LiveMore reaction to Q2 UK Finance later life lending

26 August 2026

Simon Webb, managing director of capital markets and finance at LiveMore, in reaction to this morning’s Q2 UK Finance later life lending data:

"Today's UK Finance figures show a mixed picture within later life lending. Lifetime mortgage volumes were down 1.7% year-on-year – a smaller decline than we saw in Q1, and volumes were actually up 8% on the previous quarter, so it's too early to call this a settled trend. Retirement Interest-Only lending, meanwhile, grew 5.9% year-on-year, continuing a broader shift we've seen build over the past couple of years toward non-equity-release options, even though quarterly volumes remain a fraction of the size of the lifetime mortgage market.

"This isn't a story about equity release declining in isolation. It's happening against a backdrop where the wider mortgage market continues to feel the effects of higher rates and tighter affordability. Borrowers of all ages are being more selective about the debt they take on, and older borrowers are no exception. What we're seeing is later life clients, and the brokers who advise them, taking a harder look at whether a lifetime mortgage is really the right fit, or whether an alternative product would serve them better long-term.

"The over-50s market remains a significant growth opportunity for brokers, particularly as alternatives to equity release continue to gain traction. While many older clients may have more complex finances, identifying the right solution is no longer the challenge it once was. With the right sourcing platforms and clearly defined criteria, brokers can efficiently navigate affordability and product suitability.

"At LiveMore, our Mortgage Matcher® technology makes it easier for brokers to explore a client's borrowing options. In just a few steps, it considers current and future affordability and provides an indication of the LiveMore products that may be available, alongside the potential borrowing amount."