Unison vs. Hometap: Complete Comparison of Home Equity Investment Options
Last updated 10/03/2025 by
Ante MazalinEdited by
Andrew LathamSummary:
If you’re a homeowner looking for a way to access your home equity without taking on debt or monthly payments, Hometap and Unison are two of the top options on the market. These companies offer home equity investments — a financing alternative that allows you to receive a lump sum of cash in exchange for a share of your home’s future value.
Quick Comparison: Hometap vs. Unison
| Feature | Hometap | Unison |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Funding | Up to $600,000 | $15,000 - $450,000 |
| Maximum Funding (%) | Up to 25% | 5% - 15% |
| Term Length | 10 years | 3 - 30 years |
| Origination Fees | 4.5% | N/A |
| Closing Costs (%) | 1% - 5% | 2.5% |
| Monthly Payments | None | None |
| Maximum LTV | 75% | N/A |
| Home Value | Starting at $50,000 | |
| Credit Requirements | 585 | 680 |
| Use Case | Equity Cash-Out | Mortgage Down Payment |
| Share of Home Appreciation | N/A | 16.5% - 57.8% |
| States Available | 20+ states (including CA, FL, NY, TX) | Select states (including CA, FL, CO, WA) |
| SuperMoney Rating | strongly recommended | rating not yet determined |
What Is Hometap?
Hometap is a home equity investment company that offers homeowners cash today in exchange for a share of their home’s future value. There are no monthly payments — instead, you settle the investment within 10 years or when you sell the home.
Key features:
- Receive up to Up to 25% of your home’s value
- Use the funds however you like — pay off debt, invest, or cover expenses
- You retain full homeownership
- Settle anytime within 10 years via refinancing, sale, or savings
What Is Unison?
Unison provides long-term home equity investments — up to 3 - 30 years — in exchange for a share of your home’s future appreciation (or depreciation). You get a lump sum with no monthly payments and only repay when you sell your home, refinance, or reach the end of the 30-year term.
Key features:
- Receive up to 5% - 15% of your home’s value
- No interest or monthly payments
- 3 - 30-year investment term (or sooner if you sell/refinance)
Key Differences: Hometap vs. Unison
1. Funding Amount
- Hometap: Up to Up to 25%
- Unison: Up to 5% - 15%
2. Repayment Timeline
- Hometap: Must repay within 10 years
- Unison: You have up to 3 - 30 years to settle
3. Shared Appreciation
- Both share in the home’s value increase — Unison also shares in depreciation, while Hometap does not.
4. Availability
- Hometap is available in more states, but both are limited to select markets.
5. Flexibility
- Hometap is better for short-term funding needs; Unison suits those wanting long-term flexibility.
When to Choose Hometap?
Hometap is a great fit for homeowners who need fast access to equity and plan to repay or move within the next 10 years. Its shorter term and faster funding timeline make it ideal for short- to mid-term financial needs.
Choose Hometap if:
- You need quick access to a larger amount of cash (up to Up to 25% of your home’s value).
- You plan to sell, refinance, or move within the next 10 years.
- You prefer a simpler approval process, with more flexible credit requirements (as low as 585).
- You want no monthly payments and the freedom to use the funds for any purpose — from debt consolidation to business investment or tuition.
- You live in one of the 20+ states where Hometap is currently available.
Ideal for:
- Homeowners with growing short-term financial goals (e.g., remodeling, investing, or starting a business).
- Those who need liquidity now but have plans to exit the agreement relatively soon.
- Individuals who value speed and simplicity over long-term flexibility.
When to Choose Unison?
Unison is better suited for homeowners who want long-term flexibility and don’t plan to move or refinance anytime soon. With a 3 - 30-year term and no early repayment pressure, it’s a good option for people who want financial breathing room.
Choose Unison if:
- You want a longer time horizon to repay — up to 3 - 30 years, or until you sell or refinance.
- You’re comfortable sharing a portion of your home’s appreciation (and depreciation).
- You’re looking for debt-free funding without adding monthly obligations.
- You have a higher credit score (typically 680) and live in a state where Unison operates.
