# What is inheritance protection on equity release?

> Quick answer · Last updated 4 July 2026

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## In short

Inheritance protection guarantees ring-fence a percentage of your home's value for beneficiaries — typically 10%–50% — regardless of how much the loan grows. You can usually release less cash in exchange for preserving that slice of the property.

Without protection, loan growth competes with house-price growth. Protection sets aside a minimum percentage of the home's value at plan start that the lender cannot absorb at sale.

The trade-off is lower maximum loan-to-value. If you need £80,000 but protect 30% of a £300,000 home, the lender caps release below what an unprotected plan might offer.

Protection does not guarantee a cash inheritance — if prices fall sharply, beneficiaries may still receive little after the protected slice and loan are settled.

Discuss with your equity release adviser alongside downsizing and gifting strategies.

## Related

- [Equity release alternatives](https://moneyguide.org.uk/mortgages/equity-release-alternatives-guide/)
- [Inheritance Tax calculator](https://moneyguide.org.uk/tools/inheritance-tax-calculator/)

## Primary source

equityreleasecouncil.com/standards

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.