Retirement Bridge & Equity Release Review (2025): Key Facts

Retirement Bridge equity release offers retirees the flexibility to access home equity through a plan that can be tailored to changing financial needs, including downsizing protection. It's an innovative approach allowing more control over future housing and financial planning.
Retirement Bridge Equity Release
  • Last Updated: 13 Nov 2024
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Francis Hui
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What Is the Retirement Bridge Equity Release Scheme? Discover Its Pros and Cons and the Benefits of Using It. Read More Here...
Key Takeaways
  • Retirement Bridge offers equity release for homeowners aged 55 and older, enabling them to release equity from their property without moving out.
  • The scheme involves a loan secured against your home, repaid from the sale of the property upon death or moving into care.
  • Benefits include receiving a tax-free lump sum, retaining home ownership, and optional repayments to manage loan costs; drawbacks include reducing your estate’s value, potential effects on means-tested benefits, and possibly higher interest rates than traditional mortgages.

If you are one of the many UK-based homeowners looking to fund your retirement and you are looking for the best equity release schemes, you may have come across Retirement Bridge’s equity release.

You may be wondering whether Retirement Bridge offers equity release plans to new borrowers and if the company could provide the solution you need.

The good news is that we have taken some of the guesswork out of the equity release process for you.

In This Article, You Will Discover:

    At EveryInvestor, our research team has spent countless hours reviewing equity release information and putting it together in an easy-to-use format. 

    We are doing the research so you can find it all in one place. 

    Therefore:

    NOTEEveryInvestor 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 Retirement Bridge. This article must not be interpreted as advice, nor is it a solicitation to conduct transactions in any financial product provided by Retirement Bridge.

    What Is Retirement Bridge’s Role in the UK Equity Release Market?

    Retirement Bridge is the UK’s largest administrator of home reversion plans through its subsidiary companies.

    Who Is Retirement Bridge in the UK’s Equity Release Market?

    The Retirement Bridge Group, based in Gateshead, comprises several companies that manage equity release home reversion plans.1

    Retirement Bridge Management Limited and Bridgewater Equity Release are the firms that administer the group’s equity release plans.

    Retirement Bridge is one of the largest home reversion administrators in the UK.

    Understanding Equity Release With Retirement Bridge in the UK

    For those over 55, equity release is a financial avenue to access the locked-in value of their homes.

    Equity release, in the form of a lifetime mortgage or a home reversion plan, translates property equity into usable cash funds, which can help homeowners avoid the need to move out.

    Equity release examples illustrate how homeowners can tap into their home’s equity without the immediate obligation to repay, providing financial flexibility and security in retirement.

    Equity release with Retirement Bridge consists of home reversion plans.

    How Does a Home Reversion Plan Work?

    Instead of making monthly repayments, you sell a portion (or all) of your home to a reversion provider in exchange for a lump sum or regular income.

    You can continue living in your home until you pass away or move into long-term care.

    When the property is eventually sold, the proceeds are divided based on the ownership shares.

    How to Qualify for Retirement Bridge’s Equity Release Schemes in the UK

    To qualify for Retirement Bridge’s equity release schemes in the UK, applicants must be over 60 and own a UK home that meets Retirement Bridge’s property criteria.

    Please note that new applications are not possible through Retirement Bridge, as the company only administrates existing plans.

    Evaluating Retirement Bridge for Equity Release: Benefits and Drawbacks

    Retirement Bridge administrates personalised home reversion plans, but it’s crucial to weigh their benefits against potential long-term impacts.

    Why Should You Consider Retirement Bridge for Equity Release?

    You could consider Retirement Bridge as it is one of the largest home reversion administrators in the UK with approximately 4,500 plans.2

    Its team comprises highly knowledgeable and experienced staff who are there to support you throughout the term of your plan. 

    What Are Retirement Bridge’s Equity Release Schemes for Retirement?

    Retirement Bridge administrates home reversion plans.

