Jason Ruse, business development director at Key Group, said: “The growth in the equity release market has been remarkable with the number of products available doubling in just two years which provides significantly more flexibility and options for clients. The number of features has also boomed with over 300% more products offering options such as interest repayments, downsizing protection and inheritance protection.

“While this type of growth in numbers and features should be welcomed, it does highlight the need for advisers to keep a close eye on what is happening and what features each lender is able to offer. Things are changing fast at the moment and in just six months, we saw 21% more products that advisers need to consider. One of the reasons for this is that the majority of customers during the pandemic have released equity due to an immediate need, but as the UK edges closer to less restrictions we will see clients releasing equity to fulfil both retirement as well as aspirational needs.

“You may be able to dabble in some markets but this is certainly not the case in the later life sector and those who haven’t transacted business for a while should consider whether setting up a referral relationship might not be a better idea. Being able to refer your client with confidence to a specialist adviser who fully understands the market is going to pay greater dividends in the long term.”