Welcome to the Council’s first quarterly newsletter of 2025.
We’ve already had a very busy start to the year – but before I get started, please do read our Annual Report 2024 which sets out how we’ve delivered value to our members, and the wider sector, while setting the stage for an ambitious year ahead. Highlights included supporting over 450 customers each week via our members directory, answering more than 320 technical queries and hosting two hugely successful summits. To take a look at what has been achieved please click here.
The Council released its Q4 2024 figures at the end of January which showed that more than 15,000 customers were active in the equity release market for the first time since Q3 2023. The Q4 2024 data signals a promising recovery in the equity release market, marking the first time in two years that lending and total plans have grown for three consecutive quarters. This resilience highlights the market’s ability to adapt to shifting economic conditions. With interest rates beginning to stabilise, there is renewed optimism for 2025. Click here to read the full release and report. Please also read commentary from members on Q4 and full year data in our newsletter.
As the Government asks our regulators to prioritise economic growth the industry stands ready to support consumers as they release property wealth which can not only help them achieve their financial objectives but stimulate growth at the same time!
Looking ahead, we are delighted to invite you to the Later Life Lending Summit 2025, the premier event for our sector, focused on the ever-evolving landscape of later life lending. Join us on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, in Westminster, London, for this flagship gathering of industry leaders, where we will explore the latest trends, innovations, and opportunities shaping the market. Exhibition and sponsorship opportunities for the Summit are filling up fast. Contact Laura Gibson our Membership Business Development Manager now to secure your spot!
From one great event to another, the Council was honoured to support the inaugural British Later Life Lending Awards at the end of January. Held at the Hilton Bankside in London, the event celebrated the outstanding achievements and brightest talents in the industry. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the deserving winners!
In other news, an opening on the Standards Committee, representing associate members has become available. This role is open to applicants from firms that are not advisers, providers, or solicitors. To apply, please complete the application form and submit it along with your CV by 13 February 2025. All applications should be sent to our Director of Risk, Policy & Compliance, Kelly Melville-Kelly.
The Council’s newly enhanced events page has been a great success, providing a more effective platform to connect our members and highlight the many initiatives across our sector. We encourage members to share details of their upcoming events with our communications team. Click here to explore the events page.
Finally, we have had some excellent articles in this edition. Our Business Spotlight features Matthew Cumber from Countrywide Surveying Services. Matthew tells us about the history of the firm and his thoughts on the future challenges his business and the sector may experience.
Elsewhere, some of our new chairs and vice chairs of the Council Forums introduce themselves in the latest Focus On. Mike Jones shares his passion outside of work and a very cold country he would love to visit one day in 5 minutes with…!
We’re also sharing an article from Nokkel, to which I was pleased to contribute, exploring the idea of property as a dynamic, evolving asset and how advisers can create solutions that enhance and sustain client wealth. We also have the regular features such as commentary on our latest Q4 and FY market data, exclusive Council updates, and our new member welcome feature.
Enjoy reading this Winter edition of the newsletter, Spring is just around the corner!
