Unison Review: What to Know About Its Equity Sharing Agreement (ESA) and Home Loan (ESHL)

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Equity Sharing Agreement

• No monthly payments
• Access up to $500,000
• Available for up to 30 years

• Not available in all states
• 3.9% transaction fee, plus third-party costs
• Higher credit score requirements than other HEAs

Borrowing amount	$30,000 – $500,000 (up to 15% of home value)
Min. credit score	620
Min. equity needed	Max 70% CLTV
State availability	AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, UT, VA, WI, DC

Equity Sharing Home Loan

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• Lower monthly payments through deferred interest
• Fixed interest-only payments for 10 years
• No prepayment penalties
• Access up to $400,000

• 3% origination fee
• Shared appreciation required
• Only available in select states
• Third-party closing costs apply

Borrowing amount	$30,000 – $400,000
Min. credit score	680
Min. home value	Determined by appraisal
Min. equity needed	Max 70% CLTV
State availability	AZ, CA, CO, FL, MD, NE, NV, NJ, NC, OR, PA, UT
Mobile app rating	Not currently available

Overview: What Unison offers

Founded in 2004, Unison is a San Francisco–based company that helps homeowners access their home equity without taking on a traditional loan. Instead of offering only standard home equity loans or HELOCs, Unison focuses on equity-sharing products. Mainly:

• An equity sharing agreement (ESA), which has no monthly payments, and
• An equity sharing home loan (ESHL), which is a second mortgage with shared appreciation and deferred interest

While both products allow homeowners to tap equity, we generally view the ESA as the stronger and more distinctive offering. Its lack of required monthly payments and built-in sharing of home value declines make it meaningfully different from traditional borrowing. The ESHL, by comparison, functions more like a conventional second mortgage but still requires sharing appreciation, which may limit its appeal for some borrowers.

Note: As of early 2026, Unison has faced legal scrutiny related to its equity-sharing practices. Prospective customers may want to review recent reporting and court filings before entering into an agreement.

Unison Equity Sharing Agreement (ESA) review

Unison’s ESA stands out for offering up to 30 years of payment-free flexibility and for sharing in potential losses if your home declines in value, a feature that is not common among equity-sharing products.

At the start of the agreement, Unison determines your home’s value through an independent appraisal and applies a 5% risk adjustment. From there, Unison provides cash up to 15% of your home’s value, capped at $500,000.

You can use the funds however you choose. There are no monthly payments. When you sell or buy Unison out, repayment includes the original investment plus or minus a share of your home’s value change. In rare cases, the repayment amount could be reduced substantially.

Here’s an overview of the ESA’s terms.

Term	Details
Rates (APR)	Not a set monthly interest rate; Unison shares in future home value change
Loan amounts	$30,000 – $500,000
Term length	Up to 30 years
Monthly payment	None
Closing costs	3.9% transaction fee + third-party fees

What to keep in mind

• No monthly payments
• Shares in losses if your home value declines
• You give up a portion of future appreciation
• 3.9% transaction fee deducted at closing

If you buy Unison out instead of selling your home, Unison does not share in any decrease in value. A new appraisal determines the buyout amount.

Additionally, refinancing can be complicated. Because the agreement is subordinate financing that shares in appreciation, some lenders may decline refinance, including those following Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines.

Unison also sets a Maximum Authorized Debt Limit, which caps the total debt secured by your home and does not increase as your home appreciates.

Eligibility and requirements

Because Unison is investing directly in your home’s future value, it has specific guidelines around credit, available equity, and property type. Not every homeowner will qualify. Below are the core eligibility requirements for the Equity Sharing Agreement.

Requirement	Details
Property type	Owner-occupied primary residences (single-family, townhouse, condo); some second homes may qualify
Credit score	620
Equity required	Max. 70% CLTV
Max. investment	Up to 15% of home value
Max. term	30 years
State availability	AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, UT, VA, DC, WI
Appraisal	Independent appraisal required

Fees and conditions

Unison deducts a 3.9% transaction fee from your proceeds at closing.

