There are clearly advantages and disadvantages with equity release schemes, but it is often difficult to get advice you can trust.

Where can I get advice without being sold equity release?

Have you tried any IFA's? They can often be pretty good, especially the one man band ones - too custom-friendly and not salesmen enough, some of them. Which makes them good for advice.

Hmm, I'm always a bit reluctant with equity release.
In a positive market it can be useful, but I think now may be the wrong time....

My parents are thinking about it. I tell them that now isn't the best time with house prices at record lows, and with finance more difficult to raise in general