Equity release lending returned to growth in the second quarter, rising 4% to £597m, according to the Equity Release Council. Although lending and customer activity remained below Q2 2025 levels overall, the council says the latest figures suggest confidence is returning following a softer first quarter. Equity Release Council chief executive officer Jim Boyd says: “It is encouraging to see this increase in activity despite the inherent challenge of continuing domestic and international uncertainty. “The FCA recently described later life lending as a fourth pillar alongside pensions, savings and investments. “The increase in new customers demonstrates a continued willingness to turn to housing wealth for the first time to achieve later life financial goals.