Rising property values and our ageing population are prompting more people than ever before to consider equity release as a way to provide capital or income in retirement. This financial product will not be the right choice for everyone, but for those who understand the features and benefits of equity release, it can be a useful planning option to consider. According to some new research, more than half of homeowners aged 55 and over didn’t realise that the cash lump sum they would receive from releasing equity in their home is tax free.