Equity Release: A strategic wealth planning tool for your high-net-worth clients
Article written by Royal London Equity Release, correct as of 7th April 2026.
Let’s tackle the unhelpful myth head-on: equity release shouldn’t just be something clients consider when they’ve run out of options. Modern thinking (and modern product features) means that equity release can be used for positive, planned objectives, and as a result, it could be positioned as a wealth planning tool to access property wealth.
For high-net-worth clients in particular, the conversation is rarely about need, it’s about strategy. Discussions should be about how your client can use property wealth to fund gifting, meet cashflow needs, and shape their estate plan, without forcing a sale or dismantling investment portfolios. Opening up better conversations around intergenerational planning and portfolio protection, provided you frame it as part of a holistic plan and not a standalone fix, is key to effective financial planning in 2026.
The importance of holistic advice for high-net-worth clients
When working with high-net-worth clients, the need of holistic advice becomes even more important. For example, if you decide to include equity release in your conversations, it may land better when introduced alongside asset sequencing and cashflow planning, not when framed as a borrowing decision in isolation. Equity release has the potential to become a valuable tool when used in specific scenarios, such as when mitigating the potential effects of inheritance tax.
Managing inheritance tax (IHT) with equity release
Recent governmental changes to IHT have moved forward discussion around wealth planning strategy, and equity release is finding its place as a potential tool in managing IHT. Equity release could also provide a solution if your client’s family require financial support now rather than in the future
In our illustrative case study, we tell the story of Arthur and Margaret, who were searching for a way to financially support their loved ones whilst balancing their wealth planning requirements. We explore how the couple were able to help make a real difference in their family, and how equity release offered a structured, tax-efficient way to reduce their estate’s value.
This downloadable case study depicts how equity release could be a solution for high-net-worth clients and also explains the key information that is important to discuss with clients, including term length and inheritance tax rules.
Access our latest case study today by clicking the link below.
Learn about equity release and managing inheritance tax
Note: Our case studies are fictional scenarios created for illustrative purposes and are not to be relied upon as financial advice by any person.
How could Royal London Equity Release help high-net-worth clients?
If your high-net-worth client decides to release equity, your next step is to find a product that works for them.
That’s why we’ve created a product specially for high-net-worth clients. Our Premier product offers something distinctive for homeowners who are:
- Between 55-84 years & 364 days
- Have a property worth over £2,000,001
- Want to release at least £100,000
Clients who are eligible for the Premier product will benefit from exclusive reduced rates, fixed for life and guaranteed for 21 days from the point of sourcing.
In addition, advisers who access our Premier product will benefit from our Premier Concierge Service. We’ll partner you with a named specialist who will support you throughout every stage of case, ensuring a smooth journey from the first conversation to completion.
If you have any questions about our Premier product, whether you’ve only just learnt about it or are ready to place a case, you can visit our website and book a call with our team of equity release specialists today.
This is an article written for adviser use only and shouldn’t be relied upon by another person.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Inheritance Tax.