    With a home reversion plan, you sell a percentage of your property (between 25 – 100%) to your lender in exchange for a lump sum and the right to continue to live in the property. 

    The amount you receive will be based on your age(s) and your property’s value.

    This type of plan will grant you a lifetime lease, which will allow you to live in your home for the rest of your life or until you enter long-term care.

    What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Retirement Bridge for Equity Release?

    An advantage of using Retirement Bridge is that it is the UK’s biggest owner and manager of Home Reversion plans.4

    A disadvantage of Retirement Bridge is the fact that it does not offer new home reversion plans.

    A more detailed look:

    What Are the Advantages of Choosing Retirement Bridge for Equity Release?

    The pros of Retirement Bridge are:

    • It is one of the UK’s biggest owners and managers of home reversion plans.
    • It is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). 
    • It is a member of the Equity Release Council.5
    • Knowledgeable staff will help you through the terms of your plan.
    • It’s home reversion (no rent) schemes allow you to release equity and continue to live in your property rent-free.

    What Are the Disadvantages of Choosing Retirement Bridge for Equity Release?

    The cons of Retirement Bridge are:

    • It does not offer home reversion plans to new customers.
    • With a home reversion scheme, you will lose ownership of part or all of your property.
    • Equity Release will impact the amount of inheritance you can leave.
    • Equity Release will impact your entitlement to means-tested benefits now or in the future.
    • Equity Release is a lifelong commitment, and some plans may have early repayment charges, which can be discussed with your advisor.

    How Competitive Are Retirement Bridge’s Equity Release Terms?

    Retirement Bridge competes with attractive interest rates and loan-to-value ratios, tailored to meet diverse homeowner needs.

    What Interest Rates and Loan-to-Value Ratios Does Retirement Bridge Offer for Equity Release?

    Retirement Bridge provides competitive interest rates, which are crucial in determining how much you owe over time.

    The rates vary based on your age, property value, and the plan you choose, ensuring you get a deal that matches your financial situation.

    Additionally, the loan-to-value ratio, which indicates how much of your property’s value you can release as equity, can go up to 60% for older applicants.

    This means if your property is valued at £250,000, you could potentially release up to £150,000.

    How Does Retirement Bridge Compare to Other Equity Release Providers in the UK?

    Retirement Bridge stands out for its personalised service and tailored equity release administration.

    What Are the Financial Implications of Choosing Retirement Bridge for Equity Release?

    Opting for Retirement Bridge can affect inheritance, requiring careful consideration of fees and estate planning.

    How Will Retirement Bridge Equity Release Impact My Inheritance and Estate Planning?

    An equity release home reversion plan with Retirement Bridge will limit your ownership stake in your home, which will reduce the value of the inheritance you leave behind.

    It’s crucial to consider how equity release fits into your estate planning, and speaking with a financial adviser can help you make a decision that balances your needs with those of your family’s future.

    What Fees Can You Expect With Retirement Bridge Equity Release?

    Retirement Bridge’s tariff of charges is available on its website.3

    We have summarised the fees for you below:

    • Adding or Removing a Party Fee: £100. 
    • Failure to Insure the Property Fee: £50 plus insurance premium. 
    • Litigation Fees:  £100 (plus associated costs).
    • Miscellaneous Documents Request Fee: £20.
    • Moving Home Fee: £250 (plus associated costs).
    • Clearance Fee: £50 or 10% of clearance cost, whichever is higher. 
    • Repairs to the Property Fee: £50 or 10% of repair cost, whichever is higher. 
    • Sale of Property Costs and Fees: Variable.
    • Solicitors Fees: Variable.
    • Unpaid Direct Debit Fee: (where rent forms part of your home reversion plan) £15. 
    • Valuation Fee: Variable.

    *The features mentioned and the amounts raised are subject to the lender’s criteria, terms, and conditions.

    Does Retirement Bridge Have an Equity Release Calculator?

    No, Retirement Bridge does not have an equity release calculator.

