For many people going through separation, the family home is their biggest asset. But while it holds significant value, that value is often “locked away” and not easily accessible when you need it most.
Home equity release is a way to unlock some of the money tied up in your property without having to sell it straight away. This can give you the breathing room to cover legal fees, pay out shared debts, secure new accommodation, or simply create a financial buffer while you make important decisions.
What is equity in a property?
Equity is the difference between your home’s current market value and the amount you still owe on your mortgage. It represents the portion of the property you fully own.
For example, if your home is worth $800,000 and your outstanding mortgage is $300,000, your equity is $500,000. The higher your equity, the more options you may have for accessing funds without selling.
How much equity do I have?
To work out your home equity, you’ll need two numbers:
- Your home’s current market value — usually based on a real estate appraisal, online property estimate, or formal valuation.
- Your current mortgage balance — which you can find on your latest mortgage statement or through your lender’s online portal.
Subtract your mortgage balance from your home’s value to find your equity.
How can I access my equity?
There are different ways to release equity, including refinancing, taking out a line of credit, or entering into an equity-share arrangement. Each comes with its own pros, cons, and eligibility criteria. Some options involve taking on new debt and monthly repayments, while others allow you to access funds upfront and settle later.
By understanding your equity position and comparing the available options, you can make an informed decision that balances your financial needs now with your long-term plans for the property.
Meet the funders in our network
LongView is an integrated residential property business, working hand in hand with clients to provide property buying, advisory and management services, as well as investment funds.
They recognise that the Australian housing market today does not deliver for many people. Many renters, aspiring first-home buyers, and residential property investors face a myriad of structural challenges, and there are no investment-grade funds as an alternative. LongView is changing this by making homeownership more accessible, empowering buyers with expertise, and improving the rental experience for both owners and renters.
LongView’s team of property professionals has decades of real-world experience in buying and managing thousands of properties. They combine this on-the-ground expertise with proprietary data science and innovative financial structures to deliver superior financial performance over the long term.
HomeFlex by LongView
The Separation Guide users can access HomeFlex to unlock equity from their homes without needing to sell, refinance, or take on more debt. It’s a way to divide assets without tearing up the foundation.
HomeFlex taps into your home equity—not through a traditional loan—but by allowing you to access cash now in exchange for a share of future property growth. There are no interest charges, no new monthly repayments, and you remain solely on title—keeping control and staying in your home.
Whether you need to pay shared debts, fund legal and living costs, or create a fresh start, HomeFlex offers a straightforward, low‑stress bridge during your separation journey—helping you stay grounded while you move forward.
LongView is a signatory to The Separation Guide’s Ethical Charter, committed to open communication and Court as a last resort.
Meet Helen Sloan – Shared Equity & Property Specialist, LongView
With a unique blend of legal, financial, and educational expertise, Helen Sloan helps individuals make informed pr
operty and financial decisions during separation. As a qualified solicitor, mortgage broker, and property specialist, she provides practical, compassionate guidance on shared equity, refinancing, selling the family home, and restructuring ownership arrangements. Her background in governance, risk, and compliance ensures every recommendation is grounded in legal and ethical best practice.
Helen has worked with leading organisations including Aussie Home Loans, OpenAgent, and Complispace, and brings a deep understanding of the emotional and financial complexities that arise during separation. She specialises in translating complex options into clear, personalised strategies that protect her clients’ interests and support long-term stability.
Whether clients are navigating the division of assets, transitioning from joint to sole ownership, or exploring ways to retain the family home, Helen offers tailored advice and end-to-end support—empowering them to move forward with clarity and confidence.
How it works:
Start with a free, no-obligation chat with Helen from LongView to discuss your situation. Helen will walk you through LongView’s services, explain how HomeFlex could support your needs, and guide you through the next steps if you choose to proceed.
