How to find a regulated equity release adviser
An equity release adviser is an FCA-regulated specialist who assesses whether equity release may suit your circumstances, compares plans and explains the risks. You must receive regulated advice before a plan can proceed, so it is worth checking the adviser's FCA authorisation, qualifications, market coverage and fees before your first appointment.
This guide is information, not advice. We do not name or recommend individual firms.
What an equity release adviser does
Equity release lets homeowners aged 55+ access money tied up in their home while continuing to live there. It is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and lenders will not proceed without confirmation that you have received regulated advice.
An adviser looks at your full circumstances: income, health, debts, plans for the home and what you would like to leave to family. They should explain the risks in plain terms and consider alternatives, such as downsizing, a retirement interest-only (RIO) mortgage or using savings, before recommending anything.
How to check an equity release adviser on the FCA Register
- Search the Financial Services Register at register.fca.org.uk by firm name or Firm Reference Number (FRN).
- Confirm the firm is authorised, or is an appointed representative of an authorised firm, with permissions that cover equity release rather than only standard mortgages.
- Check the individual adviser's name appears against the firm.
- Use the contact details shown on the Register, not those given in an unexpected call or email. Fraudsters sometimes "clone" genuine firms.
Qualifications and Equity Release Council membership
Equity release advisers need a specialist qualification on top of general mortgage advice qualifications, such as the Certificate in Regulated Equity Release (CeRER) or a recognised equivalent.
Many firms are also members of the Equity Release Council, a voluntary industry body. Members agree to standards such as a no-negative-equity guarantee, your right to remain in your home for life, the right to move to a suitable alternative property, and independent legal advice. Membership is not an FCA requirement, so it is worth asking.
Independent vs restricted advisers
Independent (whole-of-market) advisers can recommend from the full range of equity release plans. Restricted advisers only offer products from a limited panel of lenders.
Neither is automatically wrong, but you should know which you are speaking to. A restricted adviser cannot tell you if a different rate or feature exists elsewhere.
How equity release advisers are paid
Fee structures vary by firm, so ask before your first meeting:
- Fixed fee: typically around £1,000-£2,000, sometimes payable only if a plan completes, sometimes charged regardless.
- Percentage fee: commonly around 1-2% of the amount released.
- Commission: the lender pays the adviser. Ask how much, and how it affects what you pay overall.
Ask for the fee structure in writing, and what happens if you decide not to proceed. Our guide to equity release costs explains the other fees involved.
What happens at an advice meeting
A first meeting is usually a detailed fact-find about your finances, health, property and goals. The adviser should talk through alternatives and how a plan could affect inheritance and benefits. If they recommend a plan, they should explain their reasons in a written suitability report.
Involving your family
You can usually bring family members to meetings. The decision remains yours, and the adviser should check you are not under pressure. Our guide to talking to parents about equity release may help.
Your independent solicitor
Before a plan completes, you will need your own solicitor, acting for you rather than the lender, to explain the legal terms and confirm you understand them. You are free to choose your own solicitor rather than one the adviser suggests.
Questions worth asking before you commit
Alongside market coverage, Equity Release Council membership and fees, ask whether the adviser will cover alternatives such as downsizing or a RIO mortgage. Our list of equity release adviser questions to ask first has more.
Next steps
Not sure where to start? Explore all your later-life options, then consider speaking to an FCA-regulated adviser about your circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to take advice before taking out equity release?
Yes. Equity release is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and lenders will not proceed without confirmation that you have received regulated advice from a qualified adviser. The adviser must assess whether a plan is suitable for your circumstances and should explain alternatives, such as downsizing, before making any recommendation.
How can I check that an equity release adviser is regulated?
Search the FCA's Financial Services Register at register.fca.org.uk using the firm's name or Firm Reference Number. Check the firm is authorised with permissions covering equity release, and that the individual adviser is listed. Always use the contact details shown on the Register rather than those given in an unexpected call or email.
How much does an equity release adviser charge?
It varies by firm. Some charge a fixed fee, some a percentage of the amount released, and some are paid commission by the lender, or a mix of these. Ask for the fee structure in writing before advice begins, including whether anything is payable if you decide not to proceed.
Can my family come to equity release advice meetings?
Usually, yes. Many advisers welcome family members at meetings, because equity release can affect inheritance and it can help to talk decisions through with people who know your wider circumstances. The decision remains yours, and the adviser should be satisfied that you understand the plan and are not being pressured by anyone.
Why do I need my own solicitor for equity release?
An independent solicitor acts for you rather than the lender. They explain the legal terms of the plan, check that you understand what you are signing and confirm this before the plan completes. You can usually choose your own solicitor, even if the adviser suggests one, as long as they have relevant experience.