    If you would like to get an estimate of how much you could borrow through equity release, take a look at our Equity Release Calculator.

    What Do Customers and Regulators Say About Retirement Bridge?

    Feedback highlights Retirement Bridge’s reliable service and regulatory compliance, though experiences may vary.

    What Do Customers Say About Retirement Bridge Equity Release?

    Retirement Bridge does not have any customer reviews currently but it can be reviewed on UK Indeed6 or UK TrustPilot7.

    What Are Common Complaints About Retirement Bridge Equity Release?

    If you like to register a complaint with Retirement Bridge, you can write to:

    Retirement Bridge, Suite 4, First Floor, The Honeycomb, The Watermark, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE11 9SZ. 

    A customer service agent will listen to your concerns and do all they can to remedy the issue.

    What Are the FCA Details for Retirement Bridge Equity Release?

    Retirement Bridge is fully regulated by the FCA, ensuring a secure and transparent equity release process for all clients.

    What Is Retirement Bridge’s Trading Name in Equity Release?

    Retirement Bridge’s trading name is Retirement Bridge Home Reversions Limited Partnership.

    FCA Permitted Services:

    Entering into Home Reversion Plans

    Who Regulates Retirement Bridge Equity Release Services?

    The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates Retirement Bridge.

    What Are the FCA Registration Numbers for Retirement Bridge Equity Release?

    • FCA Reg Number: 463024
    • Companies House Number: 05348582

    Where to Find FCA and Companies House Information on Retirement Bridge

    How Was Retirement Bridge’s Equity Release Information Reviewed?

    Our team of financial experts collected all the available data on Retirement Bridge to bring you all the details you need in one place.

    EveryInvestor is not affiliated with Retirement Bridge and Retirement Bridge did not request a review from us. 

    NOTE: This article is an unaffiliated, independent, third-party review of Retirement Bridge.

    Exploring Your Financial Options for Retirement: Equity Release and Beyond

    Beyond equity release, Retirement Bridge encourages exploring all financial avenues for a secure retirement.

    Does Retirement Bridge Specialise in Equity Release or Lifetime Mortgages?

    No, Retirement Bridge does not offer new equity release plans but administrates existing home reversion plans.

    What Are the Alternatives to Equity Release for Funding Retirement?

    If equity release does not seem like the right fit for you, there are other ways to fund your retirement.

    Downsizing to a smaller property can free up capital, while renting out a portion of your property can provide a steady income stream.

    Additionally, using savings or investments, or even taking out a personal loan, might offer the financial support you need without tapping into your home’s equity.

    It’s important to explore all your options and consider their long-term impacts before making a decision.

    How to Contact Retirement Bridge for Equity Release Inquiries

    Contact Retirement Bridge on the following:

    • +44 800 032 2118
    • enquiries@retbridge.co.uk
    • Suite 4, First Floor, Honeycomb, The Watermark, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE11 9SZ.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Retirement Bridge Equity Release

    What Is Retirement Bridge Equity Release in the UK?

    How Does Equity Release Work With Retirement Bridge?

    How Safe Is Retirement Bridge Equity Release for Seniors?

    What Benefits Does Retirement Bridge Equity Release Offer?

    What Risks Are Involved With Retirement Bridge Equity Release?

    Is Retirement Bridge a Member of the Equity Release Council?

    Who Owns Retirement Bridge and How Does It Impact Equity Release Services?

    Looking for a Career in Equity Release at Retirement Bridge?

    Does Retirement Bridge Specialize in Equity Release Services?

    How Reliable Is Retirement Bridge for Equity Release?

    Concluding Thoughts on Choosing Retirement Bridge for Your Equity Release Needs

    Retirement Bridge Equity Release administrates home reversion plans for UK homeowners over the age of 60 years.

    It is one of the largest home reversion administrators in the UK, registered with the Equity Release Council and authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to administrate home reversion plans.

    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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