The UK equity release market saw higher new customer numbers and returning drawdown activity in the third quarter of the year, although aggregate lending fell slightly.
According to the latest data from industry group the Equity Release Council, total lending reached £591m during Q3 2026, down 1% on the previous quarter (£597m). Overall customer numbers increased 1% to 13,611.
The number of new customers rose 1% to 5,357, while returning drawdown customers increased 3% to 7,169. However, further advance customer numbers fell 10% to 1,085.
“The latest figures show a market that is demonstrating resilience, with some areas of activity moving in the right direction despite the wider pressures on household finances. It is encouraging to see new customer numbers and returning drawdown activity increase over the quarter, although overall lending remains below the levels recorded a year ago,” said John Godfrey, Chair of the Equity Release Council.
“Customers increasingly need flexibility and choice when considering how to fund later life. Housing wealth can form part of that picture, but it is essential that people receive high-quality advice and have strong consumer protections in place to help them make informed decisions that are right for their circumstances.”
