What Is the Minimum Age for Equity Release in the UK? (2026)
The age at which you can first apply for equity release, how much more you can borrow as you get older, and what the age limits are by provider.
The minimum age for equity release is typically 55 for lifetime mortgages and 60 for home reversion plans. Some providers set higher minimums (60 or 65). The older you are, the more you can release as a percentage of your property's value.
Contents
Minimum age by product type
Equity release products fall into two main categories, and each has different age requirements:
| Product Type | Minimum Age | Typical Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime mortgage | 55 | 85–90+ (no fixed maximum) |
| Home reversion plan | 60 | 85–90+ |
| Enhanced lifetime mortgage | 55 | 85–90+ |
Lifetime mortgages are the most common form of equity release. They allow you to borrow against your home while retaining ownership. Because the loan is repaid only when you die or move into permanent care, the lender's risk is linked to your life expectancy — which is why age is a key factor in both eligibility and loan-to-value ratios.
Home reversion plans involve selling a share of your property to the provider in exchange for a lump sum or regular income. Because you are selling equity rather than borrowing, the minimum age is typically higher (60) to ensure the provider can reasonably expect the plan to end within a predictable timeframe.
Minimum age by provider
While 55 is the industry-standard minimum for lifetime mortgages, individual providers set their own criteria. Here is a representative guide:
| Provider | Minimum Age | Product Type |
|---|---|---|
| Aviva | 55 | Lifetime mortgage |
| Legal & General | 55 | Lifetime mortgage |
| More 2 Life | 55 | Lifetime mortgage |
| Pure Retirement | 55 | Lifetime mortgage |
| Canada Life | 55 | Lifetime mortgage |
| Just | 55 | Lifetime mortgage |
Note: Minimum ages are subject to change. Always confirm the current criteria with your adviser or the provider directly.
How age affects how much you can release
Age is the single biggest factor in determining how much you can release through equity release. The older you are, the higher the percentage of your property's value you can borrow. This is because the lender expects the plan to run for a shorter period, reducing the total compound interest that will accumulate.
| Age | Typical LTV Range | On a £300,000 property |
|---|---|---|
| 55 | 20–25% | £60,000–£75,000 |
| 60 | 25–30% | £75,000–£90,000 |
| 65 | 28–33% | £84,000–£99,000 |
| 70 | 30–38% | £90,000–£114,000 |
| 75 | 35–42% | £105,000–£126,000 |
| 80 | 38–48% | £114,000–£144,000 |
| 85+ | 42–55% | £126,000–£165,000 |
Figures are illustrative only. Actual amounts depend on property value, health, provider criteria, and product features. Use our calculator for a personalised estimate.
Equity release for over 80s
Contrary to a common misconception, there is no upper age limit for equity release. Many providers actively cater to borrowers in their 80s and 90s.
In fact, being over 80 can be advantageous:
- Higher LTVs: You can typically release 40–55% of your property's value.
- Shorter interest accumulation: The loan runs for a shorter time, so less interest builds up.
- More product choice: Some providers offer products specifically designed for older borrowers.
The main consideration for over-80s is whether the purpose of the release justifies the cost. With a shorter expected term, the total interest may be modest, making equity release a more cost-effective option than for younger borrowers.
Joint applications and age differences
If you are applying jointly with a partner, the lender typically uses the age of the youngest applicant to determine the LTV. This is because the plan continues until the last borrower dies or moves into care.
For example, if one applicant is 72 and the other is 65, the lender will calculate the maximum release based on age 65. This means the older applicant's higher age does not increase the available amount — the younger applicant's age is the limiting factor.
Some couples choose to apply in the name of the older partner only to secure a higher LTV. However, this removes the younger partner's protection — if the older partner dies first, the younger partner would need to repay the loan or sell the property. This is a significant risk and should be discussed carefully with your adviser.
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People Also Ask
Yes, 55 is the typical minimum age for lifetime mortgages. You can release around 20–25% of your property's value at this age.
There is no fixed maximum age. Many providers accept applicants up to 85 or 90, and some specialist providers cater to over-90s.
Yes. Over-80s can often release 40–55% of their property's value. Some providers offer products specifically designed for older borrowers.
Yes. On joint applications, lenders use the youngest applicant's age to calculate the LTV. This may reduce the amount available compared to a single application.
No. The minimum age for any equity release product is 55 (lifetime mortgages) or 60 (home reversion). If you are under 55, consider alternatives such as remortgaging or a personal loan.
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Reviewed by Chris, CII-qualified equity release specialist · Last reviewed July 2026