How to become an equity release adviser in the UK: A step-by-step guide

22 July 2025 Photo of a couple sitting on a sofa with paperwork

If you’re a financial adviser looking to expand your services, becoming an equity release adviser could be your next smart move. With more homeowners over 55 considering later life lending to boost their retirement income, qualified advisers in this space are in growing demand.

In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know, from the qualifications required to the training options available, so you can confidently start offering regulated equity release advice in the UK.

What does an equity release adviser do?

An equity release adviser helps clients over 55 unlock money from their homes without needing to sell or move. This includes:

Equity release advice is a regulated activity, meaning you must hold the correct qualification and be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide it.

Step 1: Get the right equity release qualification

To become an equity release adviser in the UK, you need two key qualifications:

Both are recognised by the FCA and provide the core knowledge needed to advise on equity release products confidently.

There are also other “legacy qualifications” that are not very common anymore but allow advisers to operate in this market.

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If you already hold CeMAP, you only need to add the CeRER or ER1 to get started.

Step 2: Complete equity release training

Many training providers offer flexible online or blended learning options. Courses typically cover:

Look for CPD-accredited equity release training to stay aligned with industry best practices.

Step 3: Get FCA authorisation or join a network

You cannot offer equity release advice unless you are authorised by the FCA. You can either:

Many new advisers prefer joining a network initially for added structure and guidance, as well as the support and training for this specialist area of advice.

Step 4: Join the Equity Release Council (recommended)

While not essential, joining the Equity Release Council (ERC) strengthens your credibility. It’s optional, but highly recommended! As a member, you:

Membership is especially helpful when building trust with later life clients and their families.

All Advise Wise members can use the code “ADVISEWISE25” to get a 25% discount on their first year of membership (T&Cs apply). For any questions advisers can contact the Council membership@equityreleasecouncil.com

Step 5: Set up your advice process and tools

Once qualified and authorised, it’s time to build your proposition.

At this stage, you need to consider:

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Advise Wise offers a free and intuitive later life lending sourcing platform, helping you compare products for your clients needs and manage cases with ease. Plus a free to join integrated Mortgage Club provides you with access to the best deals, exclusive products and a 5-star rated support from a team of qualified experts.

Step 6: Stay up to date with CPD and market changes

The later life lending market evolves quickly, with regular product updates and regulatory developments. You must complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to remain compliant.

Keep learning through:

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to become an equity release adviser, you’re one step closer to making a real impact in your clients' lives - often helping them live more comfortably in retirement or support their families financially.

With the right qualification, regulatory setup, and support tools like Advise Wise, you can confidently enter the later life lending market and build a successful advice offering.

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Start today with Advise Wise - the most intuitive platform to source the right plans for your clients.
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FAQs: Becoming an Equity Release Adviser

Do I need CeMAP to advise on equity release?

Yes, you need a mortgage advice qualification like CeMAP before adding an equity release module (such as CeRER or ER1).

How long does it take to qualify as an equity release adviser?

Most advisers can complete the required qualification in 4-8 weeks, depending on study time and provider format.

Can I offer equity release advice as a sole trader?

Yes, as long as you are FCA authorised, either directly or through a network, you can offer regulated equity release advice.

Is equity release advice a growing market?

Yes. With an ageing population and more people relying on property wealth, the demand for qualified equity release advisers is steadily increasing.

The Equity Release Council’s latest quarterly market report for Q1 2025 showed that the market had a strong start to the year with £665m worth of housing equity accessed by customers. This is a 32% increase in total lending compared to Q1 2024 (£504m) and the fourth successive quarter of growth recorded by this market.

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