Home equity can represent a significant share of a homeowner's finances, yet accessing that money typically means selling the property or borrowing against it. Home equity investment companies provide another option: receiving cash today in exchange for an agreed share tied to the home's future value.
These arrangements generally don't require the monthly principal and interest payments associated with traditional home equity borrowing. That feature can sound attractive, especially for homeowners trying to limit their monthly expenses. However, the amount eventually owed can be difficult to predict, and the agreement is commonly secured by a lien against the property.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has warned that home equity contracts can carry substantial costs and can be difficult for consumers to compare because providers use different contract structures and disclosures.
Here are several home equity investment companies homeowners may encounter in 2026 and the factors worth comparing before signing an agreement.
Home Equity Investment Companies at a Glance
Provider terms can change, and eligibility depends on factors such as property location, available equity, property characteristics, and underwriting. The following table summarizes selected terms currently published by providers.
| Company | Advertised Funding | Contract Term | Monthly Payments | Selected Published Cost Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Point | $30,000 to $600,000 | 30 years | None | Up to 3.9% processing fee, subject to a $2,000 minimum |
| Hometap | Up to $600,000* | 10 years | None | Costs and settlement terms depend on the agreement |
| Unlock | Up to $500,000 | 10 years | None | Origination fee up to 4.9%, subject to applicable state limits |
| Splitero | Up to $600,000 | 10 to 30 years | None | 17.99% annual Safety Cap, compounded monthly |
| Unison | Varies by qualification | Up to 30 years | None | Settlement depends on the home's change in value and agreement terms |
| EquiFi | Varies | No fixed term expressed in years | None | Repayment is tied to the applicable equity co-investment agreement |
*Hometap's current account disclosures confirm a 10-year HEI term. Its advertised maximum has been reported at up to $600,000; applicants should verify their current offer and costs directly before proceeding.
Point currently advertises HEIs from $30,000 to $600,000 and a 30-year term. It charges a processing fee of up to 3.9%, subject to a $2,000 minimum, plus applicable third-party closing costs.
Unlock advertises agreements up to $500,000 with a 10-year term. Its current disclosures state that it may charge an origination fee of up to 4.9%, subject to state-law limitations, along with third-party costs.
Splitero currently advertises funding up to $600,000 and terms ranging from 10 to 30 years. Its published pricing describes a 17.99% annual Safety Cap, compounded monthly.
Because HEI terms are highly dependent on the individual transaction, advertised maximums should be treated as limits rather than expected payouts.
How Home Equity Investments Work
A home equity investment is commonly structured as an agreement between a homeowner and a company providing an upfront payment. In return, the homeowner agrees to make a future settlement payment calculated under the contract.
The CFPB generally refers to these products as home equity contracts. Other names include HEIs, home equity agreements, and shared equity agreements.
The basic process typically looks like this:
- The company determines or verifies the property's value.
- The homeowner receives an approved amount of cash.
- The provider records an interest or lien against the property according to the contract.
- The homeowner continues living in and maintaining the property.
- No regular HEI principal-and-interest payment is generally required during the agreement.
- The contract is eventually settled according to its terms, commonly after a sale, buyout, or expiration of the agreement.
The final settlement calculation varies substantially among companies.
Some contracts use the home's appreciation. Others use a percentage of the home's future value, starting-value adjustments, multipliers, caps, or a combination of these features.
That distinction matters. Two homeowners receiving the same amount of cash from different providers could face significantly different settlement amounts.
The CFPB found that home equity contracts commonly run for 10 to 30 years and can require a large single payment at settlement.
Point
Best for a Long Contract Term
Point is one of the largest companies in the HEI market identified by the CFPB. Its current HEI provides qualifying homeowners with an upfront payment in exchange for a portion of future home appreciation.
Point advertises:
- Funding from $30,000 to $600,000
- A 30-year term
- No monthly HEI payments
- No interest accrual
- A processing fee of up to 3.9%, with a $2,000 minimum
- Additional third-party costs that may include appraisal, escrow, and government fees
The company says the maximum offer is generally 20% of the home's value, although the actual amount depends on available equity, outstanding liens, home value, and underwriting.
