Equity Release Lending Rises 4% to £597 Million in Q2 2026
UKPulse Consumer Desk
Total equity release lending increased by 4% to £597 million in the second quarter of 2026, with customer numbers also rising by 4% to 13,489.
- Equity release lending reached £597 million in Q2 2026, a 4% increase from the previous quarter.
- Customer numbers for equity release rose by 4% to 13,489 during the same period.
- First-time lump sum borrowers took out an average of £113,779 between April and June 2026.
New figures from the Equity Release Council (ERC) show that total lending for equity release products increased to £597 million during the second quarter of 2026. This represents a 4% rise compared to the previous quarter's £574 million.
Customer numbers also saw a 4% increase over the same period, reaching 13,489. People borrowing a lump sum for the first time took out an average of £113,779 between April and June 2026.
The Society of Pension Professionals (SPP) has highlighted a £48 billion shortfall in UK retirees' earnings for a moderate standard of living. The SPP suggests that housing wealth, which stands at £3,840 billion for retirees, should be considered alongside pensions when planning for retirement.
Why this matters: The rise in equity release lending suggests more older homeowners are using their property wealth to supplement retirement income, potentially due to shortfalls in pension provision.
What this means for you: If you are an older homeowner, equity release could be an option to access funds from your property without moving, though professional advice is required.