Moneyfacts Equity Release Star Ratings announced

The equity release market is booming. It had a record 2016 and is on course for an even better 2017, with growing numbers of homeowners benefiting from their rising property wealth. However, if you're thinking of taking the plunge, it isn't always easy to know where to start – that's why we're here to help!

Here at Moneyfacts we've just completed our annual assessment of the equity release market and awarded our coveted Star Ratings accordingly, which means that, if you're on the lookout for a new deal, heading to one of our ratings winners could be a great place to start.

Seal of approval

The Moneyfacts Equity Release Star Ratings are based on the weighting of specific features, outside of headline rates and fees, which are likely to be the most relevant to those looking to access cash tied up in their home. Our extensive analysis of these products means the results can be trusted to help you find the best option – the Star Ratings can help you choose, with confidence, the equity release product that best suits your needs in terms of flexibility, accessibility and ongoing quality, offering an independent seal of approval.

"Equity release has become the fastest growing segment of the mortgage market, reporting record lending volumes in 2016," said Richard Eagling, editor of Investment Life & Pensions. "Providers have responded to the greater demand from elderly homeowners looking to unlock cash from their homes by offering a more diverse range of products and options than ever before.

"The annual Moneyfacts Equity Release Star Ratings provide consumers with a valuable insight into the quality of the equity release features on offer, outside of the products' costs."

Make the most of your housing wealth

A full list of the categories and companies that have been awarded a Moneyfacts Equity Release Star Rating of four or five can be seen below – any one of them could be the ideal solution to your later life borrowing needs, allowing you to make the most of your housing wealth and release valuable cash without needing to downsize.

It isn't difficult to see why the sector is becoming so popular. Research from the Equity Release Council shows that lifetime mortgages have become the fastest-growing segment of the mortgage market, with a total of 27,534 new plans agreed in 2016 – an increase of 22% over the year. Those borrowers could be benefiting from some fantastic rates, too, with the average equity release rate falling by 0.51% between July 2016 and January 2017, and by 0.75% over the year, to stand at 5.45%.

"The sector is becoming increasingly mainstream amid growing appetite, reflected by the fact that lifetime products were the fastest growing segment of the mortgage market last year," said Nigel Waterson of The Council. "Greater flexibilities and growing competition mean the equity release product range continues to evolve.

"Older homeowners are increasingly realising that there are a number of potential uses for their housing wealth beyond supplementing their retirement income, including re-investing in their homes and helping younger family members by providing a living inheritance. "

If you think you could benefit from equity release and the potential it could offer, start the process by checking out our ratings winners below, and contact our no obligation equity release service to see if it could be an option for you.