What Does Martin Lewis Think About Equity Release in 2026?
11 May 2026 
Later life borrowing
Martin Lewis’s view on equity release is not a simple yes or no answer.
Across his website and TV appearances, his message is consistent: Equity release is not something to rush into.
It is a serious financial commitment that can be useful for some older homeowners, particularly those who need access to cash and want to stay in their homes.
It may also be worth considering if it improves quality of life in later years and there are fewer concerns about leaving a large inheritance.
However, he cautions that it is an expensive form of borrowing. Compound interest can build quickly, and downsizing should usually be considered first.
He views equity release as a later-life borrowing option that may be right in some cases and a bad idea in others.
This article has been updated to reflect his most recent publicly available views, including comments made on The Martin Lewis Money Show Live and updated guidance published on MoneySavingExpert.com.
For clarity: Over50choices is a publisher of information and is not connected to Martin Lewis. This article reflects his publicly stated views and opinions, compiled from various sources.
Has Martin Lewis Changed His Mind on Equity Release?
Not substantially, but his tone has evolved. He used to speak about equity release almost exclusively in terms of risk and caution. More recently, he has acknowledged that the market has matured and that products now come with better consumer protections than they once did.
During a 2024 episode of his live Money Show, he said the system of equity release had "got better over recent years," with more flexibility available to borrowers. This is a notable shift from his sceptical earlier commentary.
However, he remains firm in his warnings about compound interest. He repeatedly highlights real examples of people whose estates have been significantly reduced due to the effects of compound interest left unchecked.
His current position is that of a pragmatist rather than a pessimist. Equity release can work well for the right person, approached in the right way with professional guidance. It can go badly wrong for someone who does not understand what they are signing up for.
How much cash could you release?
Martin Lewis on Equity Release: At a Glance
Key question | His position |
Does he recommend it? | Not broadly. He treats it as a carefully considered option rather than a standard recommendation |
Can it ever be suitable? | Yes, for some homeowners in later life |
First alternative to consider | Downsizing |
Biggest concern | Compound interest and long-term cost |
Key advice | Borrow only what you need |
View on advice | Always use regulated, independent advice |
Other warnings | Impact on inheritance and benefits |
When Martin Lewis Suggests Equity Release Could Make Sense
Based on guidance from MoneySavingExpert, equity release may be worth considering if:
You are over 55 and own your home
You need access to additional income or a lump sum
You want to stay in your home rather than move
You have limited alternative options
Leaving a large inheritance is not your top priority
You have no dependants
He has also highlighted that modern lifetime mortgages offer more flexibility than older products. For example, some allow voluntary repayments or let you take money in stages.
This leads to one of his most important points:
Borrow only what you need, when you need it.
Taking a large lump sum too early means interest builds up for longer, which can significantly increase the total cost.
When Martin Lewis Thinks Equity Release May Be a Bad Idea
There are also clear situations where he urges caution.
When you have not considered downsizing
Downsizing is often his first suggested alternative. Moving to a smaller property could release cash without taking on long-term debt.
When preserving inheritance is important
Equity release reduces the value of your estate over time. This may not suit those who want to leave as much as possible to their family.
When you underestimate compound interest
Interest on equity release is usually rolled up. This means you pay interest on interest, which can grow quickly over time. Current rates sit typically between 6% and 8% for lifetime mortgages.
At 6%, a £20,000 loan doubles in roughly 12 years. At higher rates, it doubles faster. If the maths feels manageable now but has not been thought through over 20 or 25 years, the decision is not yet ready to be made.
When you treat it as “easy” or “discretionary” money
Martin Lewis has repeatedly warned against seeing equity release as a quick financial fix. It is a long-term commitment that needs careful thought.
When you have not involved your family.
He regularly urges borrowers to bring their loved ones into the conversation. Equity release is a long-term commitment that affects anyone expecting an inheritance. Surprises at the estate stage cause real damage to families.
When you have not checked the impact on your state benefits
A lump sum from equity release will count as savings. This could push you above the threshold for means-tested support including pension credit, council tax reduction, and other benefits. It is important to get clarity on this before you proceed.
6 Key Tips from Martin Lewis on Equity Release
1. Consider alternatives first
Before exploring equity release, look at options such as downsizing, using savings, or adjusting retirement income.
This also gives you the opportunity to find a home that is more suitable to later life requirements, for example with fewer stairs and more accessibility requirements.
2. Take as little as possible, as late as possible
The less you borrow, the less interest builds up over time. Flexible options like drawdown lifetime mortgages can help reduce costs, as you only pay interest on the money you use.
3. Make repayments when you are able to
If your plan allows it, you can reduce the effects of compound interest by making regular or ad hoc repayments.
4. Get regulated advice
Equity release advice must be provided by a qualified adviser. This helps ensure the product is suitable for your needs.
Members of the Equity Release Council follow standards that include protections such as:
A no negative equity guarantee
The right to stay in your home for life
The ability to move to another suitable property
Fixed or capped interest rates
The option to make voluntary repayments, depending on the plan
These safeguards are designed to make modern equity release safer than earlier versions.
5. Check if it affects your means-tested benefits
Taking money from your home could impact your means-tested benefits, such as pension credit and universal credit. This is an important factor that should always be checked with a professional equity release adviser.
6. Involve your loved ones in the decision
Equity release is a serious financial commitment. It will impact any inheritance you plan to leave. Involving your loved ones in the process from the start will ensure that they are fully aware of your situation, so there will be no unwelcome surprises.
Should You Switch Your Existing Equity Release Deal?
This is a topic that has gained ground on MoneySavingExpert in recent years and deserves attention.
If you already have a lifetime mortgage and the interest rate you are paying is higher than current market rates, it may be worth reviewing whether you can switch to a cheaper deal.
Martin Lewis's website now carries a dedicated guide to switching equity release, noting that homeowners could potentially save tens of thousands of pounds over the life of their plan by remortgaging to a lower rate.
This is particularly relevant for anyone who took out a plan several years ago when rates were higher.
It is worth asking a qualified adviser to assess your current deal against what is available today.
Early repayment charges may apply, so a proper cost-benefit analysis is essential before acting.
Considering Equity Release? About Age Partnership
Age Partnership is a UK-based specialist later-life financial adviser. They are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and are members of the Equity Release Council, meaning they operate under the standards and protections Martin Lewis recommends.
They offer guidance on a range of later-life financial options, including:
Pensions and Retirement
Equity release plans
Mortgages and Insurance
Power of Attorney
Their advice process is designed to help you compare options before making a decision.
According to Age Partnership, their service includes:
Assigning you a dedicated adviser to guide you through the process from start to finish
Only recommending equity release if it is suitable to you
Searching a range of plans from multiple lenders to find the best solution for you
Recommending plans that are protected by the safeguards of the Equity Release Council
Providing a bespoke recommendation document for you to read at your leisure
They also state that their initial advice is free and without obligation, and that a £1,995 advice fee is only payable if the case completes, with additional lender and solicitor fees potentially applying.
Disclaimer: Martin Lewis and MoneySavingExpert are not affiliated with Age Partnership as far as publicly available information shows.
Should You Consider an Equity Release Plan?
In conclusion, Martin Lewis does not endorse equity release as a general recommendation.
Instead, he treats it as a carefully considered option that may suit some people but not others.
He acknowledges that for homeowners who need access to funds, want to stay in their property, and understand the long-term costs, it can be a useful solution. But it should never be the first option without exploring alternatives.
The key takeaway is clear. Equity release is not a quick fix. It is a long-term financial decision that should only be made with full understanding and regulated financial advice from a qualified equity release adviser.