North Carolina Homeowners Sued Unison Over Equity Agreements
Five plaintiffs filed a class action lawsuit alleging the company utilized deceptive marketing practices.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Residential
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Five North Carolina homeowners have launched a class action lawsuit against Unison, alleging the firm used deceptive marketing for its home equity agreements. The suit contends that these contracts function as high-cost loans rather than standard equity investments.
Why it matters
Plaintiffs argue that Unison agreements unfairly prioritize the firm through inflated fees and appraisal manipulation. The outcome could set a legal precedent for how residential equity products are regulated across the state.
One family involved in the litigation reported they could owe $269,405 upon settlement after receiving an initial payment of $61,425. Unison currently holds an $8.8 billion portfolio across 17,000 residential properties.
The players
Unison
Unison is a real estate investment company that provides homeowners with cash in exchange for a share of their property's future value.
Hometap
Hometap is a competitor in the home equity investment market that is currently facing its own legal challenges regarding federal lending laws.
The details
The lawsuit alleges that Unison charges origination fees exceeding 5% and employs appraisal vendors to artificially suppress home values, thereby maximizing their future investment returns. These contracts typically conclude upon the sale of the property, default, death, or after a 30-year term.
Timeline
The lawsuit was filed in North Carolina federal court during the week of September 14, 2026.
A separate class action lawsuit against Unison was filed in Colorado in spring 2026.
Culture Shift
This legal challenge reflects a growing societal skepticism toward alternative financial products that bridge the gap between traditional home loans and equity sales. It follows a pattern set by other industry litigation where plaintiffs argue that equity-sharing products should be governed by the Truth in Lending Act.
North Carolina residents considering home equity agreements should carefully review fee structures and potential long-term repayment obligations. The resolution of this case may lead to stricter transparency requirements for similar contracts offered to homeowners across the state.
The takeaway
Homeowners should be cautious when signing agreements that trade future equity for immediate cash, as these contracts often carry hidden costs. Always consult with a financial advisor to understand how such investments could impact your total home equity over several decades.
Further reading
Learn more about local real estate trends and consumer protections in North Carolina Residential.
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