The difference between a property’s current value and money secured against it. It can rise or fall and is not the same as cash available to release.
The difference between a property’s current value and money secured against it. It can rise or fall and is not the same as cash available to release.
Equity release may involve a lifetime mortgage, secured against your property, or a home reversion plan. It will reduce the value of your estate and impact funding long-term care.
This entry follows MoneyHelper. It is a plain-English explanation of how the term is used in the UK, not a quotation, and it does not override a provider’s own wording.
Checked 7 September 2026. The whole vocabulary sits on one page, so you can look up two words in the same sentence without going anywhere: see this entry in the full glossary.
What equity release is, in plain English
Get a balanced overview with nothing sold in it.
Read the guide called What equity release is, in plain English →Equity release may involve a lifetime mortgage, secured against your property, or a home reversion plan. It will reduce the value of your estate and impact funding long-term care.
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The difference between a property’s current value and money secured against it. It can rise or fall and is not the same as cash available to release.
It follows MoneyHelper. It is a plain-English explanation of how the term is used in the UK rather than a quotation, and it does not override a provider's own wording, the conditions of a plan you hold, or advice from your solicitor.
On the guide "What equity release is, in plain English", which helps you get a balanced overview with nothing sold in it. A glossary entry explains a word. The guide works through what it actually means for a decision, with its sources and the date each was checked.
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Equity release may involve a lifetime mortgage, secured against your property, or a home reversion plan. It will reduce the value of your estate and impact funding long-term care.
One qualified equity release adviser. They will go through your figures and tell you if there is a better answer. It costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
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