Equity Release Q2 Lending figures - comment from Will Hale, Key & Air CEO

24 July 2025

Will Hale, CEO of Key Advice & Air says:

Today’s data announced by the Equity Release Council is encouraging as it confirms a market returning to growth.

The increase in average case sizes that have supported the increase in lending value are an indication that more affluent customers and their advisers are recognizing the importance of considering housing wealth within their planning for later life - particularly given the recent changes announced to the treatment of pension assets from an IHT perspective.

However, the lack of growth in customer numbers remains a concern and highlights that many who would potentially benefit from modern lifetime mortgage options are simply not accessing them.

The sector must engage with the recent FCA discussion paper which looks to explore how later life lending can move from a niche to a norm in order to support people’s finances in retirement and boost the economy.

In the meantime we urge all advisers to ensure that all options are considered for over 50s customers with referrals to trusted specialists in place to support good outcomes for all needs and circumstances.