It’s fast becoming an increasingly sought-after ways to invest in real estate However, what are the advantages and disadvantages of crowdfunding properties?
Yes, there are some risks. You’re investing with people you’ll probably never ever meet.
There are however benefits, since it allows you to spread even a small investment across multiple properties.
Let’s take an glance at the major advantages and disadvantages of crowdfunding properties are, to help you decide whether it’s a good fit for you.
What is Property Crowdfunding?
Before we go too far into the process, we should consider delineating precisely what we mean by “Property Crowdfunding’.
If we first look at the definition in the dictionary We will find that “Crowdfunding is:
The process or activity of soliciting money from a lot of people, usually via a website, to fund a project or small-scale business.
The short version is that crowdfunding is the process whereby a lot of individuals pool their money generally through websites, to allow them to raise a more substantial amount.
Property crowdfunding happens, thus the process of pooling their funds in order to purchase an investment property, whether to lease it out or sell it on. It can also be used help fund an opportunity for development.
Everyone then gains the profits and income generated according to their portion of the investment.
How property equity crowdfunding works:
The process of crowdfunding for property usually begins with a website acting as a intermediary. The business behind the website is usually the one seeking investments.
This could mean that they are buying properties directly and managing the properties for investors.
This could be that they are introducing investors to property developers or other property managers and acting as the intermediary between them.
Therefore, a successful property crowdfunding site will have to find opportunities (directly or in other ways) and attract enough investors to fund the potential opportunities.
It’s an interesting dilemma because investors aren’t likely to sign up to a property crowdfunding website until they see decent opportunities to invest, but the best opportunities are difficult to come by without a line of investors waiting in line to get the chance!
If a website is successful they are able to advertise an opportunity and make hundreds, or even thousands of investors to get a percentage of the profits it earns.
When the profits are ready to be paid to investors or when the investment has reached conclusion of its term (in cases of investments with a fixed term) The crowdfunding site will make the payments to investors.
They’ll also take their own fees at a certain time during the process, as a payment for locating and managing the possibility and the crowdfunding.
There’s of course more to it but this is the basic procedure in a concise manner.
Benefits of Property Crowdfunding
There are numerous benefits of property crowdfunding, which include (but aren’t limited to):
Open to Everyone – Some sites let you invest only PS100 and make property investing easier for a large population.
No experience required No experience is required. You don’t have to be a pro to start.
Risk Spreading – As you’re investing with less money, it’s much easier to spread your investment over many possibilities.
Good Returns – Typically , the yields you earn are greater than if you put the money into an account at a bank.
Have Your Say Say There are many crowdfunding sites that permit you to have an input into which tenants you will accept and at what time you can raise rents, etc.
Naturally, what are most important to you will depend on your personal situation.
The disadvantages of property crowdfunding
Like everything else that is worth doing, there are some disadvantages to be aware of if are thinking about making a bet on property crowdfunding for instance:
Capital At Risk : Investments could be able to go down and up. If they do, you might lose your entire investment
Tie-Ins – While some websites allow the user to take out investments before but in most cases, there’ll be a charge for doing this.
Lack of Control – While you’ll generally make your voice heard, decisions are by the majority votes.
There is no access – You cannot simply walk into the building to check its condition or make changes.
Liquidity – Properties that are not performing might be difficult to withdraw in the early.
Some of these might or may not be an issue for you. It’s all dependent on how much you’re willing to risk and your attitude to the risk.
The best advice we could give you is to invest no more than you are able to lose.
Also, is the Property Crowdfunding Market A Good Investment?
We’ve now considered the advantages and disadvantages of crowdfunding for property We can confidently conclude that it’s a wise investment?
Sure, there are benefits to this way of investing, however it’s also quite different from the traditional method of investing in properties.
If you’ve got the cash to purchase properties yourself, and you have the time and energy to handle everything, then crowdfunding might not be the right choice the right choice for you.
You’ll probably earn more and appreciate being able to make all the choices when you’re on your own.
If you’re a homeowner with only a few dollars or don’t have the time or desire to oversee your investment effectively property crowdfunding can open the possibilities to invest like never before.
It could also be an ideal opportunity to get your feet wet into the water if are just beginning to invest.
Participate in a handful of property crowdfunding events and begin getting familiar with the terms that are used as well as the typical issues that are faced by investors.
How to Begin Crowdfunding for Property
After weighing the advantages and disadvantages of crowdfunding for property and you’ve decided to give it a go You’ll need to decide on a platform you’d like to invest in the opportunities.
There are a variety of websites to pick from, all of which has its particular pros and pros and. Some are focused on buying to let opportunities and others concentrate more on opportunities for development. Certain even specialize in lending to property investors.