Aging populations and the need to finance retirement are setting the stage for a bigger equity release market. EPPARG and EY expect yearly volumes to climb to $52.1 billion by 2035 from $17.7 billion today. That is a sizable step up for a niche product that helps homeowners unlock housing wealth later in life.
This is the fourth iteration of EPPARG and EY's Global Equity Release Survey. It draws on information for 2025 to 2026 gathered from market participants across 14 countries and city markets spanning Europe, North America, Australia and Hong Kong; this marks Hong Kong's debut in the survey. EPPARG endorsed the conclusions at a Madrid meeting on Sept. 29.
Equity release turns housing wealth into spendable income. Market Briefs covers that market free every weekday.
Despite geopolitical tensions and higher interest rates, the market has held up. The study points to North America as a major engine of future growth, with the U.S. and the U.K. projected to be the largest markets by annual volume. Two practical issues still loom large though: reliable funding sources and getting more consumers to understand how these products work.
If you track aging and housing themes, this is a space to watch. The timeline to 2035, the regions poised to lead, and the adoption milestone in Madrid give a clear picture of where equity release could head next. The growth story hinges on demographics, education and funding access, which will shape which providers and geographies actually capture that demand.
An ageing population makes this one of the faster-growing products. Join Market Briefs free and follow the growth.
