Equity release lending rose by 4% in the third quarter compared to last year, new figures published by the Equity Release Council have shown.

The Council revealed that £639m worth of housing equity was accessed by 13,158 new and returning customers in Q3.

According to the Council’s Q3 2025 Market Report, this was driven by larger initial releases and higher initial drawdown releases and reserves.

Q3 saw an average initial release of £116,507, which is a year-on-year increase of 4%, while for drawdown, customers released an average £83,906, a year-on year jump of 20%, and had an average reserve of £71,044, which is a 43% rise.

The Council suggested the trend of customers releasing larger sums reflects “measured, advice-led financial planning”, as older homeowners used housing wealth to manage household budgets, support family members, and plan for future needs.

Chair of the Equity Release Council, David Burrowes, said that Q3’s performance reflects a “resilient, confident and responsible market” operating in challenging conditions.

“While fewer customers released equity, those who did were acting with clear financial purpose and strong support from specialist advice,” Burrowes added.

“Rising average loan sizes, and continued use of drawdown flexibility, show people are using property wealth carefully to manage costs, support family members and plan ahead.
Equity release remains an important part of later-life financial planning. The sector continues to demonstrate resilience, with robust consumer safeguards and advice standards at its core.”

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