold.
• Real Estate Agent: Engage a real estate agent to list and market your property.
• Sale Completion: Proceed with the sale through a traditional real estate transaction, with the equity release provider receiving their share from the proceeds upon completion.
• Repayment: Repay the equity release provider from the sale proceeds, with any remaining funds going to you or your estate.
• Market Conditions: Consider the prevailing housing market conditions, including supply and demand dynamics, to optimise your selling strategy and maximise the potential value of your property. However, be aware that market conditions can fluctuate and may impact the value of your property.

The process may differ between moving home and transferring equity release to a new property and moving into a retirement home.

Moving Home and Transferring Equity Release to a New Property

If you are considering moving home and transferring your equity release to a new property, it is important to check if your equity release plan is portable and if the new property meets the criteria set by your equity release provider. 

If you qualify, you will receive a porting letter highlighting the costs involved and any additional required information.²

Most importantly:

It is beneficial to seek professional advice when navigating the process, as this can aid in understanding the implications and complexities of transferring your equity release plan.

Moving to a Retirement or Care Home with Equity Release

When you move to a retirement or care home with equity release, your plan will be dissolved, your home sold, and the income earned will be used to settle the loan amount.

However, you should keep in mind that the amount of income earned from selling the home may vary depending on market conditions and other factors.

Any additional income will be added to your estate.

No need for alarm:

In the case of joint equity release plans, the surviving partner will continue living in the home, until they pass away or move to long-term care. Only at this point will the loan be due for payment.

It is also important to note that the repayment of the loan may impact the remaining value of the estate.

Is Selling Your House With Equity Release a Good Idea?

Whether selling your house with equity release is a good idea depends on your individual circumstances, financial goals, and your understanding of the potential risks involved.

As a homeowner, it is crucial to consider both the benefits and potential drawbacks, such as the impact on inheritance, the risk of negative equity, and the possible effects of housing market fluctuations.

Seeking independent financial advice from an equity release advisor or broker is crucial to:

• Understand the implications
• Compare options
• Determine if selling with equity release aligns with your needs and objectives.

Who Can Assist with Transferring My Equity Release Plan?

When it comes to transferring your equity release plan, you must seek assistance from your current equity release provider.

Discuss the process and explore the options available. 

You can consult an independent financial advisor who specialises in equity release to guide you through the transfer process and provide expert advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

Opting to sell your house with equity release can be a strategic move, allowing for financial flexibility to accommodate lifestyle changes, unforeseen costs, or even a transition into more fitting accommodation.

However, this process comes with considerations such as potential early repayment charges and the impact on your estate's value. 

It is a decision that requires a thorough understanding of your financial goals and current circumstances.

For this reason, it is highly recommended to engage a professional financial advisor with experience in equity release to help navigate this process.

The key takeaway is that the decision to sell your house with equity release should not be made hastily but should instead involve careful consideration and expert advice.