In Spain, investing through real estate partnerships online has become a common route for many investors. In 2021, profitability around 10% was reported by the Bank of Spain, a figure that positions real estate crowdfunding as a competitive option beside deposits, stock markets, and government bonds. For the small investor, boosting income with traditional assets can feel out of reach. Yet with internet access, a connected device, and some capital, individuals can participate in one or more real estate projects through digital marketplaces that connect developers with investors.
These platforms are fully online, eliminating much of the paperwork and bureaucracy typical of property investments. Investors contribute modest amounts, which the applications pool to fund real estate ventures. “This approach makes real estate investing more democratic and helps more people access housing value”, explains Josep Vera, who leads business development for the online channel of Unión de Créditos Inmobiliarios (UCI). European crowdfunding real estate projects attracted 845 million euros in 2021, according to Statista data. “One major advantage is the ability to diversify across several platforms and property types, including residential buildings, offices, and industrial spaces”, notes Miguel García, a real estate crowdfunding consultant. He emphasizes that the underlying asset can be accessed with relatively small capital, with initial investments often starting at around 50 to 100 euros.
Real estate crowdfunding is increasingly part of the financial toolkit for digital natives who seek ways to strengthen their finances. This trend is particularly evident among younger generations entering the housing market and taking on investment roles in real estate. Gesvalt’s research indicates that Millennials now account for roughly 20–30% of home purchases in Spain, a sign of shifting ownership patterns. “In real estate, they tend to take on less risk and perform better than in more volatile markets like crypto”, García observes.
Limits for newcomers
For novices using crowdfunding, there are safeguards: savers without formal financial training may invest up to 3,000 euros per project and 10,000 euros per year on a given platform, while more experienced investors can operate with fewer restrictions. Returns offered to attract investment typically range from 8% to 10%, factoring in tenant rents and eventual property appreciation when sold after a holding period.
As with any investment, risk remains. Vera cautions that profitability is an estimate rather than a guaranteed outcome: “One is projected profitability, the other is actual results.” García adds that certain construction, licensing, or commercial risks are mitigated by warranties provided by platform experts.
Spain hosts numerous platforms, including Estateguru, Crowdestate, and Bulkestate, with pioneers like Housers dating back to 2015. Urbanitae stands out for raising €1.85 million for a single operation in under 30 minutes. In recent years, solutions that bring real estate closer to smaller investors through technology have proliferated, a trend highlighted at the BNEW congress, a meeting place for new economy players. Inviertis exemplifies this movement by enabling affordable access to property across cities. CEO and founder Rebeca Pérez notes that even a substantial investment in cities like Barcelona might seem prohibitive, yet regular contributions in places such as Alicante or Valencia can yield rental income and growth over time. The company, established in 2019, offers demographic analyses, market insights, and architectural assessments to guide asset decisions. It currently lists hundreds of properties for sale across Spain and has reported rapid expansion this year.
Equito.app adds a further dimension by leveraging blockchain technology. This Barcelona-based platform seeks Catalan properties for investment, issuing tokens that carry property details and selling them in fractions for 100 euros each. “It’s like a game of progress toward owning a home in twenty years”, says CEO and founder Robin Decaux. Ines Aranda, a French investor, shares a practical reason for joining: “My buying power doesn’t allow me to buy an apartment outright, so I explore Equito to make the most of my savings without leaving them in the bank.” She contributes between 100 and 200 euros monthly, scaled to her income. The model continues to attract investors who want exposure to real estate without the traditional barriers.