Quarter of equity release clients eligible for enhanced terms

Approximately 25% of equity release customers could be eligible for enhanced terms and receive an additional £16,000 on a £200,000 property, says More 2 Life.

The lender says around 25% of equity release customers could get enhanced terms if they smoke, or have diabetes, a low height-to-weight ratio, cancer, a heart condition or high blood pressure.

A 60-year-old customer could release £56,000 on a £200,000 property with enhanced terms, compared to £40,000 on standard equity release deals.

"Lifestyle and medical pricing will dramatically change the equity release market and it is vital that customers are offered the best possible deal," says managing director of More 2 Life Jon King.

"Advisers should be reviewing existing customers and ensuring all new customers take advantage of the enhanced terms available.

"The medical conditions covered by enhanced terms are much wider than many might think."

More 2 Life's minimum initial cash release is £15,000. Minimum property values are £70,000 and there is no maximum.