The number of homeowners releasing equity from their properties reached a new high in October, according to the latest figures from Responsible Equity Release.

Completed equity release plans were up almost a fifth (19.2%) on September’s figures, and up more than three-quarters (76.5%) on the same period in 2016.

During the past quarter (August to October 2017), the number of equity release plans taken out was 24% higher than the previous three months (May to July 2017).

The total amount of equity released last month was up 3.8% on September and more than double (111.9%) the amount released in October 2016.

The total amount of equity released over the past quarter (August to October 2017) was up just under a third (32%) on the previous quarter (May to July 2017).

The average amount of equity released by individual homeowners dropped from a high of £84,057 in September to just below £71,000 in October.

Regionally, homeowners in the North East released more than seven times the level of equity from their properties in October compared with the previous month.

London and Northern Ireland were the only areas to experience a drop in the number of homeowners releasing equity from their homes in October, which could be down to concerns over house prices.

Steve Wilkie, managing director of Responsible Equity Release (pictured above), said: “It finally happened.

“The Bank of England has raised the base rate and raised the hopes of millions of UK pensioners.

“Now the Bank of England has turned the rate rise tap on, we could well see a series of incremental rate rises over the next few years.

“That would be great news for UK pensioners, but right now, what does a 0.25% rate rise mean?

“To be honest, not a great deal.

“It’s unlikely to have any financial impact, especially with banks showing little desire to pass this rate rise on to savings accounts.”

Steve believed it left pensioners in the same financial predicament.

“They have endured a decade of dire savings growth, and with inflation likely to rise beyond 3%, many are struggling to cope with escalating living costs.

“If investments and savings aren’t providing income, what are their options?

“For many, it’s their home; the only asset they have which they can generate an income stream from, and it’s no surprise to see the popularity of equity release grow as a result.

“The equity release industry has proven itself to be well placed to provide a genuine retirement income solution.

“The industry is listening to what consumers want and adapting its product range accordingly.

“When millions of people have paid into their homes, why shouldn’t they be able to make their homes work for them during their lifetime?”