Equity release vs a retirement interest-only mortgage: which is better? Both can help homeowners borrow against their property in later life, but they work in very different ways. A RIO mortgage normally requires monthly interest payments, while a standard lifetime mortgage usually gives you the option to make repayments rather than the obligation. In this guide, Graham Clelland, Director of My Later Life, compares affordability, interest, inheritance, drawdown, moving home, care, existing mortgages and repayment flexibility, with a worked example showing how the two options can affect retirement finances differently. It also explains why a lifetime mortgage may be particularly attractive for homeowners who want to reduce compulsory monthly outgoings while still retaining the option to make voluntary repayments.
Read: Equity Release vs Retirement Interest-Only Mortgage: Which Is Better?Can equity release be used to buy a property for a child? Potentially, yes. Parents and grandparents may be able to use money released through a lifetime mortgage to provide a gifted deposit, contribute towards the purchase price or even help buy a property outright. This guide from My Later Life explains how gifted deposits work, the difference between a gift and a family loan, possible Inheritance Tax considerations, the impact on your estate and means-tested benefits, and why your own retirement needs should come first. It also covers first-time buyers, grandchildren, joint ownership, drawdown plans and the alternatives worth considering before releasing money from your home.
Read: Can Equity Release Be Used to Buy a Property for a Child?Who values your home when taking out equity release? This guide from My Later Life explains how the lender normally arranges the formal property valuation, whether a local estate agent is involved, if you need multiple valuations, and how market value is assessed. It also covers why an equity release valuation may differ from an estate agent’s estimate, whether valuers deliberately “down-value” homes, what happens if the figure comes in lower than expected, and how the valuation can affect the amount you may be able to release.
Read: Who Values My Home When Taking Out Equity Release?Has your equity release application been declined? A refusal from one lender does not always mean equity release is impossible. This guide from My Later Life explains 15 common reasons applications are turned down, including low property valuations, non-standard construction, short leases, subsidence, flood risk, spray foam insulation, commercial neighbours and lender-specific criteria. It also explains the difference between a decline, referral and zero valuation, what to do before applying again, and how My Later Life can help identify suitable lenders and alternative later-life options.
Read: Why Has My Equity Release Application Been Declined? 15 Reasons a Lender May Say NoCan you get Equity Release , / a lifetime mortgage with Power of Attorney? In many cases, yes, but the process can involve extra legal and lender checks. This guide from My Later Life explains how a Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney can be used for equity release, what happens if the homeowner has lost mental capacity or has dementia, when Court of Protection involvement may be needed, and how lenders assess attorney applications. It also covers multiple attorneys, gifting, care costs, drawdown plans, required documents and why choosing the right lender can make a significant difference.
Read: Can you get equity release with Power of Attorney?When the first partner dies, a joint lifetime mortgage will normally continue in the name of the surviving borrower, who can usually remain living in the home under the existing terms of the plan. The mortgage generally becomes repayable only when the final borrower dies or permanently moves into long-term care. This My Later Life guide explains the important difference between joint and sole-name plans, what happens to interest and drawdown facilities, whether the surviving partner can move home or make repayments, and how inheritance may be affected. It also highlights the protections provided by plans meeting Equity Release Council standards and the key steps families should take after a partner dies.
Read: What Happens to Equity Release When the First Partner Dies?The UK equity release market returned to growth in Q2 2026, with total lending rising to £597 million and customer activity increasing by 4% compared with the previous quarter. New plans grew by 9%, while further advance customers increased by 12%, suggesting renewed confidence among both new and existing borrowers. This My Later Life market update explains the latest Equity Release Council figures, changing loan sizes, the continued popularity of drawdown plans and what the trends could mean for homeowners considering equity release
Read: Equity Release Market Returns to Growth in Q2 2026You may be able to get equity release even if you still have a repayment, interest-only or offset mortgage. However, your existing mortgage and most other loans secured against the property will normally need to be repaid when the lifetime mortgage completes. This My Later Life guide explains how the process works, how much money may remain after your mortgage and fees are cleared, what happens if there is a shortfall and which alternatives should be considered before replacing a conventional mortgage with equity release.
Read: Can I Get Equity Release if I Still Have a Mortgage? , My Later Life
