Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Home Equity Agreement
"I need a home equity agreement to access £50,000 of my property's value, with a fixed interest rate, no early repayment penalties, and a 10-year term. The agreement should include clear terms on shared appreciation and responsibilities for property maintenance."
What is a Home Equity Agreement?
A Home Equity Agreement lets homeowners tap into their property's value without taking on debt. Instead of a loan, you sell a percentage of your home's future value to an investor in exchange for a lump sum payment today. Unlike traditional mortgages, there are no monthly payments or interest charges.
These agreements, regulated under UK financial services law, typically run for 10-30 years. When the term ends or you sell your home, you pay the investor their share based on the property's value at that time. The arrangement appeals to homeowners who want to access capital without increasing their monthly expenses, though careful consideration of the long-term implications is essential.
When should you use a Home Equity Agreement?
Consider a Home Equity Agreement when you need to access substantial funds but want to avoid monthly loan payments. It's particularly valuable if you're facing major expenses like home renovations, university fees, or starting a business, but your income might not support traditional mortgage payments.
This option makes sense if you believe your property will appreciate significantly over time and you're comfortable sharing that growth with investors. It's also useful when conventional lending criteria make it difficult to secure a regular mortgage, or if you're approaching retirement and want to unlock equity without impacting your monthly cash flow under UK pension regulations.
What are the different types of Home Equity Agreement?
- Fixed-Term Agreements: Set a specific duration (usually 10-30 years) with clear exit dates and value calculation methods
- Sale-Triggered Agreements: Remain active until the property sells, with flexible duration but mandatory settlement upon sale
- Shared Appreciation Models: Link investor returns directly to property value increases, often with percentage caps
- Hybrid Structures: Combine elements of equity sharing with minimal periodic payments, popular among retirees
- Buy-Back Option Agreements: Include provisions for homeowners to repurchase the investor's share early at predetermined terms
Who should typically use a Home Equity Agreement?
- Homeowners: Property owners seeking to access equity without taking on traditional debt, often for major expenses or retirement planning
- Investment Companies: Financial firms specializing in home equity investments, regulated by the FCA to provide funding and manage agreements
- Solicitors: Legal professionals who review and explain terms, ensure compliance with UK property law, and protect client interests
- Property Valuers: Independent experts who assess home values at agreement start and end points
- Financial Advisers: Professionals who help clients understand the long-term implications and alternatives to equity agreements
How do you write a Home Equity Agreement?
- Property Details: Gather current market valuation, property title information, and existing mortgage details
- Financial Documentation: Collect proof of income, existing debts, and credit history to establish eligibility
- Agreement Terms: Define investment percentage, duration, and conditions for early termination or buyout
- Legal Requirements: Ensure compliance with FCA regulations and UK property law through our platform's automated checks
- Valuation Report: Obtain independent property valuation from a certified surveyor
- Final Review: Verify all parties understand payment calculations, exit terms, and maintenance obligations
What should be included in a Home Equity Agreement?
- Party Details: Full legal names, addresses, and contact information for homeowner and investor
- Property Description: Legal address, title number, and current market valuation
- Investment Terms: Percentage of equity sold, payment amount, and duration of agreement
- Valuation Methods: Agreed procedures for initial and final property valuations
- Exit Provisions: Terms for sale, early termination, and buyout options
- Maintenance Obligations: Homeowner responsibilities for property upkeep and insurance
- Default Procedures: Consequences and remedies for breach of agreement terms
- Governing Law: Explicit statement of English law jurisdiction and dispute resolution process
What's the difference between a Home Equity Agreement and an Equity Agreement?
A Home Equity Agreement differs significantly from a Equity Agreement in both purpose and structure. While both involve sharing ownership rights, they operate in completely different contexts and markets.
- Asset Type: Home Equity Agreements deal exclusively with residential property value sharing, while Equity Agreements typically involve business ownership and company shares
- Duration and Exit: Home Equity Agreements usually have fixed terms or trigger events like property sale, whereas Equity Agreements often continue indefinitely until business sale or dissolution
- Regulatory Framework: Home Equity Agreements fall under UK property and consumer protection laws, while Equity Agreements are governed by company law and shareholder regulations
- Return Structure: Home Equity Agreements base returns on property value changes, but Equity Agreements typically include profit sharing and voting rights
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
³Ò±ð²Ô¾±±ð’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ³Ò±ð²Ô¾±±ð’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.