Beginners' Guide
What is Equity Release? A Plain English Guide
If you are new to equity release, this guide explains clearly how it works, who it is for, and what to consider before making any decisions. Written by our Chorley-based advisers as part of our equity release advice service, working with homeowners across Lancashire, Greater Manchester and nationwide.
Proud Member of the Equity Release Council
As members, every lifetime mortgage plan we recommend includes the No Negative Equity Guarantee and the Right to Remain in your home for life. Both protections are built into every ERC-approved plan as part of the Council's Code of Conduct.
Understanding Equity Release
Equity release lets homeowners aged 55 and over access some of the cash tied up in their property without needing to move out or make monthly repayments. It is one of the most popular financial planning tools available to over 55s across the North West, and when arranged correctly with qualified advice, it can be a safe and flexible solution.
55+
Minimum Age
Available for homeowners aged 55 and over.
£70k
Min Property Value
Typical minimum value of your main residence.
Key Benefits
You retain full ownership of your home.
Receive a tax-free lump sum to spend as you wish.
Interest is typically rolled up, meaning no monthly repayments are required.
What can Equity Release be used for?
Equity release can provide a flexible source of funds that you can use in a variety of ways. Lancashire and North West homeowners use equity release to enhance their lifestyle, support their family or meet financial needs in later life — here are the most common uses:
Home Improvements
Make your property more comfortable, accessible, or energy efficient.
Lifestyle & Travel
Fund a once in a lifetime holiday or enjoy more financial freedom in retirement.
Family Support
Help children or grandchildren get on the property ladder with a living inheritance. Some families use equity release proceeds to provide a deposit for a first time buyer mortgage - we can advise on both sides of that arrangement.
Major Purchases
Cover care costs, purchase a new car, or manage unexpected expenses without dipping into savings.
Can it be used to purchase a property?
Absolutely! Equity release can also be a solution for those who want to move but still need to borrow in later life, perhaps to buy a home closer to family, relocate to a preferred area, or purchase a more accessible property.
The funds can cover the shortfall between your current home’s sale price and the cost of your new property, avoiding the need for traditional repayment mortgages with strict affordability checks.
As with any equity release arrangement, it’s essential to take qualified advice to ensure it’s the right route for your circumstances and that you understand the long-term implications.
How is it different from the past?
Equity release today is a world away from the risky and unregulated plans of the 1990s. Modern plans are strictly regulated and providers who are members of the Equity Release Council must meet high consumer protection standards.
No Negative Equity
Included in all Equity Release Council-approved plans. You will never owe more than your home is worth, even if property prices fall.
Right to Stay
You have the guaranteed legal right to stay in your property for life. You can never be forced to move out.
Fixed/Capped Rates
Interest rates are fixed or capped, providing certainty. The emphasis is now on clear advice transparency and suitability.
"The emphasis now is on clear advice, transparency, and long-term suitability - helping people make decisions that are right for them and their families."
As well as this beginners guide, we have detailed pages covering how equity release works, whether equity release is right for you, the risks and safeguards, and later life options beyond equity release. See our full equity release advice section for everything in one place.
For a deeper introduction, our guide to modern equity release explained covers how plans have evolved in recent years, and our equity release jargon buster cuts through the terminology. When you are ready to discuss your own situation, speak to one of our advisers — there is no obligation and no pressure.
How is the Loan Calculated?
How much you can release is based on two simple factors:
1. Your Age
The older you are, the higher the percentage of your home's value you can usually release. Plans start from age 55.
2. Property Value
The current market value of your home. A professional valuation will be carried out to confirm this.
Bonus: Health & Lifestyle
Certain health conditions or lifestyle factors might qualify you for an "Enhanced Plan", allowing you to release more money.
Who Offers These Plans?
You are in safe hands. Equity release is only offered by regulated lenders, who must follow strict rules to protect you.
Strictly Regulated Lenders
Only approved lenders offer equity release products, and they must follow strict rules set by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority).
Some of the biggest and most trusted names in financial services provide these plans, including:
High-Street Banks
Specialist Providers
Important Requirement
You must get advice from a qualified equity release adviser before proceeding.
This mandatory step ensures your safety by confirming:
The plan is specifically tailored to your needs.
All options are considered first.
Why Professional Advice Matters
Equity release is a long-term decision that can impact your finances, inheritance and benefits - which is why it is a legal requirement to take regulated advice from a qualified adviser before proceeding. Our Chorley-based advisers cover the whole of the North West and are here to guide you through every step, with no obligation and no pressure.
A good adviser will:
Explain all your options (including alternatives)
Recommend a suitable plan from a range of lenders
Help you understand the long-term impact
Involve your family if appropriate
Ensure you're protected by Equity Release Council safeguards
Taking advice doesn’t commit you to anything - it just gives you clarity and confidence to decide what’s right for you.
Why Choose Aspect Mortgages?
Independent and FCA regulated. We work for you, not for the lender
Proud member of the Equity Release Council, giving you the No Negative Equity Guarantee and the right to remain in your home for life
Whole of market access. We search all leading equity release lenders to find the right plan for you
Family run since 2004 with over 100 years of combined team experience
No pressure, no rush. Complex decisions explained clearly, at a pace that suits you
Family involvement welcome. We actively encourage family members to be part of the conversation
Rated 5 stars across 460+ Google reviews. One of the most reviewed brokers in the North West
Fixed, transparent fee. One flat fee, no surprises
What Our Clients Say
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Find out what equity release could do for you.
We can meet at our Chorley office, at your home, or by video call, whichever suits you best. Call us on 01257 812345 or drop us a message and we'll get back to you.
Areas We Cover
Remote advice offered nationwide.
There will be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances but we estimate that it will be £495 for a residential/buy to let mortgage or £1495 for an equity release/retirement mortgage.
Aspect Mortgages Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the Financial Services Register (https://register.fca.org.uk/s/) under FCA reference 305352. The FCA do not regulate Business Buy to Let Mortgages.
As independent advisers we have access to the whole market, except for deals that you can only obtain by going direct to a lender. Registered in England and Wales No: 051013801. 16 St Thomas' Road, Chorley, PR7 1HR.
A Lifetime Mortgage may reduce the value of your estate and could affect your entitlement to benefits. To understand the features and risks please ask us for a personalised illustration.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
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