Highest HEI Limits: 2026 Home Equity Investment Comparison
Hometap and Point offer the highest home equity investment limits, with maximum payouts reaching up to $600,000 for qualifying homeowners. Most other providers, including Unison, Unlock, and Splitero, cap their investments at around $500,000. Your actual offer depends on your home’s appraised value, your available equity, and your location, not just the provider’s advertised ceiling.
The Scout Executive Summary
- The advertised maximum is a ceiling, not a promise. Hometap and Point publish the highest limits at up to $600,000, but no provider hands you that figure automatically. Your offer is capped by your home value, your equity position, and the provider’s lien-to-value limit.
- Most providers fund within a similar range. The practical difference between a $500,000 and a $600,000 ceiling matters only if you own a high-value home with substantial equity. For a typical Phoenix-metro home, every major provider can likely cover your need.
- Equity percentage caps matter more than the dollar headline. Providers also limit how much of your home’s value they will take a share of, often 20% to 25%. That percentage, combined with your home’s value, sets your real maximum long before the $600,000 figure ever applies.
In This Article:
- Which HEI Companies Offer the Highest Limits?
- What Actually Determines Your Maximum HEI Offer?
- How Much Can You Actually Receive From a Home Equity Investment?
- Why the Lien-to-Value Cap Limits Your HEI Payout
- Do the Highest Limits Make Sense for an Arizona Home?
- How Do the High-Limit HEI Providers Compare on Other Terms?
- Which HEI Provider Should You Start With?
- Highest HEI Limits vs HELOC Limits
- HEI vs HELOC Maximum Limits
- Highest HEI Limits: Common Questions
Which HEI Companies Offer the Highest Limits?
Hometap and Point currently offer the highest advertised home equity investment limits at up to $600,000, followed by Unison, Unlock, and Splitero at around $500,000. Aspire sits lower at roughly $250,000, while availability and exact ceilings shift over time, so confirm current figures directly with each provider.
The table below maps the advertised maximums across the major providers as verified in mid-2026. Treat these as upper ceilings, not the amount you are guaranteed to receive.
Maximum Limits by HEI Provider (2026)
| Provider | Advertised Maximum | Equity Share Cap | Max Term Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hometap | Up to $600,000 | Varies by offer | 10 years |
| Point | Up to $600,000 | Up to ~20% of value | 30 years |
| Unison | Up to $500,000 | Varies by offer | 30 years |
| Unlock | Up to $500,000 | Varies by offer | 10 years |
| Splitero | Up to $500,000 | Up to ~25% of value | 30 years |
| Aspire | Up to $250,000 | Varies by offer | Varies |
The two companies most often described as the highest-limit providers are Hometap and Point. Both can reach up to $600,000 for the right property and equity profile.
These are established providers, not fringe players. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reported that the four largest home equity investment companies originated roughly 11,000 contracts worth about $1.1 billion in the first ten months of 2024. The category remains small next to HELOCs and home equity loans, but it is growing quickly, which is part of why advertised limits have climbed toward the $600,000 mark.
For a full comparison of every major provider including fees, credit requirements, and Arizona availability, see the Top HEI Companies in Arizona Guide.
🐿️ Scout’s Tip
A higher advertised maximum does not mean a better deal for you. A provider with a $600,000 ceiling and a higher equity share can cost you far more at settlement than a provider with a $500,000 ceiling and a lower share. Compare the share percentage and the settlement math, not just the headline limit.
What Actually Determines Your Maximum HEI Offer?
Your actual HEI offer is determined by your home’s appraised value, your existing mortgage balance, your available equity, and the provider’s combined lien-to-value limit, not by the advertised maximum. A homeowner with a $600,000 home and a large mortgage may qualify for far less than the published ceiling.
Three factors set your real maximum:
1. Your home’s appraised value. The provider’s investment is calculated as a percentage of your home’s current value. A higher-value home supports a larger investment, which is why high-value Arizona markets like North Scottsdale see offers closer to the published ceilings.
2. Your available equity. Providers require you to retain a meaningful equity cushion. Most require at least 20% to 40% equity remaining after the investment, so a heavily mortgaged home leaves little room for a large payout.
3. The provider’s lien-to-value cap. This is the figure most homeowners overlook, and it often matters more than the dollar maximum.
To understand how much equity you have to work with before you apply, see How Much Home Equity Do I Have in Arizona.
How Much Can You Actually Receive From a Home Equity Investment?
Most homeowners receive far less than the advertised $500,000 to $600,000 maximum. A homeowner’s actual HEI offer is usually shaped by their home value, available equity, and the provider’s lien-to-value cap. The ranges below are illustrative estimates only, not offers.
| Home Value | Approximate Maximum HEI Range |
|---|---|
| $400,000 | $40,000–$80,000 |
| $600,000 | $75,000–$150,000 |
| $800,000 | $100,000–$200,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $150,000–$300,000 |
| $2,000,000 | $300,000–$600,000 |
These figures are illustrative estimates, not quotes or offers. Actual amounts depend on each provider’s lien-to-value cap, your available equity, and your home’s appraised value. Confirm any figure directly with the provider.
