“Equity release helped turn our retirement plans into reality”

Published: September 16, 2026 at 2:47 PM

For many homeowners approaching retirement, equity release can offer a way to access some of the value built up in their property without needing to move. In this case study, Gary and Helena share how releasing equity from their home helped them support the retirement lifestyle they had planned for, and provided greater financial flexibility.

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Gary, 67 and Helena, 63 from Kent both dreamed of enjoying their retirement and taking luxury holidays together. “We have always travelled extensively and wanted to continue that lifestyle into our retirement whilst we are still able to, in terms of fitness and health etc. We made a plan several years ago to retire early and that came to fruition in 2019 when we had downsized in order to pay off our mortgage, credit cards and loans etc and this left us debt-free.

“We then decided to look at other financial options that could help us in retirement,” Gary adds. “The first time we came across equity release was an advert on television and our friends had also struck up a conversation with us about it which led us to do some more research. We had our reservations about it as we didn’t really know how it all worked. But from the initial conversation that we had with our advisor at Age Partnership, we both felt comfortable with going ahead with their recommendation.

“Being able to release the equity locked up in our home has meant that we are able to continue enjoying the lifestyle we had when we were both still employed! With the funds we have already had a fantastic holiday in Cape Verde and the plan is to experience more luxury holidays together, which wouldn’t be possible without the help of equity release.”

Could you release equity from your home?

If you’re a homeowner aged 55 or over, you may be able to access the money tied up in your home. Advice is required before proceeding, and a specialist advisor can help you find out if there are alternative options which may be more suitable for your needs.

Radio Times have partnered with Age Partnership+ to provide an equity release service.

You can request your free guide, written by Paul Lewis, to find out more.

Request your guide here >

Alternatively, to find how much you may be able to release, use our online calculator

Calculate here >

Equity release requires repaying any existing mortgage. Money released, plus accrued interest, would need to be repaid upon death or moving into long-term care.

Equity release may involve a lifetime mortgage, secured against your property, or a home reversion plan. It will reduce the value of your estate and impact funding long-term care. Age Partnership + advises on lifetime mortgages only.

Through Age Partnership+, only if your case completes would our advice fee of 1,995 be payable. Other lender and solicitor fees may apply.

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The Radio Times Equity Release Service is provided by Age Partnership Limited. Radio Times is a trading name of Immediate Media Company London Limited which is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Age Partnership Limited, 2200 Century Way, Thorpe Park, Leeds, LS15 8ZB. Company registered in England and Wales No. 5265969. VAT registration number 162 9355 92. Age Partnership Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA registered number 425432 and is trading as Age Partnership Plus.

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