Expert VerifiedWhat Is Equity Release Wise and How Does It Compare?
- Last Updated: 23 Oct 2025
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Our team recently fact checked this article for accuracy. However, things do change, so please do your own research.
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Be aware. Equity release comes with drawbacks which are important to think about. Lifetime mortgages are secured loans. Compound interest means the amount you owe can grow quickly. Equity release reduces your estate's value and may impact means-tested benefits.Key Takeaways
- Equity release Wise is a financial product in the UK that allows homeowners aged 55 and older to unlock the equity they have in their property without needing to sell or move.
- It works by providing seniors with a lump sum, regular income, or a combination of both, secured against the value of their home.
- Whether it is safe or not depends on your situation, but it is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and most plans come with a 'no negative equity' guarantee.
- The benefits include accessing tax-free cash and potentially improving your standard of living, while the risks include reducing your estate's value and affecting your eligibility for means-tested benefits.
- Trusting it for retirement planning requires careful consideration, as it's important to understand all the implications and consult with a financial advisor before making a decision.
EveryInvestor is an unrelated 3rd party information website and the opinions in this article are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Equity Release Wise.
I think you’ll agree with me when I say:
It’s REALLY hard to choose the best equity release provider with all the choices available.
What if you are looking to release equity from an international property?
Can Wise help you get hold of that equity release cash?
The companies we profile are the best in the business to help you unlock the cash tied into your home.
Choosing the best equity release brand can be challenging! If you want to join the over 10,000 UK citizens who’ve unlocked equity this year, you’ll want to listen to this. Choosing the best equity release brand can be challenging! If you want to join the over 10,000 UK citizens who’ve unlocked equity this year, you’ll want to listen to this.
With so many brilliant options on the market, you could end up selecting the wrong equity release lender, only to regret it later.
Don’t worry; we’ve got your back. We’re here to share detailed information about the best equity release brands on the market, to help you make a sound decision.
In This Article, You Will Discover:
We’ve spent endless hours gathering the latest brand information with multiple expert consultations and a detailed review of over 350 brands in the industry.
Let’s take a look!
Who Is Equity Release Wise?
Equity Release Wise is a UK-based advisory service, providing insights on equity release options for individuals over 55. Equity Release Wise is a UK-based advisory service, providing insights on equity release options for individuals over 55.
They focus on helping homeowners understand the potential of unlocking equity from their property.
Uniquely, Equity Release Wise emphasizes clarity and understanding in a complex market.
Their approach is tailored to demystify equity release, ensuring clients make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed.
What Is Equity Release In The UK?
Equity release is a financial tool for over-55 homeowners, allowing them to access their home's equity in cash form.
It's an alternative way to benefit financially from your property's value.
This scheme's repayment is notably different; the loan, along with interest, is repaid from the sale of the house, usually triggered by the homeowner's passing or entry into care facilities.
Learn More: Discover Equity Release
What Is the Smartest Way to Use Equity Release?
The smartest way to use equity release is to strategically invest in ventures that can provide long-term benefits.
A savvy approach might be to renovate your home, boosting its market value for potential future resale or rent.
Alternatively, investing the released equity in high-performing assets or retirement funds can generate substantial returns, offsetting any interest you accrue on the loan.
Another intelligent use of equity release is for estate planning.
By gifting some of the released funds to your heirs now, you can potentially reduce the inheritance tax they'll have to pay later.
Additionally, the funds can be used to pay down other high-interest debts, improving your financial stability.
However, always remember to seek professional advice before embarking on an equity release journey, as it's a significant financial decision with long-term implications. However, always remember to seek professional advice before embarking on an equity release journey, as it's a significant financial decision with long-term implications. However, always remember to seek professional advice before embarking on an equity release journey, as it's a significant financial decision with long-term implications. It’s important to assess your individual circumstances and understand how equity release could impact your financial future. Utilize resources that offer pure equity release insights to gain a comprehensive understanding of the options available. This way, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your long-term goals and needs.
How Does Equity Release and Lifetime Mortgage Work
If you (and your spouse) are 55 or older, you may qualify for an equity release loan.
The age of the youngest homeowner will be considered. Furthermore, some schemes require you to be 60 or 65.
You may qualify for equity release if you own a home in the UK that is valued at £70,000 or more.
Does Wise Have an Equity Release Calculator?
No, Wise does not have an equity release calculator.
If you'd like to see how much money you can release from your home then why not try our easy-to-use calculator below?
How Did We Review the Info on Wise?
We reviewed Wise by considering all of its data on the products it offers so that we can give you the most credible information about it.
Wise Customer Reviews
- UK.TrustPilot.com Reviews for Wise
- Reviews for Wise on Nerdwallet.com
- Wise Reviewed on Govisafree.com
Wise Complaints
If you are dissatisfied with your experience and want to file a complaint, the easiest way to do so is to contact them directly through their website.
