Expert VerifiedJust Equity Release 2025: Is It the Right Choice for Your Retirement?
- Last Updated: 05 Aug 2025
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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
- Just offers equity release through lifetime mortgages, not directly but via approved advisers.
- Flexible options include drawdown, partial repayments, cashback, and enhanced plans based on medical history.
- Interest rates vary based on age, health, and loan-to-value ratio.
- Early repayment charges may apply, though up to 10% of the loan can be repaid annually without penalty.
- All products come with no negative equity guarantees and are regulated by the FCA and PRA.
- Open to homeowners aged 55–85 with properties valued at £70,000+.
- May reduce inheritance and affect means-tested benefits — seek tailored advice.
Navigating the complexities of equity release can be daunting, especially with numerous providers in the market, but Just equity release stands out as a noteworthy provider. In the first half of 2025 alone, Just issued £107 million in shareholder-funded lifetime mortgages, marking a 62% increase compared to the same period in 2023.1
At EveryInvestor, we are committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information on retirement products like equity release, so that you are able to get all the information you need.
Keep reading as we delve into the features, benefits, and considerations of Just equity release...
NOTE: EveryInvestor is an impartial and unconnected third-party information provider via this website, and the details replicated in this commentary represent the opinions of EveryInvestor only and may not reflect the views or opinions of Just. This article must not be interpreted as advice, nor is it a solicitation to conduct transactions in any financial product provided by Just.
Who Is Just Retirement?
Just Retirement, now part of the Just Group plc, is a specialist UK provider of retirement-focused products including annuities, lifetime mortgages, and equity release.
The company was established through the merger of Just Retirement and Partnership Assurance in 2016.
They stand out for their health-based underwriting model and maintain a strong track record in equity release and later-life financial support.
How Does Just Equity Release Work?
Equity release from Just lets eligible homeowners unlock cash tied up in their property without having to sell or move home.
Through a lifetime mortgage, you receive either a lump sum or drawdown facility, which accrues interest compounded over time.
The debt is typically repaid when you die or move into permanent long-term care and the property is sold.
Just does not sell its plans directly. Access is provided via FCA-authorised advisers or through their subsidiary, Hub Financial Solutions.
Overview of the “Just For You” Lifetime Mortgage
The “Just For You” Lifetime Mortgage is Just’s flagship equity release product. Its features include:
- Initial tax-free lump sum with the option for a drawdown facility.
- Partial interest repayments are allowed up to 100% of the interest charged.
- Payment holidays of up to 3 months.
- Enhanced terms for applicants with qualifying health conditions.
- Cashback incentives linked to loan-to-value enhancements.
These benefits allow customers to tailor their loan based on personal preference and financial circumstances.
Eligibility Criteria for Just Equity Release
To qualify for a Just Lifetime Mortgage, applicants must:
- Be aged between 55 and 85 at the time of application.
- Own a UK property, which is your primary residence.
- Have a property value of at least £70,000.
- Be listed on the title deed (maximum of two people).
- Have little to no existing mortgage (any remainder must be repaid with the equity release funds).
Key Features That Make Just Stand Out
Here’s what distinguishes Just from other providers:
- Personalised rates based on health & lifestyle (enhanced plans possible).
- Partial repayments without penalties (up to 10% per year).
- No negative equity guarantee via the Equity Release Council.
- Cashback options that may increase borrowing amount (higher repayments follow).
- Optional energy efficiency discounts for homes with an eligible EPC rating.
- Adviser access through FCA-regulated intermediaries for secure guidance.
Interest Rates, Fees & Charges
Interest Rates in 2025
Just’s interest rates vary based on your age, home value, and health.
- AER typically ranges between 5.97% – 6.28%, but enhanced terms may apply.
- Rates are fixed for life, adding predictability to your loan.
View the latest market range on our Equity Release Interest Rates page.
Early Repayment Charges (ERCs)
- You can repay up to 10% of the loan advance yearly without charges.
- Beyond that, ERCs may apply and are specified within your loan agreement.
- Waivers may apply in specific scenarios (e.g., death or care move), depending on product terms.
Typical Fees
- Application and valuation fees are often waived.
- Legal fees apply (~£650), as well as adviser and processing charges.
- Revaluations, legal changes, or switching may cost between £1,500–£3,000 overall.
For a detailed planner, see the Equity Release Costs Checklist.
What Tools & Support Does Just Retirement Offer?
The tools and support Just Retirement offers include personalised advice through regulated financial advisers, clear customer guides, and online calculators to estimate how much equity you could release.
They also provide flexible product options and ongoing support to help customers make informed decisions throughout the equity release process.
Here's the help and support you can expect:
Is There a Just Retirement Equity Release Calculator Available?
Yes, Just does have an equity release calculator.
If you are looking for advice from a leading provider, you could also try our simple-to-use calculator for free below for an approximation.
Pros and Cons of Choosing Just
Advantages
- Enhanced mortgage options based on health — potentially unlocks more cash.
- No-negative equity guarantee protects estate beneficiaries.
- Energy-efficiency incentives for environmentally aware homeowners.
- Member of the Equity Release Council.
- Cashback flexibility and reasonable drawdown policies.
- Partial repayments and holidays available on interest.
