Thinking About Equity Release

Thinking About Equity Release | Things to Check Before Hiring a Mortgage Adviser for Equity Release

Why It Pays to Be Selective

Choosing the right mortgage adviser is always essential, but if you’re considering equity release, the stakes are even higher.

Equity release products, such as lifetime mortgages, can have long-term financial implications for your estate, tax situation, and inheritance planning. Poor advice can lead to hidden costs, unsuitable products, or even legal complications. That’s why it’s essential to work with an adviser who is experienced, regulated, and transparent.

Use this equity release adviser checklist before making your decision:

Check #1: Regulatory Status & Credentials

The adviser should be:

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Qualified to give equity release advice, usually holding a CeRER (Certificate in Regulated Equity Release)
A member of the Equity Release Council (ERC) – this adds a layer of consumer protection

How to check:
Ask for their FCA reference number and look them up on the FCA Register.

Requirement	What to Look For
FCA Authorisation	Must appear on the FCA Register
Equity Release Qualification	CeRER or equivalent
Equity Release Council Member	Optional but highly recommended

Check #2: Specialisms & Lending Panel

Not all mortgage advisers handle equity release. Make sure they:

Regularly advise clients aged 55+
Understand lifetime mortgages, home reversion plans, and retirement interest-only (RIO) mortgages.
Have access to a broad panel of equity release lenders

A specialist will help you explore different product types and ensure you understand the interest roll-up, drawdown features, and repayment flexibility.

Check #3: Transparent Fee Structure

Equity release advice can be fee-based, commission-based, or both. You need clear answers to:

How are you paid?
What fees will I pay upfront, on completion, or annually?
Do you charge a flat fee or a percentage of the loan?

Some advisers offer no-advice-fee services but may receive higher commissions from lenders. Others charge £500–£1,500 for in-depth advice and recommendations.

Always request a Key Facts Illustration (KFI) which outlines the product, lender fees, adviser fees, and total cost over time.

Check #4: Client Reviews & Testimonials

Real feedback builds trust. Look for:

Google reviews or Trustpilot ratings
Testimonials on their website
Case studies relevant to equity release scenarios

You want to know:
Have they helped others in your situation? Are they patient, knowledgeable, and responsive? Do clients feel fully informed and supported?

Check #5: Communication & Support Style

Equity release isn’t a decision you make in 10 minutes. The process can involve:

Explaining options to family
Reviewing inheritance impacts
Choosing between lump-sum and drawdown

Your adviser should:

Offer face-to-face or video appointments
Be patient and willing to explain products in plain English
Provide ongoing support, especially if you access equity in stages

Where to Find Quality Equity Release Advisers

Avoid random Google searches. Instead, use trusted directories that vet each adviser and allow you to filter by location, language, or specialisms.

➡️ Explore the Connect Experts Find Mortgage Advisers directory to compare equity release specialists. Every adviser is FCA-authorised, and you can filter by:

Equity release specialism
Languages spoken
Location or remote consultations
Adviser gender and communication style