Equity Release
Services
Unlock Tax-Free Cash Without Leaving Home
Are you over 55 and a homeowner in the UK? You could be sitting on a powerful financial resource—your home. Equity release lets you unlock tax-free cash from your property, without having to move. Whether you’re looking to boost your retirement income, help family with a deposit, or simply enjoy life a little more, this 2025 guide will walk you through how it works, what to expect, and how Connect Mortgage Services can help.
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Specialist Equity Release Expertise:
Tap into our in-depth knowledge of equity release products, with advice tailored to your personal goals and circumstances.
Streamlined, Supportive Process:
We make the process simple and stress-free—handling the paperwork and guiding you every step of the way for a smooth, timely outcome.
Clear, Long-Term Planning:
We help you make confident decisions with a strategic plan designed to support your financial wellbeing now and in the future.
What is Equity Release?
Equity release is a way for homeowners aged 55 and over to access money tied up in their property. The most common type is a Lifetime Mortgage—a loan secured against your home that doesn’t require monthly repayments. Instead, it’s repaid (plus interest) when you pass away or move into long-term care.
You retain full ownership of your home and can continue living there for life.
Want to explore your options?
Book Your Free Equity Release Consultation →
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Why Consider Equity Release in 2025?
With living costs rising and retirement stretching further, more people are choosing equity release as a flexible financial tool. According to the Equity Release Council, lending in Q1 2025 reached £665 million—up 32% year-on-year. Why?
- Supplement your retirement income
- Avoid selling or downsizing your home
- Gift a deposit to children or grandchildren
- Pay off interest-only mortgages
- Fund home improvements or care needs
It’s not just about releasing money—it’s about increasing your financial confidence.
How Much Could You Release?
The amount you can access depends on:
- Your age (typically 55+)
- Your property’s market value
- Your health and lifestyle
- The type of equity release plan you choose
For example, a 70-year-old in Surrey with a £900,000 property might access £300,000 or more.
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Drawdown vs Lump Sum: What’s Right for You?
There are two main ways to access funds:
Lump Sum: One large tax-free payment
Drawdown: Take an initial amount, with more available when needed
🎯 Did you know? 56% of new plans in 2024 were drawdown-based—ideal for managing interest and planning ahead.
| Feature | Lump Sum | Drawdown |
| One-time cash | ✔ | ✘ |
| Take as needed | ✘ | ✔ |
| Interest accrual | Starts on full amount | Starts only on amount withdrawn |
| Inheritance impact | Greater | More controllable |
Will I Still Own My Home?
Yes. With a Lifetime Mortgage, you stay the legal owner of your home. The lender places a charge against it—just like a standard mortgage—but you’re in full control.
Want to clear up other common myths?
Read: Top 5 Myths About Equity Release – Debunked
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Is Equity Release Safe?
Today’s equity release products are some of the most heavily regulated in the UK. Protections include:
- FCA-regulated advice
- No negative equity guarantee (you’ll never owe more than your home’s value)
- Optional inheritance protection features
- Flexible repayment options
At Connect Mortgage Services, we only recommend plans from trusted, reputable providers—backed by clear, honest advice.
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Real-Life Client Stories
”Dan quite simply has been absolutely fantastic start to finish, explained everything clearly and answered my millions of questions and panicked phone calls. I would highly recommend and will certainly be using again!!
Jenny W, East Sussex
”Connect Mortgage services helped us with our 2nd remortgage & Equity release. Ollie was superb and was on hand every step of the way, allowing this to be a stress free process for us. Will definitely be using them again and recommend to anyone who needs a mortgage.
Maria Crouch, East Sussex
Is Equity Release Right for You?
Consider equity release if:
- You’re 55+ and own a UK property
- You want to stay in your home
- You’re looking for tax-free cash without monthly repayments
- You’re open to a long-term financial strategy
- You’ve spoken to your family and want expert advice
Need help comparing options?
Equity Release vs Downsizing – What’s Right for You in 2025 →
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Why Choose Connect Mortgage Services
- Surrey and London specialists
- Fully FCA-authorised advisers
- Whole-of-market access to plans
- Friendly, pressure-free service
- Transparent advice tailored to your goals
Start your journey today.
Book a Free Equity Release Call with Our Team →
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Frequently Asked Questions About Equity Release
Will equity release affect my benefits?
Equity release may affect means-tested benefits like Pension Credit, Council Tax Support, or Universal Credit—especially if you receive a lump sum that increases your savings beyond the allowable thresholds.
What you can do:
- Opt for a drawdown plan to release funds gradually, keeping your savings below thresholds
- We’ll review your circumstances and advise how to protect your entitlements
Can I make repayments or reduce the interest?
Yes. Many modern Lifetime Mortgages offer voluntary or flexible repayment options. These allow you to:
- Pay off interest monthly or yearly to reduce compound growth
- Make ad-hoc payments to reduce the overall loan balance
- Avoid early repayment charges if your plan allows it
Why it matters:
This flexibility helps protect the value of your estate and manage your finances over time.
What happens if I move or downsize?
Many equity release plans are portable—meaning you can move to a new property and transfer the loan. The new home must meet the lender’s criteria, which our advisers will help you navigate.
If downsizing, some plans offer “downsizing protection”, allowing you to repay the loan with no penalty if your new home isn’t eligible.
Will I still be able to leave an inheritance?
Yes, though equity release will reduce the value of your estate. However, some plans allow you to:
- Ring-fence a portion of your property’s value for inheritance
- Make voluntary repayments to preserve more for your loved ones
- Gift money while you’re still alive—often more meaningful and timely
With expert advice, equity release can be both supportive and considerate of your legacy.
What are the costs involved?
Typical costs include:
- Independent legal advice (£500–£1,000)
- Lender fees (may be waived or built into the loan)
- Valuation and arrangement fees
- Advice fees (Connect offers transparent, no-pressure advice—often paid from the loan)
We always provide a clear breakdown before you commit to anything.
How long does the process take?
Most equity release cases take 4–8 weeks from initial consultation to funds being released. Timescales depend on property checks, legal work, and how quickly documents are returned.
We handle the process from start to finish—keeping it smooth and stress-free.
Is equity release regulated and safe?
Absolutely. Equity release is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and governed by the Equity Release Council. Key protections include:
- No Negative Equity Guarantee
- Right to remain in your home for life
- Clear, regulated advice
At Connect Mortgage Services, we follow these standards fully—your safety and clarity come first.
Equity Release Blogs
Using Equity Release to Help Your Children onto the Property Ladder
Using Equity Release to Help Your Children onto the Property Ladder
Using Equity Release to Help Your Children onto the Property Ladder
Top 5 Myths About Equity Release – Debunked for UK Homeowners
Top 5 Myths About Equity Release – Debunked for UK Homeowners
Top 5 Myths About Equity Release – Debunked for UK Homeowners
Equity Release vs Downsizing: What’s Better for Retirees in Surrey?
Equity Release vs Downsizing: What’s Better for Retirees in Surrey?
Equity Release vs Downsizing: What’s Better for Retirees in Surrey?
How to Unlock Tax-Free Cash from Your Home in London
How to Unlock Tax-Free Cash from Your Home in London
How to Unlock Tax-Free Cash from Your Home in London
Is Equity Release Right for You in 2025? A Practical Guide for Over-55s
Is Equity Release Right for You in 2025? A Practical Guide for Over-55s
Is Equity Release Right for You in 2025? A Practical Guide for Over-55s
