Equity Release / Lifetime Mortgages

PCS Legal Have Proudly Been Featured By

Unlock the value in your home with expert legal support for equity release

Equity release can be a powerful way to access the money tied up in your home, whether to enhance your retirement, support your family, or finance something special. At PCS Legal, we provide clear, supportive legal guidance to help you understand your options and make informed decisions around equity release, lifetime mortgages, and home reversion plans, ensuring compliance with the law.

Equity release lifetime mortgages: what you need to know

Equity release is a financial arrangement that allows homeowners aged 55 and over to unlock the value tied up in their property without having to move. Whether you're looking to boost your retirement income, support loved ones with a financial gift, or fund a one-off purchase, an equity release solicitor can help you navigate the process. Equity release lifetime mortgage can help you access a tax-free lump sum or regular payments while continuing to live in your home.

The most common form of equity release is a lifetime mortgage. This is a long-term loan secured against your property. In most cases, you retain full ownership of your home, and you’re not required to make monthly repayments. Instead, the interest is rolled up and repaid along with the original loan when the property is eventually sold, typically when you pass away or move into long-term care.

Some lifetime mortgage products offer the flexibility to pay off some or all of the interest during your lifetime, depending on the lender’s terms. Another, less common option is a home reversion plan, where you sell a portion (or all) of your property in exchange for a lump sum or income, while retaining the right to live there for life.

While equity release can provide valuable financial freedom, it is a significant legal commitment. At PCS Legal, we help you understand the implications clearly, ensuring you make an informed decision that suits your circumstances and protects your future.

Unlock the Value in Your Home

Equity release helps you access the money tied up in your property — we offer clear, trusted legal advice every step of the way.

Expert Lifetime Mortgage Guidance

Our solicitors review and explain your equity release mortgage terms in plain English, ensuring you understand your rights and obligations.

Personal, Patient Legal Service

We take time to understand your needs — offering remote or in-person appointments for guidance that fits your circumstances.

Specialist solicitors for lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans

Equity release is more than just a financial arrangement — it’s a legal agreement that can have long-term implications for your home, estate, and plans, which should be reviewed by a qualified legal firm. That’s why it’s a regulatory requirement to receive independent legal advice before proceeding. At PCS Legal, we provide specialist support and conveyancing to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.

Our experienced team will carefully review the terms of your equity release lifetime mortgage or home reversion plan, explaining the legal documentation in plain English, as required by the Equity Release Council. We’ll ensure you fully understand your rights and responsibilities, the impact on your estate, and any conditions that may affect your family or future care plans.

We take the time to answer your questions and offer clear, practical advice — whether you meet with us in person or prefer the convenience of a remote appointment. Every client receives individual attention from our equity release solicitors and a tailored service to suit their specific needs and circumstances.

We also recognise that equity release is a financial decision as well as a legal one. That’s why we always recommend speaking to a qualified independent financial adviser who specialises in equity release. If required, PCS Legal can introduce you to trusted advisers who can help you explore your full range of options before committing.

With PCS Legal, you can expect a patient, professional, and supportive approach that adheres to the regulation authority, ensuring your equity release journey is handled with care and complete peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions for Equity Release / Lifetime Mortgages

  • A lifetime mortgage is the most common form of equity release, and it's essential to work with an authorised and regulated equity release solicitor. It allows homeowners aged 55 or over to borrow money against the value of their home while continuing to live in it. The loan, along with any rolled-up interest, is repaid when the property is sold, usually after you pass away or move into long-term care.

  • Equity release lets you access tax-free cash from the value of your home without needing to sell it. You can choose to receive a lump sum or smaller amounts over time. The money is typically repaid from the sale of your property when you pass away or move into care. It's available to homeowners aged 55 and over.

  • Yes, with a lifetime mortgage, you retain full ownership of your home. The lender places a charge against the property, but you remain the legal owner. You can continue living in your home for the rest of your life, or until you move into long-term residential care, as outlined in the Equity Release Council guidelines.

  • With a lifetime mortgage, you borrow money secured against your home and keep full ownership. With a home reversion plan, you sell a share (or all) of your home to a provider in exchange for a lump sum or regular income, and live there rent-free. The provider receives their share of the sale proceeds when the property is sold.

  • Equity release is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and can be safe when arranged through reputable providers. However, there are risks: interest can compound quickly, reducing the value of your estate, and it may affect your eligibility for means-tested benefits. It’s essential to seek independent legal and financial advice to understand the implications fully.

  • Yes, having a solicitor is a legal requirement when taking out an equity release plan. Your solicitor will review the terms of your agreement, explain your legal rights and obligations, and ensure you understand the impact on your home and estate before you sign. At PCS Legal, we specialise in equity release legal advice.

  • In many cases, yes — some lifetime mortgage products are portable, meaning you can transfer the loan to a new property if it meets your lender’s criteria. It's important to check the terms of your agreement with an equity release solicitor, as not all plans allow this. Your solicitor will explain your options before you proceed.

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It

We’ve been consistently rated 5* for service and results.

Our awards and testimonials.

Our Partners & Affiliations