- Board and Governance
- Our Standards
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Our Standards
Our standards ask members to act with professionalism and integrity, providing trusted, transparent, tailored, and thorough advice and support
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- For Consumers
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For Consumer
Description
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- For Professionals
- What is Later Life Lending?
Standards 2.0: For Consumers
Clear Standards. Strong protections. Confident decisions.
Introduction
The Equity Release Council sets Standards designed to protect consumers considering equity release.
Our members commit to these Standards to help ensure consistent protections, professional conduct and responsible advice.
The Consumer Charter
When you choose a member of the Equity Release Council, you can expect service built around four core commitments. These commitments sit at the heart of our Consumer Charter and reflect the standards all members agree to uphold:
The four commitments:
Trusted
You receive advice and information you can rely on, delivered by qualified professionals committed to high standards.
Tailored
Advice reflects your personal circumstances, goals and long-term plans, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Thorough
Your adviser takes time to explore your options, answer your questions and ensure you feel confident before making a decision.
Transparent
Costs, risks and obligations are clearly explained, so you understand how the product works and what it means for you.
Product Protections
Core protections for Lifetime Mortgages include:
- Home for life
- No Negative Equity Guarantee
- Option to move home
- Fixed or capped interest rates
- Ability to make repayments
- Waive early repayment charges for long-term care
- All underpinned by independent legal advice
Member Code of Conduct
As well as the Consumer Charter we also mandate a Member Code of Conduct which sets out the standards of behaviour and professionalism expected of all
members.
It ensures that members work collaboratively to foster a culture of respect, trust, and ethical practice across the industry.
Take your next step with confidence
When you choose a member of the Equity Release Council, you’re working with a professional who is committed to the highest industry standards.
Each one agrees to follow our rules and guidance, not just at the start of your journey, but throughout the life of your plan.
Governance and Oversight
The Standards framework is overseen by the independent Standards Committee, appointed annually by the Council’s Board.
This structure ensures:
- Independent oversight and challenge
- Technical expertise drawn from across the sector
- Ongoing review to ensure the Standards remain fit for purpose
If you have a concern
If you are unhappy with the service you have received, you should first contact the firm directly. If the matter is not resolved, further escalation routes may be available.
If you wish to make a complaint about a Council member:
- First contact the member directly using their published complaints procedure (by letter, email, or verbally).
- If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, contact the appropriate Ombudsman Service:
Key Documents for Consumers
Standards 2.0 Consumer
The Equity Release Council and its predecessors have promoted the highest levels of consumer protection for over thirty years – providing customers with added reassurance and the confidence to explore how housing equity might improve their standard of living. This version of the Standards we are calling Standards 2.0 as we believe they are more […]
Consumer Guide
Your guide to Equity Release, helping you make confident, informed choices in later life lending.