They are concerned about their clients' needs and will refer you to the appropriate department.
Alternatively, you can submit a review on a review site like Trustpilot or Feefo, and they will swiftly contact you to assist
Equity Release Interest Rates
The type of scheme you select will affect the interest rates offered by your provider.
Depending on your situation, equity release interest rates can range from 5.97% to 6.28%*.
View the latest equity release rates here.
*While we regularly review our rates, these may have changed since our last update.
What Are Wises Fees?
Wise aim to charge as little as possible for their services and are planning to reduce their prices until they can eventually offer a free service.
Equity Release Types
There are two equity release options available to you.
- Lifetime mortgage: is a mortgage secured on your property (provided it’s your main residence), while retaining ownership.
- Home reversion: is where you sell part or all of your home to a home reversion provider in return for a lump sum or regular payments. You have the right to continue living in the property until you die, but you must agree to maintain and insure it.
The Most Popular Equity Release Uses
- Gaining access to tax-free cash to supplement retirement income.
- Paying off a mortgage, debts, or loans.
- Giving money to family members and children who may need an income boost.
- Taking a dream trip.
- Buying the car of one’s dreams.
- Renovating one’s home or garden, which also should increase the property value.
What You MUST Know About the Providers We Compare
- They’ve helped more than 1 million people decide whom to turn to when releasing equity from their homes.
- They’ve been responsible for organising 1 in 3 plans that the Equity Release Council has recorded.
FCA Details
Trading Names
- Wise Payments Limited
- Wise
FCA Permitted Services
- Payments Services & E-money
Regulators
- Financial Conduct Authority (FAC) ¹
- Financial Services Authority Now the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) ¹
Registration Numbers
- FCA Ref Number: 900507
- FCA Reg Number: 7209813
FCA & Companies House Link
- FCA Link: FCA Link
- Companies House Link: Companies House Link
Wise Equity Release Contact Number
- +44-20-3695-0999
- support@wise.com
- 6th Floor, The Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JJ
Common Questions
Equity Release Wise is a popular option for UK homeowners aged 55 and above who are looking to unlock the equity tied up in their property.
It allows them to access a lump sum or steady income without having to sell their home.
Equity Release Wise operates as a reputable equity release broker, providing guidance and assistance in finding the right equity release plan from a range of lenders in the market.
Equity Release Wise works by helping seniors access the equity in their homes through either a lifetime mortgage or a home reversion plan.
With a lifetime mortgage, homeowners can borrow against the value of their property while retaining ownership. Interest accrues on the loan until it is repaid, usually when the homeowner passes away or moves into long-term care.
A home reversion plan, on the other hand, involves selling a portion or all of the property to a reversion company while retaining the right to live in it.
Equity Release Wise guides seniors through the process, ensuring they understand the terms, fees, and potential impact on their inheritance.
Equity Release Wise is committed to providing safe and reliable options for pensioners. It works with reputable lenders who are members of the Equity Release Council, ensuring they adhere to a strict code of conduct and offer consumer protections.
Additionally, Equity Release Wise provides expert guidance to help pensioners make informed decisions and avoid any potential pitfalls.
However, it’s important for individuals to thoroughly consider their financial circumstances and consult with a financial advisor or independent solicitor before proceeding with any equity release option.
Equity Release Wise offers several potential benefits for homeowners, including the ability to access tax-free cash from the value of their property, while still living in it.
This can provide financial flexibility for retirement, allowing individuals to fund home improvements, cover healthcare costs, or enjoy a better quality of life.
However, it’s essential to consider the risks associated with equity release, such as the potential impact on inheritance, the accrual of interest over time, and the effect on means-tested benefits.
Working with Equity Release Wise can help seniors navigate these benefits and risks to make an informed decision.
Equity Release Wise has established itself as a trusted resource for retirement planning.
They have a team of experienced advisors who provide guidance and information without offering personalized advice, allowing individuals to make their own decisions.
By partnering with reputable lenders and being regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Equity Release Wise operates with transparency and consumer protection in mind.
However, it’s always wise to seek independent financial advice to ensure that equity release is the most suitable option for your specific circumstances and goals.
Yes, Equity Release Wise is a member of the Equity Release Council.
Equity Release Wise is owned by the Equity Release Council Ltd.
Equity Release Wise have a dedicated jobs page for the opportunities it offers.
Yes, Equity Release Wise does equity release.
Yes, they’re a member of the Equity Release Council and follow their guidelines. They’re also FCA regulated.
In Conclusion
Are you considering the possibility of accessing money tied up in a property you own internationally?
If you are worried about how to access your cash once that's been done, then Wise may be able to help.
You could open a multi-currency Wise account to send and receive money internationally.
In terms of releasing the equity in the first place, you'll have to find another provider for that.
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