The global equity release market is forecast to more than double in size to $52bn ($39bn) in annual releases by 2035, from current volumes of $17.7bn, according to research from the European Pensions and Property Asset Release Group (EPPARG) and EY.

The fourth edition of their Global Equity Release Survey analysed 2025/26 data from 14 countries and markets across Europe, North America and Australia, which are among the largest equity release markets in the world, with Hong Kong participating for the first time. The findings suggest the sector remains resilient despite geopolitical uncertainty, supported by ageing populations and growing demand for ways to fund retirement.

Financing for equity release products at a global level is provided primarily by banks, with securitisations in second place, followed by insurance companies and debt.

Lifetime mortgages remain the most common equity release product globally, while in Europe home reversion schemes have gained particular traction in Poland and Germany.

Equity release products are currently available to customers aged 55 and above in North America, Australia, Hong Kong and the UK, while most respondents from Europe indicated that the product is normally available as from the age of 60 to 65.

Lump sum products remain the most popular product globally, with combination products of lump sum and annuity being taken out by a majority of customers in France and Hong Kong.

Although face-to-face contact with the customer is made in all markets globally, digitalisation, automation and AI are playing an increasing role in equity release provider processes, with all respondents expecting to use them for customer due diligence and marketing within five years. Improving consumer awareness and understanding was identified as a key priority for expanding the market.

Steve Kyle, secretary general of EPPARG, said: "The results of the survey show equity release markets remain strong with continuing opportunities for significant growth and huge medium to long term potential, despite geopolitical challenges globally.

"We strongly believe the challenges of ageing populations in many countries will lead to unsustainable social, economic and intergenerational costs. A safe equity release market has a vital role to play in later life lending and planning, with many elderly homeowners across the globe wishing to remain independent for longer. Allowing elderly homeowners to draw on their housing wealth as an asset also unlocks significant economic and social benefits with the money released going directly into the economy, helping to create jobs, businesses and wider wealth.

To make the most of future potential, it will be important to ensure that proportionate consumer-focused industry standards are in place, which not only protect consumers, but also contribute to an enabling environment to foster innovation.”

Ben Grainger, partner at EY, added: "Momentum is growing in the European equity release market with cross-border funding relationships starting to give equity release providers the firepower they need to scale. We look forward to continuing to support global collaboration in this sector and unlocking the potential of equity release to transform retirements around the world.”

In the UK, with estimates that 15 million citizens have inadequate savings to achieve a moderate standard of living in retirement, there is recognition that property wealth must form a part of any retirement funding solution.

Jim Boyd, CEO of the Equity Release Council, which represents the UK equity release sector, said: “We welcome EPPARG and EY’s Global Equity Release survey findings which reflect our expectations for the UK equity release and later life lending market.

"A consumer focussed market underpinned by high standards are key to the growth of a vibrant and sustainable market. We are incredibly proud that the standards we have established over 35 years are recognised globally as the ‘gold standard’.”

Recently, the UK’s regulatory body, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), described housing wealth as the “fourth pillar” of retirement planning, alongside pensions, savings and investments.

Steve Irwin, president of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA), concluded: “Retirement security is coming under increasing pressure worldwide as aging populations and persistent inflation place greater strain on traditional retirement systems. This report offers a measure of optimism by highlighting the growing importance of housing wealth as a source of financial security. The ability to access and monetize home equity will play an increasingly important role in helping older homeowners sustain their financial well-being and remain in their homes as they age.”

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