Point places a lien on the property to secure the agreement. The homeowner's eventual settlement is based on the property's future value according to the terms of the HEI.
Potential advantages
- Long 30-year agreement
- Funding as high as $600,000 for qualifying homeowners
- No monthly HEI payment
- Published processing fee
Potential drawbacks
- Final settlement cost isn't known when the agreement begins
- Third-party closing costs can apply
- A lien is placed on the property
- Home appreciation can increase the eventual settlement
Point may deserve attention from homeowners who value a longer period before mandatory settlement. Still, the 30-year term shouldn't be viewed as a reason to overlook the potential long-term cost.
Hometap
Best for a 10-Year HEI Structure
Hometap is another major provider identified by the CFPB. Its current disclosures state that a Hometap HEI carries a 10-year term and requires no monthly or recurring payments during that period.
Hometap records a mortgage or deed-of-trust lien against the property to secure its interest. Homeowners can settle during the term through an owner repurchase without a settlement penalty, according to its current account disclosures.
If the HEI hasn't been settled when the term expires, Hometap states that it may exercise contractual rights involving an ownership interest and work with the homeowner to sell the property.
Potential advantages
- No recurring HEI payments during the 10-year term
- Ability to settle during the term
- Funding can be substantial for qualified properties
Potential drawbacks
- Shorter agreement than some 30-year competitors
- Settlement still requires a potentially substantial amount of money
- The HEI is secured against the property
- Eligibility criteria can change
Homeowners comparing Hometap should request a personalized settlement illustration showing several possible future home values rather than focusing solely on the amount of cash available today.
Unlock
Best for Flexible Buyout Options
Unlock calls its product a home equity agreement rather than an HEI, although the underlying concept is similar: the homeowner receives a lump sum in exchange for an agreed portion of future home value.
Unlock currently advertises up to $500,000, subject to underwriting, with a minimum transaction amount of $15,000. Its agreement generally has a 10-year term.
A notable feature is the ability to buy out Unlock during the agreement. The company says homeowners can complete a full buyout or make partial buyouts during the term, although additional appraisal and processing costs may apply to partial transactions.
Unlock currently states that it may charge an origination fee of up to 4.9%, subject to applicable state limits. Homeowners can also be responsible for appraisal, title, government, and other third-party closing costs.
Potential advantages
- Up to $500,000 for eligible applicants
- Partial buyouts permitted under current terms
- No regular monthly HEA payment
- Ability to settle before the 10-year deadline
Potential drawbacks
- Origination and third-party costs
- 10-year settlement deadline
- Settlement depends on future property value
- Property eligibility varies by location
Unlock's partial-buyout feature may be useful for homeowners who want the possibility of reducing their obligation before the entire agreement is settled.
Splitero
Best for Flexible Term Length
Splitero's current HEI provides a lump sum in exchange for a share of the property's future value.
The company currently advertises funding of up to $600,000 and terms from 10 to 30 years.
Splitero says homeowners can receive up to 25% of the property's initial appraised value, subject to underwriting and other conditions.
Its term generally runs until the maturity of the senior mortgage or at least 10 years from HEI origination, with a maximum of 30 years.
Splitero currently publishes a 17.99% annual Safety Cap, compounded monthly. The cap limits the repurchase amount under the company's pricing structure.
Potential advantages
- Funding up to $600,000
- Terms that may extend to 30 years
- No regular monthly HEI payment
- Published cap on the repurchase calculation
Potential drawbacks
- Final settlement still depends on contract calculations and property value
- Appraisal and underwriting requirements apply
- A long agreement may make the eventual cost harder to estimate years in advance
The longer potential term makes Splitero worth comparing with Point for homeowners concerned about a 10-year settlement deadline.
Unison
Best for an Established Equity-Sharing Model
Unison was an early participant in the home equity contract market. The CFPB identifies Unison among the four largest providers in its market study and notes that the company entered this market in 2006.
Under Unison's equity-sharing structure, homeowners receive cash and later settle based on the home's change in value according to the agreement.
Unison explains that equity created by paying down the homeowner's mortgage remains with the homeowner. Its contractual share concerns the applicable change in the home's value rather than equity generated from mortgage principal payments.