Why the Lien-to-Value Cap Limits Your HEI Payout
The lien-to-value cap limits your payout because the provider’s potential settlement, plus your existing mortgage balance, cannot exceed a set percentage of your home’s value. This cap frequently reduces your maximum offer well below the advertised ceiling.
Each provider sets its own cap. Point, for example, uses a maximum lien-to-value ratio of around 73%, and Splitero uses a tighter cap of around 65%. The lower the cap, the more equity you must keep untouched.
Here is how the cap works in practice on a Phoenix home.
🐿️ Scout’s Math Corner
Scenario: A $700,000 Phoenix home with a $350,000 mortgage balance.
Provider cap: 70% lien-to-value.
Step 1: Maximum total claim allowed = $700,000 x 70% = $490,000.
Step 2: Subtract existing mortgage = $490,000 minus $350,000 = $140,000.
Result: The provider’s settlement claim cannot push the combined position above $490,000. Even though the provider advertises a $600,000 ceiling, this homeowner’s room is shaped by the cap and the existing mortgage, not the headline figure.
This is why two homeowners with identical home values can receive very different offers. The one with the smaller mortgage has more room under the cap.
Do the Highest Limits Make Sense for an Arizona Home?
For most Phoenix-metro homeowners, the difference between a $500,000 and a $600,000 ceiling is irrelevant, because their equity-based offer falls well below either figure. The higher ceilings matter mainly for high-value homes in markets like Paradise Valley, North Scottsdale, and parts of Fountain Hills.
Consider the math against typical Arizona values. A homeowner accessing 20% of a $600,000 home is looking at roughly $120,000, far below any provider’s maximum. The ceiling only becomes the binding constraint when home values climb into the seven-figure range and equity is substantial.
If you own a luxury Arizona property and need a large lump sum, the high-limit providers are worth prioritizing. For a more typical home, you should weight other factors more heavily: the equity share percentage, fees, term length, and funding speed.
If speed is your priority rather than size, see our companion guide on which HEI company funds fastest.
How Do the High-Limit HEI Providers Compare on Other Terms?
The high-limit HEI providers differ significantly on term length, credit requirements, and equity share, so the largest ceiling is rarely the deciding factor. Point offers the longest term at up to 30 years, while Hometap caps its term at 10 years.
These differences often outweigh the limit itself:
Term length: Point, Unison, and Splitero offer terms up to 30 years. Hometap and Unlock run shorter at up to 10 years. A longer term gives you more time to plan your settlement.
Credit access: Point and Splitero accept credit scores as low as 500. Unison requires a higher minimum of around 620, which is the strictest among the mainstream providers.
Term-end planning: A shorter term means your settlement deadline arrives sooner, which changes how you should plan your exit from the day you sign.
Before you choose based on limit alone, understand what happens at the end of the agreement. See the HEI Settlement Checklist and the HEI Term-End Strategy guide.
🐿️ Scout’s Tip
If you are choosing between a high-limit provider with a 10-year term and a slightly lower-limit provider with a 30-year term, ask yourself one question first: do I have a realistic settlement plan within 10 years? If the answer is uncertain, the longer term is often worth more than the extra ceiling.
Which HEI Provider Should You Start With?
Start with Hometap or Point if you own a high-value Arizona home and need the largest possible lump sum, since both reach up to $600,000. If your home is in the typical Phoenix-metro range, compare providers on equity share and fees rather than on the maximum limit.
A reasonable starting approach for an Arizona homeowner:
Estimate your equity first. Run your home value against your mortgage balance to see your realistic range before any provider’s ceiling applies.
Get estimates from two or three providers. Most provide a no-impact preliminary estimate after a soft inquiry.
Compare the full cost, not the limit. Look at the equity share percentage and the projected settlement, which determine what the money actually costs you.
Confirm Arizona availability and current terms directly with each provider, since limits and state coverage change.
For help deciding whether an HEI is the right product at all compared to a HELOC or home equity loan, see the Home Equity Investment Guide.
Highest HEI Limits vs HELOC Limits
HELOCs generally offer larger potential borrowing limits than Home Equity Investments (HEIs), especially for homeowners with strong income and credit. While the highest HEI providers advertise investments up to $600,000, many HELOC lenders will allow qualified borrowers to access significantly more equity, particularly on high-value homes.
The key difference is that a HELOC is a loan, while an HEI is an equity-sharing agreement. A HELOC lender evaluates your income, debt-to-income ratio (DTI), credit score, and ability to repay. An HEI provider focuses primarily on your home’s value and available equity.
For homeowners who qualify, a HELOC often provides access to a larger portion of their available equity.