Homeowners are also responsible for third-party costs, including:

• Appraisal ($450–$1,250 typically)
• Home inspection ($650–$1,050)
• Settlement costs ($700–$1,750, depending on location)

If you choose not to move forward after reviewing your estimate, you’re not responsible for fees.

Unison Equity Sharing Home Loan review

Unison’s Equity Sharing Home Loan (ESHL) functions as a second (or sometimes third) mortgage. You make interest-only payments for 10 years. At repayment, you owe the principal plus a portion of your home’s value increase.

Unison’s appreciation share is typically 1.5 times the percentage borrowed. For example, if you borrow 10% of your home’s value, Unison would receive 15% of the appreciation at repayment.

Capital Improvement or Deferred Maintenance adjustments may affect the calculation.

Feature	Details
Rates (APR)	Start at 5.207%
Loan amounts	$30,000 – $400,000 (minimum is $50,000 in some states)
Term length	10 years
Monthly payments	Fixed, interest-only payments
Closing costs	3% origination fee + third-party fees

What to keep in mind

• Lower monthly payments than many traditional second mortgages
• Fixed interest-only payments for 10 years
• No prepayment penalties
• 3% origination fee
• Shared appreciation reduces future equity
• Unison does not share in losses if home value declines

Unlike Unison’s ESA product, the ESHL does not share in losses if your home value declines. If your home loses value, you still owe the full principal.

Since appreciation is due at sale, refinance, or maturity, the total cost may be higher than a traditional home equity loan if your property appreciates quite a bit.

Eligibility and requirements

The Equity Sharing Home Loan functions more like a traditional second mortgage, so qualification standards are slightly stricter. In addition to equity requirements, Unison evaluates your credit profile, debt-to-income ratio, and property details. Here’s what you’ll typically need to qualify.

Requirement	Details
Property type	Owner-occupied primary residence (single-family, townhouse, condo)
Minimum credit score	680
Max combined loan-to-value (CLTV)	70%
Max DTI	40%
Max loan amount	35% of property value
State availability	AZ, CA, CO, FL, MD, NE, NV, NJ, NC, OR, PA, UT
Position	Second or subordinate mortgage

Fees and conditions

Unison’s home equity sharing loan has a 3% origination fee, typically deducted from your proceeds at closing.

You’re also responsible for third-party costs, including appraisal, escrow, recording, and credit report fees. If a second appraisal is requested, the requesting party covers that cost.

At repayment, shared appreciation is calculated using the home’s beginning and ending value. In cases of significant appreciation, a shared appreciation percentage limit may apply.

Which should I choose: Unison’s ESA or ESHL?

Both products let you tap your home equity, but they’re designed for different financial situations.

The ESA may make more sense if you:

• Do not want another monthly payment
• Have fair credit and may not qualify for stricter loan standards
• Already have a high debt-to-income ratio
• Want Unison to share in any drop in your home’s value

This option offers the most flexibility. The tradeoff is that if your home’s value increases significantly, you will share more of that increase.

The ESHL may be a better fit if you:

• Have strong credit and stable income
• Can comfortably afford fixed monthly payments
• Prefer something that works more like a traditional second mortgage
• Want to potentially keep more of your home’s future value growth

This option may feel more structured, but you are still responsible for repaying the full amount borrowed, even if your home’s value declines.

Before choosing either one, think about your current budget, how long you plan to stay in the home, and how comfortable you are with sharing future changes in your home’s value.

Homeowner reviews of Unison

Reviews from reputable sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot can offer a balanced view of Unison’s services.

Source	Overall rating	Number of reviews
BBB	2.67/5	21
Trustpilot	4.3/5	215

Collected on March 2, 2026

Common themes from BBB reviews include being declined by Unison, disagreements with appraisals, and slow communication. In the last year, Unison has closed nine complaints with the BBB.

Trustpilot rates Unison’s program as “Great.” Many customers note the quick and easy application and approval process.

