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Real estate crowdfunding lets you invest in property deals without buying a whole property. Platforms pool money from many investors to fund commercial buildings, rental homes, and development projects.
Here are the six best platforms in 2026. Rates and figures as of May 2026.
How Real Estate Crowdfunding Works
You invest a set amount. The platform uses that money to buy or develop a property. You earn returns through rental income, loan interest, or profit from sales. Most platforms require you to lock up your money for 1 to 10 years.
Two types of investments:
- Equity — you own a share of the property. You earn rental income and appreciation.
- Debt — you lend money to a real estate developer. You earn fixed interest. Less upside, but more protection if the deal goes bad.
1. Fundrise — Best for Beginners
Minimum: $10 | Open to: All investors | Returns: 8% to 12% average
Fundrise is the easiest entry point. You invest in a diversified portfolio of residential and commercial properties. Choose from four portfolio options: income, growth, balanced, or long-term growth. Dividends paid quarterly. Annual advisory fee: 1%.
The catch: your money is illiquid. Redemptions are limited and not guaranteed in down markets.
Best for: First-time investors who want diversified real estate with low minimums.
2. RealtyMogul — Best for Income
Minimum: $5,000 | Open to: All investors for REITs; accredited required for individual deals | Returns: 6% to 10%
RealtyMogul offers two public non-traded REITs open to all investors. MogulREIT I focuses on income. MogulREIT II focuses on growth. Individual property deals are for accredited investors only. Strong due diligence process on every deal.
Best for: Investors seeking commercial real estate income without needing accredited status.
3. Arrived — Best for Single-Family Rentals
Minimum: $100 | Open to: All investors | Returns: 6% to 9%
Arrived lets you buy shares of individual rental homes and vacation rentals. Pick specific properties in markets you believe in. Dividends paid quarterly. The platform handles all tenant and property management. Backed by Jeff Bezos. Available in 30+ U.S. markets.
Best for: Investors who want to pick specific properties and markets.
4. EquityMultiple — Best for Accredited Investors
Minimum: $5,000 | Open to: Accredited investors only | Returns: 8% to 14%
EquityMultiple focuses on institutional-quality commercial real estate. Offerings include senior debt, preferred equity, and full equity. Rigorous deal selection — less than 5% of submitted deals are listed on the platform.
Best for: Accredited investors seeking higher-yield commercial deals with strong due diligence.
5. CrowdStreet — Best for Large Commercial Deals
Minimum: $25,000 | Open to: Accredited investors only | Returns: 10% to 17%
CrowdStreet connects accredited investors directly with real estate sponsors for large commercial deals — office towers, hotel renovations, large apartment complexes. Returns vary significantly by deal. Do your own due diligence on each sponsor’s track record.
Best for: Experienced accredited investors who can evaluate individual sponsor track records.
6. Groundfloor — Best for Short-Term Investing
Minimum: $10 | Open to: All investors | Returns: 7% to 14%
Groundfloor focuses on short-term real estate loans (6 to 18 months) to house flippers and developers. Loans are graded A through G based on risk. Higher-risk loans pay higher rates. Money comes back faster than equity platforms.
Best for: Investors who want shorter holding periods and fixed income from real estate loans.
How to Choose a Platform
Consider:
- Are you an accredited investor? (Income over $200,000/year or net worth over $1 million)
- How long can you lock up your money?
- Do you want income now or growth later?
- Do you prefer residential or commercial real estate?
For a broader investment strategy, see our guide on the best investment apps for beginners in 2026. Compare how real estate fits alongside stocks with our index funds vs ETFs guide. And see how to open a Roth IRA in 2026 if you want to shelter your investment gains from taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum to invest in real estate crowdfunding?
It varies by platform. Fundrise and Groundfloor start at $10. Arrived starts at $100. RealtyMogul and CrowdStreet require $5,000 to $25,000.
Is real estate crowdfunding safe?
No investment is risk-free. Your money is illiquid and returns are not guaranteed. Stick to established platforms and read every offering document.
Do you need to be an accredited investor?
Not always. Fundrise, Arrived, and Groundfloor are open to all investors. RealtyMogul, EquityMultiple, and CrowdStreet require accredited investor status for most offerings.
How are crowdfunding returns paid?
Most platforms pay quarterly dividends and provide a return when the property is sold. Some offer monthly income distributions.
What fees do real estate crowdfunding platforms charge?
Fees vary. Fundrise charges 1% annually. RealtyMogul charges 1% to 1.25%. Always check the fee structure before investing.