- You’re not in a rush and want a more conservative funding amount with clear guidelines.
Ideal for:
- Homeowners planning to stay long-term and avoid the stress of a 10-year repayment deadline.
- Retirees or those on fixed incomes who want to unlock home equity without taking out loans.
- Risk-averse homeowners who appreciate the shared downside protection if property values decline.
Real Customer Reviews: What Homeowners Are Saying
Both Hometap and Unison have earned high marks from homeowners, but the experiences can differ based on individual needs and timelines. Here’s what real users are saying about each platform.
Hometap Reviews (3.3 out of 5 on SuperMoney)
“Hometap made it easy to access funds without a loan.”
★★★★★ — Verified Reviewer
Hometap was & is a lifesaver for me. My 70-year-old house needed foundation repair. I didn’t have approx. $25,000 to plop down for the work. After the COVIDS epidemic, that cost doubled. I knew I was not eligible for an equity loan due to a poor credit score.
“Clear communication and fair offer.”
★★★★☆ — Homeowner in California
Hometap was a great option for us. We are locked into a 3.25% fixed 30 and might be selling our home in 2 years once our youngest graduates high school. We didn’t want to do a cash-out refi and Hometap was an easy way to access equity w/o increasing our monthly expenses.
Unison Reviews
Note: We are still collecting verified reviews for Unison on SuperMoney, so an overall rating is not yet available.
Final Verdict: Unison or Hometap?
Both Hometap and Unison provide innovative alternatives to traditional home equity loans, helping homeowners unlock the value of their property without adding monthly debt payments. The right choice ultimately depends on your financial goals and timeline.
- Choose Hometap if you want a larger lump sum, need faster funding, and are comfortable with a 10-year repayment window.
- Choose Unison if you prefer a longer repayment term, want to stay in your home long-term, and are okay with sharing in both appreciation and depreciation.
Each program comes with trade-offs, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before committing.
Next Steps
Still not sure which option is best? Don’t worry — there are more shared equity solutions out there that may better fit your needs.
Explore other providers and learn more by visiting our main guide:
You’ll find in-depth reviews, side-by-side comparisons, and expert insights to help you make a confident, informed decision about your home equity strategy.
Provider Highlights
Hometap
A short-term HEA provider offering up to Up to 25% of your home’s value with a 10-year term. Great for fast access to capital without monthly payments.
Unison
Unison provides long-term home equity agreements with terms up to 3 - 30 years. They share in both appreciation and depreciation, offering more downside protection.
Want to explore more matchups?
Key Takeaways
- Hometap offers larger cash payouts (up to Up to 25%) with faster funding, but requires repayment within 10 years.
- Unison provides a longer 3 - 30-year repayment term and shares in both home appreciation and depreciation.
- Both programs require no monthly payments and can be used for any purpose, like debt consolidation or home improvement.
- Your best option depends on your credit profile, equity amount, and how long you plan to stay in your home.
FAQ about Hometap and Unison
Is Hometap or Unison a loan?
No, these are home equity investments, not loans. You don’t make monthly payments and there’s no interest.
Can I lose my home with Hometap or Unison?
Not unless you default on your obligations. These programs are designed to be low-risk if you understand the terms.
Do I need good credit?
Both companies consider credit, but equity and home value play a bigger role than with traditional loans.
Can I use the money for anything?
Yes — pay off debt, invest in a business, renovate, or anything else.
Is Unison a legitimate company?
Yes, Unison is a legitimate and established company, founded in 2004. It’s backed by reputable investors and has helped thousands of homeowners unlock home equity without taking on new debt.
Is using Hometap a good idea?
Hometap can be a smart solution if you need a large lump sum quickly and plan to move or refinance within 10 years. However, like any financial decision, it’s important to fully understand the terms and how it impacts your home’s future value.
What is the home equity percentage?
Home equity percentage is the portion of your home that you truly own — calculated by subtracting your mortgage balance from your home’s current market value. Both Hometap and Unison require a minimum equity threshold (typically 25–30%) to qualify.
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