This report examines the equity release market in the UK, focusing primarily on schemes designed for older borrowers with significant equity in their homes but little or no income. The two dominant products currently on the market are interest roll-up schemes and reversion or part-reversion plans, although there are other variations available. How these different products work, how they are distributed, how and why they arose and which companies are presently supplying them are examined in this report.

Changing demographics, increasing life expectancy, falling interest rates and an increase in supply, all point to the potential for substantial growth over the next few years. Providing a major analysis of these issues and all market drivers, Mintel also examines the current size of the market by total sales, and assesses its potential for growth by analysing the amount of equity held by the over-65s. In addition, consumer research examines home ownership and consumer attitudes towards equity release, supplementing the statistical market analysis. The report also offers an assessment of the market's short-term future, encompassing a five-year scenario-based market forecast.