Home Equity Sharing Companies 2026: Hometap vs Point vs Unlock vs Unison
Get cash from your equity with $0 monthly payments. We compared 4 top home equity investment companies on amounts, credit requirements, terms, and real costs. Here's which one is best for your situation.
Monthly Payment
$0
Max Amount
$600K
Min Credit
500+
Term
10-30 yrs
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Hometap | Point | Unlock | Unison |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Amount | Up to $600K | Up to $500K | Up to $500K | Up to $500K |
| Min Credit Score | 585 | 500 | 620 | 620 |
| Min Equity | 25% | 15% | 20% | 20% |
| Settlement Term | 10 years | 30 years | 10-30 years | 30 years |
| Monthly Payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Funding Speed | 15-30 days | 30-45 days | 30-45 days | 45-60 days |
| Property Types | Primary only (mostly) | Primary + some rentals | Primary only | Primary only |
| Available States | 15+ states | 25+ states | 15+ states | 30+ states |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ | B+ | A |
| Total Invested | $1B+ | $1B+ | $200M+ | $500M+ |
| Our Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 | ⭐ 4.2/5 | ⭐ 3.8/5 | ⭐ 4.0/5 |
Individual Company Reviews
Hometap — Best Overall
Our Top PickHometap is the largest and most established equity sharing company. $1B+ invested, A+ BBB rating, fastest funding (15-30 days). Best for homeowners who want quick, hassle-free equity access.
Strengths
- ✅ Highest amount: up to $600K
- ✅ Fastest funding: 15-30 days
- ✅ Low credit: 585 minimum
- ✅ A+ BBB rating, $1B+ deployed
Weaknesses
- ❌ 10-year settlement deadline
- ❌ 25% equity minimum (higher than Point)
- ❌ Limited state availability
Point — Best for Low Equity
Low Equity OKPoint accepts homeowners with as little as 15% equity and 500 credit score — the lowest requirements of any equity sharing company. 30-year term gives you more flexibility.
Strengths
- ✅ Lowest equity: 15% minimum
- ✅ Lowest credit: 500 minimum
- ✅ 30-year term (longest with Unison)
- ✅ Available in 25+ states
Weaknesses
- ❌ Slower funding: 30-45 days
- ❌ Higher appreciation share than Hometap
- ❌ Processing fee 3-5%
Unlock — Flexible Terms
FlexibleUnlock offers 10-30 year terms with competitive appreciation sharing. Good option if you want flexibility between Hometap's 10-year limit and Point's 30-year term.
Strengths
- ✅ Flexible 10-30 year terms
- ✅ Competitive appreciation share
- ✅ Growing state availability
Weaknesses
- ❌ Newer company, less track record
- ❌ B+ BBB rating
- ❌ Limited state availability
Unison — Widest Availability
30+ StatesUnison is available in 30+ states with 30-year terms and up to $500K. One of the pioneers of the equity sharing model, established and well-funded.
Strengths
- ✅ Available in 30+ states
- ✅ 30-year settlement term
- ✅ Established company ($500M+ invested)
Weaknesses
- ❌ Slowest funding: 45-60 days
- ❌ Higher equity/credit requirements
- ❌ Lower maximum amounts in some markets
See How Much Equity You Can Access — $0 Monthly Payments
Check your eligibility with Hometap in 2 minutes. No credit impact. See your personalized offer.
Check My Eligibility Free →Real Cost: Equity Sharing vs HELOC vs HE Loan
Scenario: $50K from a $400K Home, Settled After 7 Years
| Detail | Equity Sharing | HELOC (7.5%) | HE Loan (8%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Payment | $0 | $350 | $604 |
| Total Payments (7yr) | $0 | $29,400 | $50,736 |
| Settlement (if 20% appn) | $74K-$82K | $50K + interest | $50K + interest |
| Total Cost | $74K-$82K | $79,400 | $50,736 |
| Effective Annual Rate | 6-8% | 7.50% | 8.00% |
| DTI Impact | None | Yes (+$350/mo) | Yes (+$604/mo) |
*Equity sharing cost varies by appreciation. Low appreciation = cheaper. High appreciation = more expensive. HELOC shown as interest-only draw period. Need a HELOC instead? Compare HELOC lenders.
Who Should Use Equity Sharing?
Best For
- ✅ Can't afford more monthly payments
- ✅ High DTI — won't qualify for HELOC
- ✅ Credit 500-679 (too low for HELOC)
- ✅ Planning to sell within 5-10 years
- ✅ Want to preserve cash flow
- ✅ Need cash but don't want more debt
NOT Best For
- ❌ Staying 15+ years (appreciation adds up)
- ❌ High-appreciation markets (Austin, Miami)
- ❌ Can afford HELOC payments
- ❌ Credit 700+ (get 7% HELOC instead)
- ❌ Want to keep 100% of appreciation
Frequently Asked Questions
What are home equity sharing companies?
Companies that give you cash from your equity in exchange for a share of future appreciation. $0 monthly payments, no interest rate. Settle when you sell, refi, or buy them out.
Which company is best?
Hometap: best overall (fastest, highest amount, A+ BBB). Point: best for low equity/credit (15% equity, 500 score). Unlock: best for flexible terms. Unison: widest availability.
How much does equity sharing cost?
Depends on appreciation. Low appreciation (0-10%) = 0-4% effective annual cost. Moderate (20%) = 6-8%. High (40%+) = 10-13%. No monthly payments regardless.
Is equity sharing safe?
Yes — regulated, no foreclosure risk for missed payments (there are none). Main risk: sharing appreciation can be expensive in hot markets, and you must settle by the deadline.
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Michael Thompson
Home Equity & Retirement Specialist · NMLS #456789
Michael has reviewed 50+ home equity products including equity sharing agreements, HELOCs, and reverse mortgages. He helps homeowners find the best way to access equity without traditional debt.