Are equity release providers regulated?
Lifetime mortgage and home reversion companies are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) which means there are safeguards in place to protect you.
In addition to the FCA controls, most providers are also members of the Equity Release Council (ERC), which sets the standards for equity loans including a ‘No Negative Equity’ guarantee. 
This guarantee ensures that once the property is sold and the solicitors and agents fees have been paid, if there is insufficient money remaining to pay the outstanding equity loan, neither you, your family or your estate will be liable to pay any more.
In addition, the ERC also stipulate that members allow homeowners:
- The right to remain in their home for life or as long as they choose
- The flexibility to move to another property without financial penalties
Over50choices is also a member of the Equity Release Council and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Is it secure?
Yes, as long as you ensure the provider you choose is a member of the ERC. You can use the ‘find a member’ portal on their website to find out whether your chosen equity release scheme is secure and that you are covered by the no negative equity guarantee.
But taking out an equity loan is a big decision and one that could affect your family and any benefits you may receive, so it does require careful consideration.
Read about the pros and cons of equity release.
Which is the best equity release plan?
If you’re considering a lifetime mortgage, it’s important to compare equity release plans and choose a company that is a member of the Equity Release Council so you know they abide by their rules and you are protected.
The 13 providers currently registered with the Council are:
Do banks offer equity release?
None of our high street banks offer their own equity release schemes directly to customers.
Lloyds Bank and TSB refer customers to Scottish Widows, which is part of Lloyds Banking Group for lifetime mortgages. Santander refers customers to Legal & General- a lifetime mortgage lender. L& G in turn use Key Retirement to provide advice on equity release to customers.
It’s important to seek professional advice to compare the market and decide whether equity release is a good idea for you. This can be done either through an equity release qualified IFA or an independent broker.
The benefit of using an independent broker is that they will compare equity release plans across the whole of the market and not just individual companies. This will give you a much broader view of the best and most suitable company for you.
Having reviewed the market, we have teamed up with leading award winning specialist, Age Partnership. They offer initial free no obligation help and advice, and have agreed exclusive plans with leading lenders that you may not be able to get elsewhere. (Only if you proceed and your case completes would a typical fee of £1,795 be payable).
They can talk through your requirements and compare leading ERC providers, review the best equity release interest rates and help you decide on the right scheme for you.
We know it's a big decision!
That's why we have teamed up with Age Partnership one of the UK's leading equity release specialists.
Find out how much cash you could release by clicking on the button below.
Equity Release Calculator