What Is LV= Equity Release?

LV= offers lifetime mortgages, a type of equity release that lets homeowners aged 55+ unlock money from their home without having to move. You retain full ownership of your property, and there are no required monthly repayments.

Like all lenders approved by the Equity Release Council, LV= provides key protections, including:

• The right to stay in your home for life.
• A no negative equity guarantee.
• The ability to port the loan to another suitable property.

Interest is added to the loan and repaid when the last borrower dies or enters long-term care.

LV= Lifetime Mortgage Products

LV offers two core products, both designed with flexibility in mind.

Lump Sum Lifetime Mortgage

A one-off tax-free cash payment secured against your home.

Key features

• Available from age 55.
• No mandatory monthly repayments.
• Interest compounds and is repaid later.
• Free initial property valuation.
• Optional inheritance protection.

Suitable for people needing funds upfront (e.g., home improvements, paying off an existing mortgage).

Drawdown Lifetime Mortgage

A flexible facility that allows you to release money gradually.

Key features

• Take an initial lump sum, with extra funds available later.
• Interest is charged only on money withdrawn.
• Helps manage long-term interest costs.
• Offers the same protections as the lump sum plan.

Designed for people topping up retirement income or taking smaller withdrawals over time.

Additional Features and Benefits

LV's brochure highlights several helpful additions that make its products more adaptable.

Voluntary repayments

Borrowers can repay some or all of the interest to limit the total owed. Many LV plans include no early repayment charges after a set period (usually 8-10 years).

Inheritance protection

You can choose to ring-fence a portion of your property's future value for beneficiaries.

LV= Doctor Services

A standout LV benefit that includes:

• Remote GP appointments.
• Second medical opinions.
• Physiotherapy support.

This adds everyday value beyond the financial product itself.

Whole-of-market advice

LV advisers review the entire market and will recommend another lender if it offers a better fit, unusual for a lifetime mortgage provider and reassuring for customers.

What Do Customers Say?

Trustpilot: 4.5★ from 83,000+ reviews

LV has one of the strongest customer satisfaction scores among major financial services brands, with more than 83,000 reviews and an overall 4.5★ Trustpilot rating. These reviews cover all LV products, not equity release specifically, but they provide a clear picture of how the company communicates, supports and guides customers.

Recent customer reviews

These reviews reflect a consistent theme: LV= is valued for clarity, responsiveness and steady support.

Costs and Value for Money

LV does not advertise fixed rates because these depend on your age, health, property value and the features you select. However, typical LV rates sit around the middle of the market: not always the cheapest, but competitive given the flexibility and added benefits that come with their equity release products.

What adds value

• Free initial property valuation.
• Ability to release funds through drawdown (reducing interest charges).
• Inheritance protection.
• Voluntary repayments.
• No early repayment charges once the fixed ERC period ends.
• LV Doctor Services.

What reduces value

• Interest compounds if no repayments are made.
• Inheritance protection reduces the amount you can borrow.
• Some competitors occasionally offer lower interest rates.

Overall

LV offers strong value for people who want flexibility, safety, and ongoing support, rather than the absolute lowest rate available.

Who Is LV= Best For?

LV may be a good fit if you:

• ✔ Want flexible repayment options.
• ✔ Need a drawdown facility to keep interest costs down.
• ✔ Prefer a well-known, well-reviewed provider.
• ✔ Value non-financial extras like LV Doctor Services.
• ✔ Want strong consumer protections and inheritance safeguards.

LV may be less suitable if you want the lowest possible rate or expect to repay the loan very early.

How LV= Compares to the Wider Market

LV competes with a range of major and specialist equity release lenders. Its key differentiators are:

• Flexibility: voluntary repayments, inheritance protection and drawdown.
• Service: consistently high customer satisfaction.
• Health support: LV Doctor Services.
• Advice approach: whole-of-market recommendations.

However, depending on your age and circumstances, other providers may offer:

• Lower interest rates.
• Higher maximum loan amounts.
• More specialised product types.

This makes a whole-of-market comparison essential.

Independent Advice: Why Start With Age Partnership

Choosing equity release is a major financial decision. You should compare lifetime mortgages against alternatives such as remortgaging, downsizing, pension withdrawals or family support.

Age Partnership provides:

• Whole-of-market comparisons (including LV).
• Personalised borrowing calculations.
• Side-by-side cost projections.
• Guidance on protecting inheritance.
• Support if alternatives are better suited to your needs.

A helpful first step is using their free online equity release calculator to see how much you could release, with no obligation to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the minimum age?

55.

Q. Do I keep ownership of my home?

Yes, you remain the legal owner.

Q. Are repayments required?

No. Repayments are voluntary.

Q. Will interest roll up?

Yes, unless you choose to repay some of it.

Q. Can I move house later?

Yes, provided the new home meets LV's lending criteria.

Q. Does equity release reduce inheritance?

Yes. Inheritance protection can help reduce the impact.

Q. Can equity release affect benefits?

It may reduce eligibility for means-tested benefits.

Q. What happens when I die or move into long-term care?

The loan and interest are repaid from the sale of your home.

Final Verdict: Is LV= a Good Choice for Equity Release?

LV= is a reputable, long-standing financial provider offering flexible, well-designed lifetime mortgages with strong consumer protections and valuable extra benefits. Their products suit homeowners who want control, reassurance and strong service from a trusted brand.

LV may not always offer the lowest rate on the market, but for many people, the combination of flexibility, customer care and added features delivers excellent overall value.

The right decision depends entirely on your goals, finances and family situation, which is why comparing LV with the wider market is essential.

Starting with Age Partnership's whole-of-market advice ensures you find the option that best supports your long-term plans.