HEI vs HELOC Maximum Limits
| Feature | Home Equity Investment (HEI) | HELOC |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Maximum Amount | $50,000–$600,000 | Often $50,000–$1 million+ |
| Based On | Home value and equity | Home value, equity, income, and credit |
| Monthly Payment Required | No | Yes |
| Debt-to-Income Requirements | Minimal | Significant |
| Credit Score Requirements | Often more flexible | Usually stricter |
| Ownership Share | Investor participates in appreciation | Homeowner keeps all appreciation |
Example: Scottsdale Homeowner
Consider a homeowner with:
- Home value: $1.5 million
- Existing mortgage: $400,000
- Available equity: $1.1 million
A high-limit HEI provider may offer somewhere between $200,000 and $600,000 depending on its lien-to-value cap and equity-share guidelines.
A HELOC lender, however, may allow borrowing up to 80% to 90% of the home’s value. Depending on the lender, that same homeowner could potentially access $700,000 to $950,000 through a HELOC.
This illustrates why homeowners seeking the largest possible cash payout often compare HELOCs alongside HEIs rather than looking solely at HEI limits. These examples are illustrative, not offers. Actual HELOC limits depend on the lender, your income, your credit, and your combined loan-to-value, so confirm specifics with a lender.
Highest HEI Limits: Common Questions
Hometap and Point are most often cited as the highest-limit providers, both reaching up to $600,000 for qualifying homeowners. Most other major providers, including Unison, Unlock, and Splitero, cap at around $500,000. These are advertised ceilings, and your actual offer depends on your home value, equity, and the provider’s lien-to-value cap.
Only if your home value and equity support it. A $600,000 investment generally requires a high-value home, substantial equity, and room under the provider’s lien-to-value cap. For most Phoenix-metro homes, the equity-based offer falls well below the published maximum.
No. The advertised HEI maximum has no bearing on what the investment costs you. A provider with a higher limit can also take a larger share of your appreciation, which can make it more expensive at settlement. Compare the equity share percentage and the projected settlement amount instead.
A lien-to-value cap limits the HEI provider’s potential settlement claim plus your existing mortgage to a set percentage of your home’s value, often 65% to 75%. This cap frequently reduces your maximum offer below the advertised ceiling, especially if you carry a significant mortgage balance.
Point offers the longest term among the high-limit HEI providers at up to 30 years. Hometap, by contrast, uses a 10-year term. A longer term gives you more flexibility on when to settle, which can matter more than the size of the limit.
The major HEI providers covered here generally operate in Arizona, but state availability and terms change over time. Confirm current Arizona availability, your maximum offer, and the exact terms directly with each provider before applying.
Generally, no. Unlike a HELOC or home equity loan, which rely heavily on your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and tax returns, HEI qualification is based primarily on your home’s value and equity position. Providers still review your overall financial profile, but a high salary is usually not required to qualify for a larger dollar amount. What matters most is a high-value home with substantial unencumbered equity.
It varies by company, and it is an important feature to check if you are accessing a large sum. If your home value rises sharply, the investor’s share at settlement can become significantly more expensive. Some providers offer an appreciation cap that limits their maximum annualized return, while others take their full percentage share regardless of how high home values climb. When tapping a large amount of equity in a fast-appreciating market, many homeowners and advisors weigh providers that offer an appreciation cap more favorably. Confirm whether a cap applies, and its exact terms, directly with each provider. For how a declining market changes the math instead, see what happens if your home value drops.
Yes, but the limits are usually lower. Some providers fund non-owner-occupied investment properties or second homes, and they typically manage their risk by lowering the maximum amount they will invest. A ceiling that reaches up to $600,000 on a primary residence is often substantially lower on a rental or second home. Because policies and caps vary by provider and change over time, confirm current investment-property limits and eligibility directly with each company.
Yes. Retirees can often qualify for large HEIs because qualification is based primarily on home value and available equity rather than employment income. Unlike HELOCs and home equity loans, which heavily evaluate debt-to-income ratios and earned income, HEI providers focus on the property’s value and equity position. Retirees who own high-value homes with substantial equity may qualify for significant investments even if they are living primarily on Social Security, pensions, or retirement savings.
Most HEI providers require homeowners to maintain a substantial equity cushion after the investment is funded. While requirements vary by company, homeowners typically need at least 20% to 40% equity remaining in the property. The more equity you have and the lower your mortgage balance, the more likely you are to qualify for a larger investment amount.
The highest advertised home equity investment currently available is $600,000, offered by providers such as Hometap and Point. Most homeowners qualify for substantially less because actual investment amounts depend on home value, available equity, mortgage balance, and provider lien-to-value limits.
EquitySquirrel is an educational resource, not a lender, financial advisor, or legal advisor. This content does not constitute financial, legal, or lending advice. Maximum investment figures are advertised ceilings verified June 2026 from provider disclosures and third-party reviews, and they change over time. Your actual offer depends on your home’s appraised value, available equity, location, and the provider’s lien-to-value cap. Provider availability varies by state. Confirm all current terms directly with each provider, and consult a licensed financial advisor before making major decisions about your home equity. Aleksandra Kadzielawski, Lic #SA694336000.
