How Unlock works out what you owe
- How you repay: a share of your home's total value when you settle. The share is 2× the share of your home's value you received.
- Fee: 4.9% of the investment, taken from the cash you receive, plus third-party closing costs (we use $1,500).
- Cost cap: 19.9% a year, compounded yearly, on the investment. You never repay more than that.
- Term: settle within 10 years.
- Limits: $15,000 to $500,000; mortgage plus investment at most 70% of home value; home worth at least $175,000; credit score 500+.
Worked example. $750,000 home, $300,000 mortgage, $100,000 investment, 4% yearly growth, settled after 7 years: you'd receive $93,600 after fees and repay $263,186, a total cost of $169,586, or 15.9% a year.
Things to know about these terms
- Unlock calls its multiplier an "exchange rate", often around 2.0; it varies by offer.
- The 19.9% cost cap comes from a third-party source; confirm it in your offer.
Sources for every term: Unlock on our provider terms page. Real offers are set after underwriting and can differ; always check your written offer.
What Unlock costs as home prices change
Same example, settled after 7 years. Unlike a loan, an HEI costs more the faster your home grows.
| Home growth | You repay | Total cost | Effective annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| -2% a year | $173,625 | $80,025 | 9.2% |
| 0% a year | $200,000 | $106,400 | 11.5% |
| 2% a year | $229,737 | $136,137 | 13.7% |
| 4% a year | $263,186 | $169,586 | 15.9% |
| 6% a year | $300,726 | $207,126 | 18.1% |
| 8% a year | $342,765 | $249,165 | 20.4% |
Unlock vs the other providers
In the standard example ($750,000 home, $100,000 investment, 4% growth, 7 years), Unlock ranks 5 of 6 by effective annual cost.
| Provider | Effective annual cost | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|
| CHEIFS | 13.7% | Unlock vs CHEIFS |
| Hometap | 14.1% | Unlock vs Hometap |
| Point | 14.3% | Unlock vs Point |
| Unison | 14.7% | Unlock vs Unison |
| Unlock | 15.9% | This calculator |
| Splitero | 15.9% | Unlock vs Splitero |
Read the full Unlock review on HEI Compare, check whether you meet Unlock's requirements on HEI Offers, or compare all six providers on your numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How much will I owe Unlock?
It depends on your home's value when you settle. In our example ($750,000 home, $300,000 mortgage, $100,000 investment, 4% yearly growth, settled after 7 years), you'd repay $263,186 for $93,600 received. Enter your own numbers above to see yours.
Does Unlock cap what I owe?
Yes. Unlock publishes a cost cap of 19.9% a year, applied to the investment. In our example at 4% growth, the cap doesn't come into play; it matters most when your home grows fast or you settle early.
When do I have to settle with Unlock?
Within 10 years of funding, or sooner if you sell or refinance. If you plan to stay longer than 10 years, Unlock isn't an option for that plan.
Is this calculator from Unlock?
No. HEI Calculator is independent. We apply Unlock's published terms, last verified September 23, 2026, to your numbers. Your actual offer is set by Unlock after underwriting.