Just Equity Release Review 2026: Plans, Features and Key Details
- Award-winning equity release lender
- Plans tailored to suit individual requirements
- Potential to release larger amounts based on health and lifestyle
Once you have read this review, you may wish to compare equity release providers and use an equity release calculator to see how much cash you could release from your home.
Try the equity release calculator
About Just
Just, formerly known as Just Retirement, was created in 2016 following the merger with Partnership Assurance. The company provides a range of retirement-focused financial products, including pensions, annuities, insurance, mortgages and equity release.
Just is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is a member of the Equity Release Council, meaning its products meet strict consumer protection standards, including the no negative equity guarantee.
Just Lifetime Mortgages
Just offers a range of flexible lifetime mortgage plans under its “Just For You” range. These plans can be tailored to suit individual needs and financial circumstances.
Customers can choose to release a lump sum or use a drawdown facility, allowing them to access funds as required. The plans are medically underwritten, which may enable some customers to release a higher amount based on their health and lifestyle.
Unless you choose to make repayments, the loan is typically repaid from the sale of your home when you and any joint applicant die or move into long-term care.
The funds released are tax-free, although they may affect your tax position and entitlement to means-tested benefits.
Key Features
- Option to repay some or all of the interest on a monthly basis
- Potential cashback options on selected plans
- Choice of fixed or variable early repayment charges
- Ability to remain in your home for life, provided terms are met
- Lump sum or drawdown options available
- Plans tailored based on health and lifestyle
Eligibility Criteria
Just does not sell its equity release plans directly to consumers. Advice must be obtained through a qualified financial adviser, who will assess whether a lifetime mortgage is suitable based on your personal circumstances.
To qualify for a Just lifetime mortgage, the following criteria typically apply:
- You must be aged 60 or over
- You must own your home or have a small mortgage that can be repaid
- Your property must be your main residence
- The property must be valued at £70,000 or more
- The property must be located in England, Scotland or Wales
- Drawdown plans are also available for customers living in Northern Ireland
- The property must be of standard construction
- The minimum loan amount is usually £10,000 (£20,000 if making monthly payments)
Eligibility and lending criteria may change, so it is important to confirm the latest requirements with an adviser.
Pros and Cons of Just Equity Release
Pros
- Award-winning provider with strong industry recognition
- Plans can be tailored based on health and lifestyle
- Flexible repayment options available
- Equity Release Council member with consumer safeguards
- Option to access funds through lump sum or drawdown
Cons
- Minimum age requirement of 60, higher than some providers
- Early repayment charges may apply
- Interest can compound over time on roll-up plans
- Equity release may reduce inheritance and affect benefits
Just vs Age Partnership: What’s the Difference?
Just and Age Partnership operate in different roles within the equity release market.
Just is a lifetime mortgage lender.
Age Partnership is a regulated equity release adviser.
| Feature |
Just |
Age Partnership |
| Minimum age |
55+ |
55+ |
| Minimum property value |
£70,000 |
£70,000 |
| Interest rate (MER) |
7.05% fixed (April 2026) |
From 6.65% fixed — varies by lender recommended |
| Market average rate |
7.24% (Equity Release Council, Q2 2025) |
6.65% lowest rate available via Age Partnership |
| Interest type |
Fixed for life |
Fixed for life (Equity Release Council requirement) |
| Interest compounding |
Annual |
Annual (varies by lender) |
| Product types |
Lump sum & drawdown lifetime mortgages |
Lump sum, drawdown & home reversion plans |
| Advice fee |
No advice fee charged by Just directly |
£1,995 on completion only (free initial advice) |
| Valuation fee |
May apply (some plans offer free valuation) |
May apply — varies by lender |
| Solicitor / legal fees |
Payable by customer |
Payable by customer |
| Max loan-to-value |
Up to ~60% depending on age |
Depends on lender selected |
| Optional repayments |
Up to 10% of initial loan per year |
Depends on lender recommended |
Why It Matters
Just provides products.
Age Partnership provides regulated advice and may compare multiple lenders.
Equity release requires advice before proceeding, so understanding the difference between a lender and an adviser can help you compare options more clearly.
What Should You Do Next?
- Use an equity release calculator for an initial estimate
- Compare providers, as features and rates can vary
- Speak to a qualified equity release adviser
- Discuss your plans with family to understand the long-term implications
To see how much cash you could release, try a free equity release calculator. Alternatively, explore other equity release reviews to compare providers.
Important Information
This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Equity release is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and may not be suitable for everyone.
It is important to obtain independent, professional advice based on your individual circumstances before making any financial decision.