The company also acknowledges an important tradeoff: substantial appreciation can make its share of the increase greater than the interest a homeowner might otherwise have paid on a loan.
Potential advantages
- No monthly equity-sharing payments
- Long-established provider
- Mortgage principal paid by the homeowner continues building the homeowner's equity
Potential drawbacks
- Strong home-price growth may significantly increase the eventual cost
- Future settlement can't be known precisely at origination
- Contract calculations require careful review
Unison may make sense to compare with other providers when the homeowner understands how the company's share of future value will be calculated.
EquiFi
Best for Homeowners Seeking a Different Shared-Equity Structure
EquiFi calls its product the EquiFi Funding Instrument, or EFI. The company describes it as an equity co-investment rather than a loan.
Its Equity Access EFI has no monthly payment and no stated fixed term of 10 or 30 years. EquiFi says settlement can occur when the homeowner sells, dies, or chooses to repay the co-investment.
EquiFi also describes itself as connecting investors and homeowners through financial-service channels rather than acting as the investor in the property itself.
Potential advantages
- No fixed 10- or 30-year term stated for its Equity Access EFI
- No monthly EFI payment
- Settlement can occur when the homeowner chooses to sell or repay, subject to the agreement
Potential drawbacks
- Structure differs from conventional HEIs and requires careful comparison
- Available terms depend on the individual transaction
- Less standardized pricing information is publicly displayed than with some competitors
Because EquiFi uses a different structure and terminology, homeowners should compare its settlement formula directly against conventional HEIs rather than relying on labels.
What Should You Compare Before Choosing an HEI Company?
The largest advertised cash amount shouldn't determine your decision by itself. The eventual settlement terms may have a much greater financial effect.
Settlement Formula
Ask the provider to show exactly how the amount owed will be calculated.
Look for:
- Starting property value
- Adjustments applied to that value
- Provider's percentage
- Appreciation or future-value calculations
- Multipliers
- Annualized caps
- Treatment of depreciation
- Treatment of renovations
Run several scenarios using different future property values.
Agreement Length
Some providers use 10-year contracts, while others allow terms extending to 30 years.
A longer term can provide additional time before settlement, yet it can expose the homeowner to a longer period of home-price changes.
Upfront Fees
The CFPB reports that processing fees for home equity contracts are often around 3% to 5% of the initial payment. Appraisal, inspection, recording, and other third-party charges can reduce the amount the homeowner actually receives.
Compare net proceeds, not simply the advertised HEI amount.
Settlement Options
Check how you can end the contract.
Depending on the provider and agreement, settlement might occur through:
- Selling the property
- Paying with savings
- Refinancing
- Taking another qualifying financing product
- Buying out the provider
Some providers permit early settlement, while the rules surrounding partial settlements differ.
Liens and Future Borrowing
A home equity contract can involve a lien on the property.
The CFPB warns that this lien may affect a homeowner's ability to refinance an existing mortgage or obtain additional debt secured by the home.
If you expect to refinance, obtain another mortgage, or move within several years, ask how the HEI would affect those plans before signing.
Are Home Equity Investment Companies Expensive?
They can be.
No monthly payment doesn't mean no financing cost.
The CFPB found that some home equity contract structures can cause settlement amounts to increase rapidly during the early years. Its analysis concluded that these contracts can be expensive compared with traditional home-secured financing.
The eventual cost depends on the contract.
Suppose your property rises substantially in value. A provider entitled to an agreed portion of that future value or appreciation may receive significantly above the original amount provided to you.
The opposite doesn't automatically mean the homeowner receives full protection when prices fall. Providers use different starting-value adjustments, multipliers, caps, and depreciation rules.
Read the actual settlement formula rather than assuming the provider and homeowner share gains and losses equally.
Home Equity Investment vs. Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC
An HEI isn't the only method of accessing home equity.
| Feature | HEI or Equity Agreement | Home Equity Loan | HELOC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash access | Usually lump sum | Lump sum | Revolving credit line |
| Monthly financing payment | Generally none during HEI term | Yes | Usually yes |
| Interest rate | No conventional interest rate | Usually fixed | Commonly variable |
| Future home value can affect settlement | Yes | No | No |
| Property generally secures obligation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost known upfront | Often uncertain | Easier to estimate | Can change with rate and borrowing activity |
A home equity loan generally provides a lump sum that the borrower repays with interest through scheduled payments.