Pros and cons of Unisons ESA

Pros

• No monthly payments

  This structure can help preserve your monthly cash flow, which may be especially appealing if you’re retired, self-employed, or managing uneven income. It allows you to access equity without adding another required monthly bill.

• Access up to $500,000

  The higher funding cap makes this a realistic option for homeowners who need substantial liquidity, whether for major renovations, large debt consolidation, or other significant expenses.

• Available for up to 30 years

  A term of up to 30 years gives homeowners long-term flexibility and reduces the pressure to make quick decisions about refinancing or selling.

Cons

• Not available in all states

  Geographic restrictions limit who can qualify, which may eliminate this option entirely depending on where the property is located.

• 3.9% transaction fee, plus third-party costs

  The 3.9% transaction fee, along with appraisal, title, and escrow costs, can meaningfully reduce your net proceeds, especially if you’re accessing a smaller amount of equity.

• Higher credit score requirements than other HEAs

  Stricter credit standards may make qualification more difficult compared to some competing home equity agreement providers, even for homeowners with significant equity.

Alternatives to Unison to tap your home equity

If you’re considering Unison’s ESA, compare it to other options first. Here is how it compares to other home equity agreement companies we’ve reviewed.

Unison vs. home equity loans

The main difference is how you repay. With a traditional home equity loan, you make fixed monthly payments with interest and keep all future home appreciation.

With Unison’s ESA, there are no monthly payments, but repayment depends on how your home’s value changes.

If you can comfortably afford monthly payments and want to keep 100% of your home’s growth, a traditional loan may be the better fit. If preserving cash flow is more important, the ESA may be more appealing.

Unison vs. HELOCs

A HELOC also requires monthly payments, and rates are often variable. In exchange, you keep full ownership of your home’s future appreciation.

The ESA removes required monthly payments but shares future gains and losses instead.

Homeowners with strong credit and stable income often prefer HELOCs. Those prioritizing flexibility may find the ESA more attractive.

How to apply for a Unison ESA

Applying for a Unison Equity Sharing Agreement starts online and doesn’t impact your credit score.

Here’s what the process typically looks like:

1. Get an estimate. Enter your home address and answer a few questions about your property, mortgage balance, and estimated credit profile. Unison will provide a preliminary cash estimate in minutes.
2. Submit a full application. If you’re comfortable with the estimate, you’ll complete a formal application and provide documentation.
3. Complete an appraisal. An independent third-party appraisal determines your home’s starting value, which is used to calculate Unison’s investment and future appreciation share.
4. Review and close. You’ll receive final terms, including fees and transaction costs. If you move forward, funds are released after closing.

You’re not responsible for fees unless you decide to complete the transaction.

FAQs

Does Unison have any control over my home or its condition?

As an investor, Unison shares in the future value of the home, but it doesn’t take ownership or control over the property, and it has no occupancy rights. You control the property and retain the benefits of homeownership.

Do certain home projects require permission from Unison?

Most home projects don’t require specific permission from Unison. However, if you plan to make significant changes that could substantially affect the value of your home, it may be wise to consult with Unison to understand how those changes might affect your agreement.

Can you renovate the home with funds from Unison or personal funds?

You can use the funds from Unison or your personal funds to renovate your home. Unison’s investment is tied to the home’s value, so renovations that increase the home’s value could affect the amount you owe at the end of the term.

Are there any inspections during the term?

Unison doesn’t conduct inspections during the term of the agreement. However, you are responsible for any costs related to home inspection as part of the closing process.

How we rated Unison

We designed LendEDU’s editorial rating system to help readers find companies that offer the best home equity products. Our system awards higher ratings to companies with affordable solutions, positive customer reviews, and online transparency of benefits and terms.

We compared Unison to several home equity agreement companies, using hundreds of data points from company websites, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives. We weighted, scored, and combined each factor to produce a final editorial rating. This rating is expressed on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. Our take is represented in our rating and best-for designation, recapped below.

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