The Equity Release Council has today released its Q4 2025 market data.
The figures show that the equity release market continued to grow in 2025, increasing by 11 per cent.
In summary the data showed:
- Total annual lending rose from £2.3bn in 2024 to £2.57bn in 2025, highlighting sustained demand across the sector
- The Council’s data for Q4 2025 show the sector has continued to grow, with £632m worth of total lending. This is a 1.6 per cent increase compared to Q4 2024 (£622m)
- More than a quarter of advisers responding to the Council’s latest survey (26 per cent) say customers are now using equity release to clear mortgages balances
Commenting on the data, David Burrowes, Chair of the Equity Release Council, said: “Increasingly, releasing equity is part of homeowners’ retirement plans. Almost four in every ten future retirees (38 per cent) are on track for a retirement income below the Pensions UK ‘minimum standard’. Demographic and economic pressures mean the demand is there and likely to grow. Innovations in product design are making modern equity release more flexible and more secure, making it more attractive to consumers.
“The Council also sees sustained long-term growth being supported by increased collaboration across the later life lending sector and regulatory engagement. In Q1 of 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority launches a focused later life lending market study, examining how mortgages and property-based solutions can better support consumers borrowing into retirement.
“This is an important step which reflects the reality that borrowing in later life is becoming more common and that the market must continue to evolve to deliver good consumer outcomes. That regulatory focus, combined with collaboration and continued product innovation, gives us confidence in the sector’s long-term direction. We have never had a better opportunity to bridge the retirement later life funding gap.”
To read the full press release click here and the mini report click here.
Contact our expert E-Release Team for legal advice when considering releasing the equity built up in your property.