Can I Get Equity Release at 70?
70 is one of the most common ages for first enquiries about equity release in the UK. Lenders are well-accustomed to serving customers at this age, the LTV available is higher than at younger ages, and most providers have no upper age cap. Here is what to expect.
Yes — widely available at 70. Typical LTV is 35–40%. On a £300,000 property, up to around £120,000. Most lenders have no upper age limit at 70.
70 is a very common application age
Data from the Equity Release Council consistently shows that customers in their late 60s and 70s account for a large proportion of lifetime mortgage applications. Lenders are experienced at serving this age group and most have products specifically suitable for it, including enhanced plans and drawdown facilities.
At 70, the LTV available has increased meaningfully compared to younger ages. The typical range is 35–40%, compared to 25–30% at 60. This is because the expected loan term is shorter, reducing the compound interest risk the lender carries.
How much can you borrow at 70?
On a property valued at £300,000, a 35–40% LTV range translates to a maximum of approximately £105,000–£120,000. The exact figure will depend on the lender, the property type, and whether enhanced terms apply for health or lifestyle factors.
As with all equity release applications, the amount can only be confirmed following a formal valuation of the property. Indicative figures based on an estate agent's estimate are useful for planning purposes but should be treated as approximate until a lender's valuation is carried out.
Use the equity release calculator to see how any loan amount might grow over time.
No upper age cap at 70 with most lenders
Most lifetime mortgage lenders either have no upper age limit or cap applications at 85 or 90. At 70, no standard lender restriction applies. If you are applying jointly with a partner significantly younger than 70, their age will determine the LTV rather than yours.
Enhanced lifetime mortgages at 70
Enhanced plans — which offer higher LTV amounts for applicants with qualifying health conditions or lifestyle factors — are widely available at 70. Common qualifying factors include smoking (current or historical), a high BMI, and diagnosed conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, COPD, and stroke history.
At 70, enhanced terms can sometimes add 5–15 percentage points to the standard LTV figure, meaningfully increasing the available borrowing. A qualified equity release adviser can assess eligibility during the initial fact-find. See What is an enhanced lifetime mortgage?
Drawdown vs lump sum at 70
At 70, a drawdown equity release plan is worth comparing carefully against a lump sum. A drawdown plan agrees a total facility upfront — say £80,000 — but you only draw funds as needed, with interest only accruing on the amounts actually drawn. If you do not need the full facility immediately, this structure can limit the long-term compound interest effect.
A lump sum plan gives you the full amount upfront. This suits purchases, debt repayment, or large one-off expenses. For ongoing income top-up or staged home improvements, drawdown is often more efficient. See What is drawdown equity release?
Reviewed by Chris, CII-qualified equity release specialist · Last reviewed July 2026
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