The equity release market continued to demonstrate resilience in Q3 2025, with total lending rising to £639m, up from £636m in Q2 and 4% higher than the same period in 2024.

While total plan numbers were lower this quarter, customers released larger sums on average. This reflects measured, advice-led financial planning as older homeowners use housing wealth to manage household budgets, support family members, and plan for future needs in a challenging economic environment.

Adviser feedback gathered through the Council’s quarterly survey paints a picture of a confident yet cautious customer base. Some customers have deferred decisions with three-quarters of advisers* reporting that this is due to waiting for rate stability. Those proceeding are prioritising clearing mortgages or managing debt within longer-term financial plans.

Overall, sentiment across the advice community remains positive. The data highlights a mature, stable market where borrowers are acting responsibly and with confidence in long-term property values.

Steady annual lending growth suggests homeowners are choosing the option of equity release after careful deliberation.

Average loan sizes increased significantly across both new and existing customers, particularly drawdown and further-advance activity.

Additionally, lump-sum lending edged ahead for the first time since late 2022, while drawdown continues to play a key role in enabling flexible long-term planning.

David Burrowes, Chair of the Equity Release Council, said: “This quarter’s performance reflects a resilient, confident and responsible market operating in challenging conditions. While fewer customers released equity, those who did were acting with clear financial purpose and strong support from specialist advice.

Rising average loan sizes, and continued use of drawdown flexibility, show people are using property wealth carefully to manage costs, support family members and plan ahead.

Equity release remains an important part of later-life financial planning. The sector continues to demonstrate resilience, with robust consumer safeguards and advice standards at its core.”

ENDS

*Based on a quarterly annual survey of our adviser members during October 2025 (with 53 responses).

About the data
The Council’s market data is compiled from actual whole-of-market returns and is not estimated nor grossed up, making it the UK’s definitive equity release data. All data has been collated by the Council, unless otherwise stated. To read the full report click here.

About the product
Equity release allows older people to access the wealth in their homes, without necessarily having to sell or move. Lifetime mortgages make up more than 99% of the market. They enable people to borrow against their homes without making repayments unless they choose to. The loan and interest, or part thereof, is paid when the customer dies or goes into long term care. Since 1991, more than 950,000 homeowners have accessed £50bn of property wealth via Council members to support their finances. 

About the Council
The Council is the representative trade body for the UK equity release market with around 800 member firms and over 1,800 individual members. Plans that meet the Council’s standards come with six product safeguards: no negative equity guarantee; fixed or capped rates for life; secure tenure for life; the right to port; the right to make overpayments and no early repayment charge if you move into care provided a medical certificate is provided. In the UK, these safeguards are underpinned by mandatory independent legal advice, which ensures the customer understands the risks and implications of the plan.

More information: visit www.equityreleasecouncil.com

Email: [email protected]