Home Equity Investments

Access Your Equity. Zero Monthly Payments.

Home equity investments let you tap your home's value without taking on debt. No monthly payments, no interest — you share a portion of future appreciation instead. Compare the best HEI companies for 2026.

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Expert ReviewsUpdated April 2026100% Free

HEI at a Glance

$0/mo

Monthly Payments

Zero debt added

Interest Rate

Share appreciation instead

$15K–600K

Typical Access Range

Varies by provider

10–30 yr

Term Length

Flexible settlement

What Is a Home Equity Investment?

A home equity investment (HEI)— sometimes called a shared equity agreement or home equity sharing agreement — is a way to convert part of your home equity into cash without borrowing. Instead of making monthly payments like you would with a HELOC or home equity loan, you agree to share a percentage of your home's future appreciation (or depreciation) with the HEI company.

HEIs are not loans. There's no interest rate, no monthly payment, and the obligation doesn't appear as debt on your credit report. You settle the agreement when you sell, refinance, or reach the end of the contract term — typically 10 to 30 years depending on the provider.

This makes HEIs a compelling alternative to HELOCs, home equity loans, and cash-out refinances, especially for homeowners who want to preserve monthly cash flow or who may not qualify for traditional debt products. Companies like Splitero, Hometap, Unlock, Point, and Unison have made the HEI market increasingly competitive and accessible.

HEI vs. HELOCs, Loans & Refinancing

See how home equity investments stack up against traditional ways to access your equity.

Product	Monthly Payment	Interest / Cost	Term	Credit Impact	Key Risk
BESTHome Equity Investment (HEI)	None	None (share appreciation)	10–30 years	No impact on DTI	Share home appreciation
HELOC	Monthly (variable)	Variable, 8–9%+	10 yr draw + 20 yr repay	Adds to DTI	Risk of foreclosure
Home Equity Loan	Monthly (fixed)	Fixed, 8–10%+	5–30 years	Adds to DTI	Risk of foreclosure
Cash-Out Refinance	Monthly (new mortgage)	Fixed, 6–7%+	15–30 years	Replaces mortgage	Resets loan term

Best Home Equity Investment Companies (2026)

We reviewed every major HEI provider on terms, fees, availability, customer experience, and settlement structure. Splitero is our top pick, but your best option depends on your state, equity level, and goals.

Splitero

Hometap

Best for fast funding

Hometap provides equity investments in as little as 2-3 weeks. Available in 16+ states with investments from $15K to $600K and a 10-year effective term.

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Unlock

Best for high equity access

Unlock lets homeowners access up to $500K of equity with a flexible 10-year term. Strong presence on the West Coast and growing nationwide.

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Point

Best for long-term flexibility

Point offers a 30-year term — the longest in the industry — giving homeowners maximum flexibility on when to settle. Available in 28+ states.

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Unison

Pioneer of shared equity

One of the original HEI providers, Unison offers co-investment programs for both existing homeowners and new buyers, with investments up to $500K.

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Aspire

Best for lower equity requirements

Aspire targets homeowners with moderate equity, offering smaller investments with competitive pricing and a straightforward application process.

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HomePace

Best for homeowner protections

HomePace emphasizes transparency and downside protection for homeowners, with clear terms and a strong focus on customer education.

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Balance

Best for debt payoff

Balance focuses on helping homeowners use HEI proceeds to pay off high-interest debt, offering personalized financial coaching alongside equity access.

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Splitero

Splitero — Our #1 Pick for Home Equity Investments

Access your home equity with no monthly payments, no interest, and some of the lowest effective costs in the industry. See how much you could get in minutes.

Check Your Eligibility

How a Home Equity Investment Works

Apply Online

Share basic info about your home and how much equity you want to access. Most applications take 5–10 minutes.

Home Appraisal

The HEI company orders an independent appraisal to determine your home's current market value.

Receive Cash

If approved, you receive a lump-sum payment — typically within 2–4 weeks. No monthly payments begin.

Settle Later

When you sell, refinance, or the term ends, you repay the original amount plus a share of appreciation.

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Home Equity Investment FAQ

What is a home equity investment (HEI)?

A home equity investment is a financial product where a company gives you a lump sum of cash in exchange for a share of your home's future appreciation. Unlike a loan, there are no monthly payments, no interest charges, and no debt added to your balance sheet. You settle the investment when you sell your home, refinance, or at the end of the term.

How is an HEI different from a HELOC or home equity loan?

HELOCs and home equity loans are debt — you borrow money and must make monthly interest payments. An HEI is not a loan. Instead of paying interest, you share a portion of your home's appreciation with the investor. This means no monthly payment obligations, which can be ideal for homeowners who need cash but want to preserve cash flow.

How much equity can I access with an HEI?

Most HEI companies let you access between 10–20% of your home's current value, up to around $500K–$600K depending on the provider. The exact amount depends on your home value, location, and the provider's criteria. Splitero, Hometap, Unlock, and Point each have their own investment ranges.

What happens if my home decreases in value?

This is one of the key advantages of an HEI. If your home's value drops, the HEI company shares in that downside. You'll typically owe back only the original investment amount, or in some cases less if there's a significant decline. Specific downside protections vary by provider.

When do I have to settle (pay back) the HEI?

You settle an HEI when you sell your home, when you refinance, or at the end of the contractual term (typically 10–30 years depending on the provider). Point offers the longest terms at 30 years. You can also settle early at any time by buying out the investor's share.

Does an HEI affect my credit score?

Because an HEI is not a loan, it typically does not appear as debt on your credit report and does not affect your debt-to-income ratio. This makes it an attractive option if you're planning to apply for other credit in the future.

Who should consider a home equity investment?

HEIs are ideal for homeowners who have significant equity but want to avoid taking on new debt. Common use cases include paying off high-interest debt, funding home renovations, covering retirement expenses, or bridging an income gap — all without adding monthly payment obligations.

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