How to choose the best equity release adviser

If you’re considering equity release, finding the best equity release adviser is the most important step you’ll take. The right advice ensures you understand every option, avoid common pitfalls, and make a decision that truly supports your financial future as well as your retirement goals.  

At Bower Home Finance, we specialise in providing independent, whole of market equity release advice that is honest, transparent and tailored to your needs. 

Why choosing the right equity release adviser matters 

Equity release can unlock tax-free cash from your home, giving you greater flexibility in retirement. But it also comes with long-term commitments.

A trusted adviser should do more than recommend a product, they should help you understand with the complexities of equity release and evaluate whether it is the right choice for you. Working with a reputable adviser can make a significant difference in how you manage these decisions. 

The best equity release advisers: 

• Explore all your options, including lifetime mortgages, home reversion plans, and alternatives such as downsizing or other funding sources. 
• Are a member of the Equity Release Council. 
• Offer whole-of-market advice, meaning they are not tied to one provider and can find the most suitable plan for your unique situation. 
• Are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)  

Working with a reputable company that has received several awards can give you additional peace of mind. 

Understanding the Equity Release Council 

The Equity Release Council is the industry body for the UK equity release sector, representing the providers, qualified financial advisers, solicitors, and intermediaries. Membership represents the interests of 90% of the Equity Release sector. All members have agreed to abide by the Council rules and have signed up to the Statement of Principles.   

Read more about the safeguards of equity release.  

Independent equity release advice you can trust 

One of the clearest signs of a good adviser is independence. Independent advisers work with the full market rather than being restricted to a single lender. This ensures that any recommendation is based on what’s best for you, not on a limited set of products. 

An independent adviser should also be clear about: 

• The costs of equity release, including any advice fee that may apply depending on the adviser, as well as other fees and how any interest may build over time. It’s important to understand the total cost, including interest charges, advice fees, and any other associated costs. 
• How releasing equity could affect your inheritance or eligibility for means-tested benefits. 
• What protections are available, such as no negative equity guarantees or inheritance protection features. 

A good adviser will help you see the full picture, showing how equity release fits with your other financial products and investments, so you can make the best decision for your circumstances. 

By providing this transparency, advisers help you make an informed decision without pressure. 

What to expect from a trusted equity release adviser 

When working with a professional, you should expect more than just financial product comparisons.

The best equity release advisers will: 

• Take time to understand your personal circumstances and long-term goals. 
• Explain the advantages and risks of equity release in plain language, including how much equity you can borrow, how much will be borrowed, and how interest rate and lenders affect your options. 
• Discuss repayment options, including monthly payments, and how you may pay interest over time. 
• Encourage you to involve family members in discussions where appropriate. 
• Provide personalised examples so you can see how different plans would work for you, and outline what happens when the loan is paid, including selling the property, and how your estate is involved. 
• Guide you through the process at your pace, ensuring you never feel rushed. 

A good adviser will guide you through to completion and ensure all legal arrangements are confirmed ahead of finalising the equity release. 

Why choose Bower Home Finance? 

At Bower Home Finance, we’ve built our reputation on offering honest and independent equity release advice.

Here’s what sets us apart: 

• Whole-of-market access: we research across the full equity release market to find the best fit for you. 
• Fully qualified advisers: our team hold professional qualifications such as CeMAP and CeRER for mortgage and equity release advice and are authorised and regulated by the FCA. They are also all members of the Equity Release Council. 
• Honest and transparent guidance: we explain both benefits and risks, including the impact on inheritance and benefits, and make sure you understand all potential costs such as early repayment charges, so you can decide with confidence. 
• Client-focused service: we listen, support and guide you through every stage, from your first questions to the legal process. 

Equity release advice tailored to you

Equity release can be a valuable tool for retirement planning, but only when supported by the right advice. Choosing the best equity release adviser means working with someone who is independent, qualified, and committed to your best interests. 

At Bower Home Finance, our goal is simple: to help you make the decision that’s right for you, with clarity and confidence. 

Get started today by finding out how much equity you could release from your home using our free online equity release calculator or request a callback from a member of our team.