Home equity sharing has emerged as an alternative for homeowners seeking to access their property’s value without incurring excessive debt or monthly payments.
Among the key players in this space is Hometap, a Boston-based fintech company recognized for its innovative approach to home equity investments (HEIs).
However, recent developments, including partnerships, accolades, and legal scrutiny, highlight both the potential and the complexities of this financial model.
Hometap has solidified its position as a home equity sharing provider, acknowledged for its user-friendly tools and transparency.
A key feature is its Home Equity Dashboard, which offers homeowners real-time insights into their property’s value, updated quarterly, and the costs associated with their Hometap agreement.
This digital platform also includes forecasting tools to help users plan for the future, making it easier to decide when to settle their investment or sell their home.
Such features have earned Hometap recognition for empowering homeowners with data-driven decision-making, distinguishing it in a competitive market.
In a move to enhance its offerings, Hometap partnered with iGrad, a financial education company, to integrate the Enrich financial wellness platform.
Launched in May 2025, this collaboration provides Hometap’s clients with free access to a Financial Health Hub, offering tailored resources in order to improve financial literacy and stability.
By addressing the broader financial needs of homeowners, this initiative underscores Hometap’s commitment to supporting long-term homeownership success, particularly for those navigating significant financial decisions.
Further demonstrating its community focus, Hometap announced a partnership with Heading Home, a provider of services for homeless families in Greater Boston.
Through this Blueprint-level collaboration, Hometap supports Heading Home’s Up & Out program, which furnishes apartments for families transitioning out of homelessness.
This effort aligns with Hometap’s mission to make homeownership more accessible and less stressful, extending its impact beyond financial products to address housing needs in its local community.
Despite these advancements, Hometap faces significant legal challenges.
In February 2025, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell filed a lawsuit against Hometap, alleging that its HEIs are essentially reverse mortgages operating in violation of state consumer protection and mortgage laws.
The suit claims Hometap targets financially vulnerable homeowners, offering “fast cash” without accurately or responsibly assessing their ability to repay, and devalues their equity by paying as little as half its worth.
The Attorney General argues that these practices put homeowners at risk of foreclosure when large repayments come due, potentially destabilizing communities.
Campbell seeks to halt these alleged illegal activities and secure restitution for affected consumers.
Hometap’s journey so far reflects the broader dynamics of the home equity sharing industry, which is valued at $2–3 billion annually.
While its innovative tools and community initiatives highlight the potential of HEIs to provide flexible financing, the legal scrutiny underscores the need for clearer regulations in order to protect consumers.
As Hometap navigates these challenges, its ability to balance innovation with accountability will shape its role in improving homeownership financing.
For now, homeowners considering HEIs should weigh the benefits of quick access to equity against the potential risks.