Disadvantages
- Early repayment charges may apply, limiting future flexibility.
- Could impact your entitlements to means-tested benefits.
- Reduces value of the estate passed to heirs.
- Application route limited to adviser networks — no direct online application.
- Complex structuring may require thorough financial planning support.
For more on inheritance impact, see How Does Inheritance Protection Work with Equity Release?
What Safeguards Does Just Retirement Provide as a Member of the Equity Release Council?
As a member of the Equity Release Council, Just Retirement commits to high standards of conduct and practice, ensuring that all their equity release schemes come with essential safeguards.
These include the no negative equity guarantee, ensuring customers never owe more than their home's value, and the right to remain in their home for life or until they move into long-term care.
Furthermore, Just Retirement provides clear and comprehensive advice and information, ensuring customers understand the terms and potential implications of their equity release plan.
This adherence to Equity Release Council standards demonstrates Just Retirement's dedication to safe and ethical equity release practices.
Regulation, Safety, and FCA Details
Just Group is regulated by the:
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA)
- Equity Release Council (ERC)
These regulatory bodies ensure that all Just products come with:
- Transparent terms
- High levels of consumer protection
- No negative equity guarantee
Trading & Registration Information
- Trading Names: Just Retirement Limited, Just Retirement Money Limited
- FCA Firm Ref: 232595
- Companies House No: 05017193
Search the FCA Financial Services Register for verification.
Customer Support & Contact Info
You can contact Just via the following:
- Phone: 01737 233288
- Post: Just, Enterprise House, Bancroft Road, Reigate, RH2 7RP
- Complaints email: complaints@wearejust.co.uk
If you’re looking to calculate what you may be eligible to release, try EveryInvestor’s Equity Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just Equity Release is a type of financial product that allows homeowners aged 65 and above to release the equity tied up in their property.
It provides a tax-free lump sum or a regular income stream, without the need to sell the property.
This can be incredibly useful for individuals who want to supplement their retirement income or fund their desired lifestyle.
Just Equity Release offers flexible options to suit different needs and preferences, giving homeowners the freedom to enjoy their later years.
Just Equity Release works by allowing homeowners to borrow against the value of their property. The amount that can be released depends on factors such as the property’s value, the age of the homeowner, and any outstanding mortgage.
With Just Equity Release, homeowners can choose between two main options: a lifetime mortgage or a home reversion plan.
A lifetime mortgage involves taking out a loan secured against the property, which is repaid when the homeowner passes away or moves into long-term care.
A home reversion plan involves selling a percentage of the property to a provider in exchange for a lump sum or regular income, while retaining the right to live in the property rent-free for life.
Just Equity Release offers several benefits for homeowners aged 65 and above. Firstly, it provides a way to access the equity tied up in their property, allowing them to enjoy a more comfortable retirement or achieve their financial goals.
Additionally, Just Equity Release provides flexibility by offering both lump sum and income options, enabling homeowners to choose the option that best suits their needs.
Another advantage is that the money released is tax-free, meaning it won’t impact the homeowner’s tax status.
Moreover, Just Equity Release often comes with features like no negative equity guarantee, allowing homeowners to remain in their property for life.
While Just Equity Release can be beneficial, it’s important to be aware of the associated risks.
One risk is the potential impact on inheritance, as releasing equity reduces the value of the estate that can be passed on to beneficiaries.
Another risk is the possibility of owing more over time, as interest accrues on the borrowed amount.
It’s crucial to carefully consider the long-term financial implications and seek professional advice before making a decision.
Just Equity Release providers should be members of the Equity Release Council, ensuring adherence to industry standards and providing additional consumer protection.
To apply for Just Equity Release, the first step is to seek professional advice from an independent financial adviser who specializes in equity release.
They will assess your eligibility, explain all the options available, and help you understand the potential implications.
If you decide to proceed, the adviser will guide you through the application process, which typically involves a thorough assessment of your property, an analysis of your financial circumstances, and completion of the necessary paperwork.
The process may take a few weeks, and it’s important to note that engaging with a reputable and experienced equity release provider, like Just Equity Release, can streamline the application and ensure a smooth experience.
Yes, Just is a member of the Equity Release Council
Just is owned by Just Group plc.
You can find vacancies at Just on their website9.
Yes, Just offers equity release.
It offers lifetime mortgage plans that are available through Hub Financial Services.
Yes, Just’s equity release is safe as it is a member of the Equity Release Council and is authorised and regulated in the UK by the FCA.
Concluding Thoughts: Is Just Retirement Your Best Choice for Equity Release?
Just Retirement offers a secure, flexible equity release option backed by an experienced provider, making it a reliable choice for homeowners aged 55 or above.
Their health-based underwriting and drawdown features offer a personalised experience, but as with any financial decision, the pros must be weighed against the potential impacts on your estate and benefits.
A qualified adviser can guide you on whether Just is right for your circumstances.
Disclaimer:
All information provided was accurate as of July 2025. Always confirm with an authorised adviser and consult the latest product terms before making equity release decisions.
The features mentioned and the amounts raised, are subject to the lender’s criteria, terms, and conditions. These may take into account the age, health, and lifestyle factors in order to provide an enhanced amount. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration.
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