Education could be key in addressing hesitancies for retired households using home equity to make ends meet

New Retirement Commission research shows up to a quarter of households who have low income and savings could use it.

The main home equity release products available here, are reverse mortgages and home reversion -- selling a stake in your house in exchange for income.

But policy lead Michelle Reyers, says using equities isn't common due to their complexities and fears of incurring debt.

She says this research is key to educating consumers about the options for those it's applicable to, and then providers need to make it as simple as possible to understand.