Equity Release › What is equity release on a home loan?

What is equity release on a home loan?

Equity release means borrowing against the value you have built up in your home, by increasing your loan, so you can use that money as cash for things like renovations, investing, or other goals, while keeping the home.

Written by Ross McFarlane, Licensed Mortgage Broker (Credit Representative 526725). About the author

Why this matters

Equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe. Over time, as you pay down the loan and the property value grows, that gap becomes usable. Releasing it turns paper wealth into available funds, but it does mean borrowing more, so it suits a clear purpose rather than general spending.

The key points

You borrow against the value built up in your home.
The funds come to you as usable cash.
You keep the home and increase the loan.
Best used for a clear, planned purpose.

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Buy a home or investment property First home, next home, or adding to your portfolio Build a house or develop land New build, renovation, duplex, or subdivision project Lower my current repayments Better rate, release equity, or restructure existing debt Finance an established commercial property Business premises or commercial investment asset

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More equity release questions

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Last reviewed: June 2026

General information only. This page provides general information about home loans and is not financial or credit advice, a quote, or a guarantee, and your personal circumstances have not been considered. Lending policies, interest rates, fees and eligibility vary by lender and change over time. Always confirm your own situation with a licensed mortgage broker or lender before acting. Ross McFarlane (Credit Representative 526725) is an authorised Credit Representative of Australian Associated Advisers Pty Ltd t/a Keylend, Australian Credit Licence 392169.