A HELOC provides a revolving credit line secured by the home. Borrowers can generally draw funds as needed during the applicable draw period, subject to their credit limit and agreement.
A home equity sharing arrangement takes another approach. Instead of conventional monthly principal and interest payments, the homeowner agrees to a future settlement calculated under the provider's contract.
The right choice depends on cash-flow needs, borrowing qualifications, expected time in the home, available equity, and tolerance for an uncertain future settlement.
Benefits and Risks of Home Equity Sharing
Potential Benefits
A shared equity agreement may provide:
- Cash without a new monthly HEI payment
- Access to a sizable portion of home equity
- Different qualification standards from traditional lending
- The ability to remain in the home while accessing equity
Potential Risks
Homeowners should account for:
- Potentially high long-term costs
- A large future settlement payment
- Uncertainty surrounding the final amount owed
- Upfront and third-party fees
- A lien against the home
- Possible complications when refinancing
- The possibility that selling the property becomes necessary to satisfy the agreement
The CFPB specifically warns that homeowners unable to make the required settlement could ultimately face selling the property or, under some circumstances, foreclosure.
Who Might Look at a Home Equity Investment?
An HEI may be worth researching for a homeowner who has substantial equity but doesn't want another required monthly payment.
It may also attract someone who has difficulty meeting the underwriting requirements for traditional home-secured credit.
That doesn't automatically make an HEI less expensive.
Homeowners who qualify for conventional financing should compare the projected HEI settlement against a home equity loan, HELOC, and other suitable financing before deciding.
An HEI may be less attractive if you expect substantial property appreciation, want predictable financing costs, have limited options for producing a future lump-sum settlement, or expect the lien to interfere with future financing plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are home equity investment companies?
Home equity investment companies provide qualifying homeowners with cash in exchange for contractual rights tied to the property's future value. These arrangements are commonly called HEIs, home equity contracts, home equity agreements, or equity-sharing agreements.
Do home equity investments require monthly payments?
Major HEI providers commonly advertise no monthly HEI payments. However, homeowners remain responsible for expenses associated with owning the property, such as their existing mortgage, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other applicable obligations.
Is a home equity investment a loan?
Providers frequently describe HEIs as investments or agreements rather than conventional loans. Regulatory treatment can vary by jurisdiction and product structure. Regardless of terminology, these contracts can be secured by a lien against the home and require a future settlement.
How much can you receive from a home equity investment?
It depends on the provider and applicant. Point currently advertises $30,000 to $600,000, Unlock advertises up to $500,000, and Splitero advertises up to $600,000. The actual amount available depends on underwriting, property value, existing liens, available equity, location, and other provider requirements.
What happens when an HEI term ends?
The homeowner generally must settle the agreement according to the contract. This could involve using savings, refinancing, completing a provider buyout, or selling the property. The exact options depend on the provider and agreement.
Can you repay an HEI early?
Many providers permit early settlement, although the rules differ. Point allows homeowners to exit during its 30-year term, Hometap permits settlement during its 10-year term, and Unlock allows full or partial buyouts during its 10-year agreement.
Making an Informed Choice
Home equity investment companies can give homeowners access to cash without adding a conventional monthly loan payment. The tradeoff is an obligation tied to the home and a future settlement that can be substantially larger than the original cash received.
Point, Hometap, Unlock, Splitero, Unison, and EquiFi use different contract lengths, settlement formulas, fees, and equity-sharing structures. That makes direct comparison especially important.
Before signing, request a written explanation of the settlement formula and calculate possible costs under several home-value scenarios. Compare the net cash you would actually receive, the potential settlement amount, the deadline for settling, and the effect of the lien on future financing.
An HEI may fit some homeowners' financial situations, but the absence of a monthly payment shouldn't be mistaken for a low-cost arrangement. The amount you may eventually give up is the figure that deserves the closest attention.
