If you’re a homeowner aged 55 or over, equity release offers a way to unlock tax-free cash from the value of your home without having to sell or move out. But one of the first questions most people ask is: how much equity can I actually release?
In this guide, we’ll break down what affects how much you can borrow, the factors lenders look at, and how to estimate your potential with confidence.
What Is Equity Release? (Quick Recap)
Equity release—usually in the form of a lifetime mortgage—is a financial product that allows you to access a portion of your property’s value while continuing to live there. The loan is typically repaid when you pass away or move into long-term care.
🔗 More details: What is an Equity Release Mortgage?
How Much Equity Can You Release from Your Home?
Most equity release providers allow you to release between 20% and 60% of your property’s value. The exact amount depends on several key factors, including:
✅ 1. Your Age
The older you are, the more equity you can usually release. This is because the lender expects the loan to be repaid sooner.
| Age | % of Property Value (Typical) |
| 55 | ~20–25% |
| 65 | ~30–40% |
| 75+ | ~45–55% or more |
✅ 2. Your Property Value
The more your home is worth, the more equity you can unlock. For example:
- A 65-year-old with a £300,000 property might release ~£90,000.
- A 75-year-old with a £400,000 home might access ~£180,000 or more.
Use our free Equity Release Calculator to get an estimate in under 30 seconds.
✅ 3. Your Health and Lifestyle
If you have certain medical conditions or lifestyle factors—such as a history of smoking or high blood pressure—you may qualify for an enhanced equity release plan, which lets you borrow more than someone in good health.
✔ This is because lenders assess life expectancy as part of their risk model.
🔗 Related: How Does Equity Release Compound Interest Work?
✅ 4. Joint vs Single Application
If you’re applying as a couple, the amount you can release is based on the younger person’s age—which can slightly reduce the total loan available.
However, the vast majority of plans are designed to continue until both applicants have passed away or moved into long-term care.
🔗 More details: Can You Take Out Equity Release on a Jointly Owned Property?
✅ 5. Lender Criteria
Every lender sets their own rules on:
- Minimum and maximum loan amounts
- Property eligibility (e.g. type, condition, location)
- Repayment flexibility
✔ The vast majority of lenders offer drawdown plans, inheritance protection, and no-negative equity guarantees, giving you flexibility and peace of mind.
🔗 Related: What Are the Risks of Equity Release?
Can You Choose How to Access the Money?
Yes. The vast majority of plans offer:
- A lump sum: One-off payment upfront
- A drawdown facility: Access smaller amounts over time as needed
- A combination of both
Choosing drawdown can help reduce the total interest accrued on your loan over time.
🔗 Related: How Does Equity Release Work?
Will It Affect My Inheritance?
Releasing equity will reduce the value of your estate. However, the vast majority of lenders allow you to ringfence a portion of your home’s value for your beneficiaries.
It’s also worth noting that you retain ownership of your home, and the loan is only repaid when it’s sold.
🔗 More details: Do I Need a Will with Equity Release?
FAQs: How Much Can You Release?
Is there a minimum amount I can release?
Most plans start from £10,000, although this varies between lenders.
Can I release more equity later?
Yes. The vast majority of drawdown plans allow you to access additional funds in the future—without needing a new application.
🔗 Related: Can You Do Equity Release More Than Once?
Does my home type affect how much I can release?
Yes. Certain property types (e.g. flats above commercial units or non-standard construction) may be subject to restrictions.
🔗 More details: Properties Not Eligible for Equity Release
Next Steps
If you’re ready to see how much equity you could release:
✔ Get an instant estimate with our Equity Release Calculator
✔ Speak to a specialist via our Equity Release Adviser page
✔ Continue reading:
- What Are the Pros and Cons of Equity Release?
- Can You Pay Back an Equity Release Mortgage Early?
Knowing how much you can release is the first step toward unlocking the financial freedom that equity release can offer.
