HILI launches in Iceland

With an annual price increase of over nine percent, housing prices in Reykjavik have more than doubled over the past decade. For many households, rising interest rates have led to reduced financial flexibility. Now, HILI introduces a solution that offers Icelandic homeowners greater freedom – the opportunity to release the value of their homes.

“Icelandic homeowners are faced by the ‘house rich, cash poor’ dilemma, and the launch of HILI in Iceland is timely”, says Sigurdur Vidarsson, HILI’s new Country Manager in Iceland.

With 25 years of experience in the financial sector, including roles as Deputy CEO at Kvika Banki and CEO at TM Insurance, Sigurdur brings the expertise needed to drive HILI’s growth in Iceland.

The Right Time for HILI Iceland
“Icelandic homeowners have seen their homes increase in value, but many face liquidity constraints, creating challenges during various life events. With HILI, homeowners can unlock equity without giving up their homes. At the same time, our model generates attractive returns for investors and enables them to contribute to positive societal change. This was an opportunity I couldn’t miss out on,” says Sigurdur.

Trond Eriksen, Co-Founder of HILI, shares Sigurdur’s enthusiasm.

“We’re thrilled to have Sigurdur on board. His local expertise and network will support our growth in this exciting market. Iceland will be our first market outside Norway, but we plan to expand quickly into other countries,” says Eriksen.

A Solution for Financial Flexibility
HILI’s model allows homeowners to sell a portion of their residential property to an investment fund, providing liquidity while keeping their homes. This can be a vital solution for those facing unexpected expenses or planning for the future.

“Many people have substantial wealth locked in their homes but still find their daily finances tight,” says Eilin Schjetne, Founder and CEO of HILI. “Our solution allows homeowners to release some of the value in their homes without having to sell or take on additional debt.”

Investment Opportunities in a New Market
For investors, HILI represents a new asset class: exposure to the housing market without the complexities of direct property management.

“Many investors are looking for attractive risk-adjusted returns and a socially sustainable way to participate in the residential real estate market. We are excited to work with Sigurdur to launch HILI in Iceland,” Eilin concludes.