Real estate crowdfunding has revolutionized property investing by making it accessible to everyday investors with smaller budgets. Rather than needing hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase investment properties, you can now participate in real estate investments with as little as $10. This guide explores the top real estate crowdfunding platforms of 2025 that can help you diversify your investment portfolio and generate passive income.
10 Best Real Estate Crowdfunding Platforms in 2025
With inflation concerns and stock market volatility, many investors are turning to real estate as a more stable alternative. Before diving into specific platforms, it's helpful to understand what REITs are and how they differ from crowdfunding. While both provide access to real estate investments, crowdfunding offers more direct property selection.
1. Fundrise
Fundrise leads the industry with over $7 billion in assets under management and more than 350,000 active investors. Their platform offers investment options starting at just $10, making real estate investing truly accessible to everyone. Users can choose from several account levels: Starter, Basic, Core, and Advanced, each offering different levels of diversification and potential returns. In 2024, Fundrise reported average returns of 8.2-12.4% across their portfolios, maintaining their strong performance history.
2. CrowdStreet
CrowdStreet specializes in commercial real estate opportunities, focusing on institutional-quality properties. With a minimum investment of $25,000, it caters to more affluent investors looking for significant growth. Their marketplace model allows users to select individual properties or opt for diversified funds. Since inception, CrowdStreet's investors have received over $620 million in distributions, and their platform has funded more than 693 commercial real estate projects worth over $31 billion.
3. RealtyMogul
RealtyMogul offers both private real estate investments and REITs on their platform. With over 250,000 members and $5.2 billion in total deal value, they've established themselves as a major player in the space. Their REIT products (MogulREIT I and MogulREIT II) require only $5,000 to start, while private placements typically require $35,000 minimum. The platform focuses extensively on due diligence, reviewing hundreds of deals for each one they accept, which has helped them maintain strong performance metrics.
4. PeerStreet
PeerStreet differs from other platforms by focusing exclusively on debt investments backed by real estate. The platform connects investors with short-term real estate loans, typically 6-24 months in duration. With investment minimums starting at $1,000 and historical returns ranging from 6-9%, PeerStreet offers a lower-risk option for real estate crowdfunding. The shorter investment terms also provide more liquidity than many equity-based alternatives.
5. Groundfloor
Groundfloor stands out by being accessible to non-accredited investors with a remarkably low $10 minimum investment. They offer short-term, high-yield real estate debt investments with typical returns ranging from 7-12% annually. Each loan is secured by the property itself, adding a layer of protection for investors. Since their launch, they've funded over $1 billion in loans and maintained an impressive repayment rate.
For those who want to learn more about real estate investing strategies beyond crowdfunding, real estate investing classes can provide valuable education before committing significant capital.
6. EquityMultiple
EquityMultiple targets sophisticated investors with a minimum investment of $5,000. Their platform offers three investment types: equity, preferred equity, and senior debt, allowing for customized risk profiles. The company boasts strong due diligence, accepting less than 10% of the deals they review. Their historical returns have ranged from 7-17.5% depending on the investment type. EquityMultiple also provides detailed market research and analytics to help investors make informed decisions.
7. Yieldstreet
Yieldstreet goes beyond just real estate to offer a variety of alternative investments, but their real estate offerings remain strong. With minimums ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 depending on the opportunity, they make diversification accessible. Their Prism Fund offers instant diversification across multiple asset classes with target annual returns of 7-9%. Since founding, they've returned over $2.2 billion in principal and interest payments to investors.
8. Streitwise
Streitwise offers a straightforward REIT product with a focus on commercial properties. With a $5,000 minimum investment and a target dividend of 8-9% annually, they've maintained consistent distributions throughout market fluctuations. Unlike many competitors, Streitwise's management team invests alongside customers, having committed over $5 million of their own capital. Their selective acquisition strategy focuses on stable, cash-flowing properties in growing secondary markets.
9. Arrived Homes
Arrived Homes specializes in single-family rental properties, allowing investors to purchase shares in individual houses for as little as $100. This ultra-low minimum makes it perfect for beginners testing the waters of real estate investing. The platform manages all aspects of property ownership, from tenant placement to maintenance, making it truly passive. Investors receive quarterly dividends from rental income plus potential appreciation when properties eventually sell. The platform has grown rapidly, funding over 400 properties worth more than $140 million.
