U.S. homeowners hold $11.7 trillion in untapped home equity

U.S. mortgage holders possess approximately $11.7 trillion in tappable home equity, according to the August 2026 Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) Mortgage Monitor. This figure represents the portion of equity owners can access while maintaining at least 20 percent equity in their homes. Despite this vast pool of wealth, homeowners converted only about $47 billion in equity during the first quarter of 2026, a figure hindered by rate lock-in as owners avoid refinancing at higher current rates.

Alternative financial products, such as Unison’s Equity Sharing Agreement (ESA), aim to provide access to this wealth without requiring new monthly payments. In Texas, home equity usage is shaped by specific constitutional restrictions. Texas law limits borrowing to 80 percent of a home’s appraised value and permits only one equity loan on a primary residence at a time. These regulations prevent the layering of multiple lines of credit, encouraging homeowners to treat equity as a disciplined financial planning tool rather than a revolving source of cash.