This depends on the age of the youngest person on the title deeds & also property criteria. For lifetime mortgages the minimum age is 55 and for a home reversion plan the minimum age is 65.

Typically the minimum property value acceptable in the equity release marketplace is £70,000  

A release of equity can affect certain means tested benefits i.e. pension/savings credit, housing benefit. It is important that you disclose all relevant information during any equity release discussion to ensure that benefits are not jeopardised. A drawdown facility may help to negate this.

Full ownership is retained by you with any lifetime mortgage. However, please note that with a home reversion scheme you will no longer fully own the property.