Equity Release on a Leasehold Flat
Yes, you can usually take equity release on a leasehold flat but lenders apply extra checks. Theremaining lease length, the ground rent and the service charges all matter, and some flat types are harder to place.
Last reviewed August 2026 · ~4 min read. That’s Family Finance holds protection permissions only, so equity release goes to a separately authorised firm we have vetted
- Most lenders want a long remaining lease: often at least75–90 years left, and enough left at the end of the plan (some want 75+ years remaining even then).
- High or escalating ground rent and service charges can restrict which lenders will lend.
- Some flat types are trickierex-local-authority flats, flats above commercial premises, high-rise or retirement flats with age restrictions.
- It’s very doable with the right lender, an equity release adviser knows which lenders suit leasehold; ask for a personalised illustration.
Lease length is the first thing lenders check
Equity release can run for decades, so lenders care about how much lease will be left at the end of the plan, not just today. As a rule of thumb many want a minimum remaining term well above the borrower’s life expectancy: often expressed as needing75+ years remaining at the outset, sometimes more. A short lease can be extended before you apply, though that has its own cost and process.
Ground rent and service charges
Lenders look closely at ground rent: especially if it’s high orescalates (doubles every so many years), and at the level and history of service charges. Onerous terms can reduce the number of lenders willing to offer a plan, or affect how much you can release. Recent reforms have curbed some ground rents, but each lease is assessed individually.
Flat types that need extra care
- Ex-local-authority flats: some lenders cap the proportion of the block that must be privately owned.
- Flats above shops or commercial units: often restricted or excluded.
- High-rise blocks: floor-count and cladding checks may apply.
- Retirement flats with age restrictions or event fees, valued differently and not offered by every lender.
None of these are automatic dealbreakers, they simply narrow the field of lenders, which is exactly where good advice earns its keep.
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Common questions
Can you get equity release on a leasehold flat?
Yes, usually, but lenders check the remaining lease length, ground rent and service charges closely. A long remaining lease (often 75+ years left) and reasonable charges make it straightforward; onerous terms narrow the lenders available.
How many years does my lease need to have left?
It varies by lender, but many want a long remaining term, commonly enough that 75 or more years would still be left well into the plan. A short lease can sometimes be extended before applying. An equity release adviser matches your lease to a suitable lender.
Does high ground rent stop equity release?
It can restrict your options. High or escalating ground rent, and heavy service charges, reduce the number of lenders willing to offer a plan and can affect how much you release. Each lease is assessed on its own terms.
What about a retirement flat?
Retirement flats with age restrictions or event fees are valued differently and aren’t offered by every lender, but some specialise in them. It’s another case where good advice matters.
How do I check broadband speed at a property?
Use Ofcom's free broadband and mobile checker at checker.ofcom.org.uk. Enter the property's postcode and choose the address to see which broadband speeds and mobile coverage are available before you make an offer.
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We do not provide equity-release advice; we are an introducer. Where equity release may be right for you we introduce you to a carefully selected, FCA-regulated equity-release adviser. A lifetime mortgage is a loan secured against your home; to understand the features and risks ask for a personalised illustration. Equity release will reduce the value of your estate and can affect means-tested benefits.