10. DiversyFund
DiversyFund offers a unique model where they act as both developer and manager of the properties in their REIT, eliminating third-party fees. With a $500 minimum investment, their Growth REIT focuses exclusively on multifamily properties with value-add potential. The strategy involves purchasing properties, renovating them to increase rents, and eventually selling for profit. Their target holding period is 5 years, with projected returns of 10-15% over the full cycle.
If you're new to investing altogether, you might want to check out our complete guide to investing for beginners to understand how real estate crowdfunding fits into a broader investment strategy.
Comparison of Minimum Investments
| Platform | Minimum Investment | Accredited Investors Only? |
|---|---|---|
| Fundrise | $10 | No |
| CrowdStreet | $25,000 | Yes |
| RealtyMogul | $5,000 (REITs), $35,000 (Private) | No (REITs), Yes (Private) |
| PeerStreet | $1,000 | Yes |
| Groundfloor | $10 | No |
| EquityMultiple | $5,000 | Yes |
| Yieldstreet | $2,500 - $15,000 | Some offerings available to non-accredited |
| Streitwise | $5,000 | No |
| Arrived Homes | $100 | No |
| DiversyFund | $500 | No |
Why Consider Real Estate Crowdfunding?
Real estate crowdfunding offers several advantages for modern investors:
- Lower Barrier to Entry: Invest with as little as $10 instead of needing hundreds of thousands for direct property purchases
- Diversification: Spread capital across multiple properties, locations, and asset types
- Passive Income: Most platforms distribute quarterly dividends from rental income
- Professional Management: No need to deal with tenants, repairs, or property management
- Potential Tax Benefits: Many platforms pass through depreciation and other tax advantages
How to Choose the Right Platform
When selecting a real estate crowdfunding platform, consider these factors:
- Investment Minimums: Match your available capital with platform requirements
- Accreditation Requirements: Check if you need to be an accredited investor
- Investment Types: Decide between debt, equity, or REIT structures based on your risk tolerance
- Geographic Focus: Some platforms specialize in specific regions or property types
- Historical Performance: Review past returns, though remember these aren't guarantees
- Fee Structure: Understand management fees, which typically range from 0.5% to 2.5% annually
- Liquidity Options: Most investments are long-term, but some platforms offer early redemption programs
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Final Words
Real estate crowdfunding has democratized access to one of the oldest and most reliable asset classes. As we move through 2025, these platforms continue to innovate and provide increasingly sophisticated options for investors of all levels. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, the fundamental value of real estate as an inflation hedge and income-producing asset remains strong.
The key to success with real estate crowdfunding is starting with a clear investment strategy, diversifying across multiple platforms and property types, and maintaining realistic expectations about returns and liquidity. Whether you're investing $10 or $100,000, the platforms listed here offer legitimate pathways to building wealth through real estate without becoming a landlord. Happy Investing!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Crowdfunding
Is real estate crowdfunding safe?
Real estate crowdfunding involves risk like any investment. However, platforms reduce risk through due diligence, property collateral, and diversification. Choose established platforms with proven track records, review their underwriting standards, and start with small investments across multiple properties to minimize risk.
Do I need to be an accredited investor for real estate crowdfunding?
Not always. While platforms like CrowdStreet and EquityMultiple require accreditation (annual income of $200,000+ or net worth exceeding $1 million), others like Fundrise, Groundfloor, and Arrived Homes are open to all investors regardless of income or net worth.
How liquid are real estate crowdfunding investments?
Most real estate crowdfunding investments are illiquid compared to stocks or bonds. Investment horizons typically range from 6 months to 7+ years. Some platforms offer redemption programs, but these often come with fees or waiting periods. Consider your liquidity needs before investing.
What returns can I expect from real estate crowdfunding?
Returns vary widely based on the platform, property type, and investment structure. Debt investments generally offer 7-9% annually with lower risk, while equity investments may target 10-18% IRR but with higher risk. REITs through crowdfunding platforms have historically delivered 8-12% total returns, combining income and appreciation.
How are real estate crowdfunding investments taxed?
Tax treatment varies by investment structure. REIT dividends are typically taxed as ordinary income, though some portion may qualify for the 20% pass-through deduction. Equity investments often pass through depreciation benefits that can shelter some income. Debt investments generally produce interest income taxed at ordinary rates. Consult with a tax professional for your specific situation.
