When you need cash in retirement but don’t want to move, equity release, a way to unlock cash from your home without selling it. Also known as home equity release, it lets you tap into the value of your property—but it’s not the only option, and it’s not always the best one. Many people assume equity release is the only path forward, but it comes with long-term interest, reduced inheritance, and hidden fees that can eat away at your wealth over time.
There are smarter ways to get money from your home without signing a lifetime mortgage. One common alternative is downsizing, selling your current home and moving to a smaller, cheaper property. This frees up cash outright, cuts ongoing costs like bills and maintenance, and often leaves you with a tidy surplus. Another option is a retirement interest-only mortgage, a loan where you pay only the interest each month, keeping the capital balance unchanged. Unlike equity release, you don’t owe more over time, and your estate isn’t automatically wiped out when you pass away. Some retirees also use renting out a room, a legal, tax-free way to earn extra income under the UK’s Rent a Room Scheme. It’s simple, low-risk, and doesn’t touch your property title. Even delaying retirement, working part-time or consulting after 65 can be a powerful tool—giving you time to build savings, reduce debt, and avoid needing large cash injections later.
What most people don’t realize is that your home isn’t just an asset—it’s a tool. You can use it to generate income without giving up control. The key is matching your choice to your goals: Do you want to keep your home? Protect your inheritance? Avoid debt? Each alternative serves a different need. That’s why the posts below cover real cases—people who avoided equity release by downsizing, using ISAs to cover costs, or even refinancing their existing mortgages. You’ll see how much cash you can actually unlock without locking yourself into a deal that lasts decades. No hype. No jargon. Just clear, practical options that work for real UK retirees today.
Equity release isn't your only option. Discover five smarter ways to boost retirement income without debt - downsizing, KiwiSaver, part-time work, government support, and more - with real examples from New Zealand.
