Could Your Health Help You Release More Equity?

When it comes to unlocking money from your home later in life, most people are aware of standard equity release plans. But there’s one option that many overlook — and it could mean more money in your pocket simply because of your health or lifestyle history.

This isn’t a gimmick or a hidden trick. It’s called an enhanced lifetime mortgage, and for thousands of people across the UK, it’s made a meaningful difference to how much tax-free cash they’ve been able to access.

Let’s walk through how it works, who it’s for, and whether it could be the key to unlocking more from your home than you thought possible.

At its core, it works like a standard lifetime mortgage — you release some of the value in your home, without having to move out or make monthly repayments. The loan is typically repaid from the sale of your property when you pass away or move into long-term care.

The difference? With an enhanced plan, lenders take into account any health conditions or lifestyle factors you might have. And if you qualify, the rewards can be real — more money released, lower interest rates, or a bigger reserve of funds for the future.

And no — you don’t need to attend a medical. A few straightforward questions with your adviser are usually all it takes to find out if you’re eligible.

It might sound odd at first — how could a past illness or your medical history improve your loan terms?

Here’s the logic: equity release lenders base their offers partly on how long they expect the loan to run. If someone has a qualifying health condition or a certain lifestyle factor (like being a long-term smoker), their life expectancy may be statistically shorter — which means the loan is likely to be paid back sooner.

That’s why providers are often willing to offer more favourable terms to people with these factors. It’s not about penalising you for your health — it’s about giving you access to money when it could make the most difference.

One of the best things about enhanced lifetime mortgages? The process is refreshingly simple.

There’s no need for check-ups, tests or medical reports upfront. Your adviser will ask you a few questions about your health and lifestyle, and if the answers suggest you might qualify, the lender may later check the details with your doctor (with your permission, of course).

That’s it. If you’re eligible, you’ll be shown what you could access and what interest rates are available — with no pressure to commit.

You might be surprised at just how many common conditions are included. If you’re over 55 and have dealt with any of the following, there’s a good chance enhanced equity release could be on the table for you:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• A history of heart problems or stroke
• Cancer (past or present)
• A high or low BMI
• Mobility challenges
• Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis
• Being on regular prescription medication
• Smoking history — even if you’ve since quit

Even if only one person in a couple has a qualifying condition, it may be enough — as lenders usually base joint plans on the youngest homeowner’s health.

That depends on a few things — your age, your home’s value, where you live, and how much equity you currently hold. But enhanced plans are designed to push those numbers upward.

For many people, it could mean an increase in their release limit or access to a larger drawdown facility — giving you more money now, or a flexible reserve for later.

Lenders will also consider the severity and number of health or lifestyle factors when tailoring their offer to you. The more that apply, the higher the potential release.

Enhanced lifetime mortgages aren’t a fit for everyone — but for those who qualify, they can be a smart and empowering option.

Here’s a quick sense-check. You may be eligible if:

• You’re aged 55 or over
• You live in the UK
• Your property is worth £70,000 or more
• You own your home (with or without a mortgage)
• You (or your partner) have at least one qualifying health condition or lifestyle factor

If that sounds like you, a quick chat with an adviser could uncover how much more you could access.

Like any mortgage or financial product, there are some fees to be aware of — such as:

• Property valuation and setup fees
• Legal or solicitor costs
• Completion fees (which can often be rolled into the loan)
• Potential early repayment charges (if you repay the loan early)

That said, your adviser will be upfront about all of this before anything is agreed. No hidden fees, no surprise costs — just clear guidance.

While equity release is heavily regulated and much safer than it used to be, it’s still a lifetime commitment — and that deserves proper consideration. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Interest builds up over time if you don’t make repayments (though many plans now allow voluntary interest payments if you want to manage the final amount).
• Inheritance may be reduced, though some plans allow you to ring-fence part of your home’s value.
• Means-tested benefits could be affected depending on how much you release and how you use it.
• Gifting the money you release may trigger inheritance tax for the recipient in future years.
• Early repayment charges may apply in some cases, although some lenders waive these under specific conditions.

A good adviser will explain all this, and help you weigh the pros and cons based on your own situation.