Global Equity Release Market Projected to Hit $60 Billion
The EPPARG projects significant market growth for products that allow seniors to access housing wealth by 2035.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Residential
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A new report from the EPPARG indicates that the global equity release market is on track to reach $60 billion by 2035. This projected growth is driven by the rising costs of living and aging populations that are increasing pressure on traditional retirement systems.
Why it matters
As traditional retirement systems face strain, equity release products have become a vital tool for older homeowners to access liquidity. The anticipated market expansion highlights how homeowners are increasingly turning to their own real estate to navigate financial pressures.
The U.S. annual equity release volume is projected to rise to 21.3 billion euros by 2035, up from its current 7.1 billion euros. Meanwhile, the U.K. market is expected to grow from its current volume of 7.7 billion euros to 21.5 billion euros.
The players
EPPARG
The European Equity Release Mortgage Association represents providers and stakeholders involved in the home equity release sector.
The details
Equity release products allow homeowners aged 55 and older to access housing wealth without selling their homes, often through lump-sum payments or home reversion arrangements. While banks currently serve as the primary source of financing, regions like Italy and Ireland face challenges due to a lack of domestic funding access.
Timeline
The report findings were adopted in Madrid on September 29, 2026.
Data for the market participants was gathered during 2025-2026.
Industry leaders expect to adopt AI and digitalization within 5 years.
The global market is projected to reach its target size by 2035.
Culture Shift
The rise of equity release reflects a broader societal shift toward leveraging private housing wealth to supplement or replace traditional retirement pensions. This move signals a departure from historical norms where homes were primarily viewed as inheritance vehicles rather than active financial assets.
For older homeowners, these trends mean that accessing home equity may become a more standard and accessible financial strategy in the coming decade. Prospective users should monitor whether their local market benefits from domestic funding, as availability for these products currently varies significantly by country.
The takeaway
Homeowners should investigate the specific types of equity release agreements available in their region, as products like lump-sum payments differ significantly from home reversion. Understanding these distinctions is essential for those looking to tap into their home's value to support their long-term financial security.
Further reading
Learn more about home equity trends by visiting the Residential section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HousingWire.
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