Real Estate Tokenization and Blockchain | An In-depth Guide

The real estate industry has seen significant expansion over the last decade, owing mostly to an increase in investment. On the other hand, property investing has historically been regarded as a privilege reserved for a select set of wealthy individuals. In terms of liquidity, automation, and regulation, it has likewise been behind the times. All of these, and many other related issues, can be successfully overcome thanks to blockchain solutions development and, in particular, the tokenization of real estate.

Continue reading to learn more about real estate tokenization's fundamentals, as well as its legal and technological implications. You'll learn about the benefits it provides to issuers and investors, as well as the current real estate tokenization systems.

What is Real Estate Tokenization, and How does it Work?

The term "tokenization" refers to the process of digitizing an asset. It is built on cryptocurrency fundraising, in which investors can trade cash or cryptocurrency for tokens.

Property tokenization involves converting the value of a property into digital tokens using particular blockchain real estate tokenization platforms. These tokens, also known as "security tokens," are typically used to represent shares in a real estate property. When the token is made available for purchase on the market, investors will be given partial ownership of the property. These shareholders also have the option to sell as many shares as they require or choose. The approach is simple and does not require expensive real estate investment procedures, making the market more accessible to a wider variety of investors.

Also, Read | How Blockchain Solutions are Transforming Real Estate

Improved liquidity

One of the main benefits of tokenization is its liquidity, which allows it to acquire additional value that illiquid assets cannot. Furthermore, fractional ownership can significantly improve revenue in the commercial real estate sector. This might result in billions, if not trillions, of money invested.

Entry fees are lower

A security token does not have to be sold in its entirety. As a result, fractionalization, the code that supports the token, allows it to be divided, allowing the issuer or holder to sell fractional tokens for less money. Smaller investors can also participate in the market. Meanwhile, more diversification opportunities will be available to wealthy investors.

Smart contracts standardize transactions

Smart contracts eliminate the disadvantage of manual negotiation. Their terms can be executed automatically, lowering transaction costs and shortening the time it takes to complete the procedure.

Increased openness

Blockchain records each transaction that takes place in a transparent manner. Every time a single transaction occurs, all participants become aware of it. As a result, investors can check the token's history, value, and other transaction information at any time.

Immutable 

The most significant aspect of blockchain is that it prevents anyone from changing or altering transaction information once they have been recorded and authenticated. This is especially beneficial when investors want to ensure that no information regarding the transaction has been fabricated.

Also, Read | Most Significant Use Cases of Blockchain in Real Estate

How to Proceed with Real Estate Tokenization strategy?

It's a good idea to review the tokenization technique and become familiar with components of real estate tokenization before entering the development phase.

Type of interest

Virtual token creators have the option of tokenizing a real estate property, an equity interest within a legal entity that owns the real estate, a mortgage on the real estate property, a right to share in the property's revenues, and so on. To put it another way, the opportunities are vast and varied.

However, it's vital to keep in mind that requirements for the token may differ based on the type of interest being tokenized. As a result, before tokenizing your asset, make sure you understand all of the regulations that will apply to you.

Smart Contracts

Smart contracts, which are based on blockchain, may automatically establish and enforce agreements between users without the participation of a third party. It's important to consider whatever attributes the issuer wants for the token to enable its smooth operation.

For example, if token holders want to earn dividends or share profits, the smart contract must be built in such a way that these conditions are met.

Securities legislation regulations

Real estate tokens must comply with the Securities and Exchange Commission or SEC because they qualify as securities under state and federal law. It is possible to get a registration exemption in specific instances. Failure to register could result in civil penalties as well as other issues.

Tax obligations

It's critical to have knowledge about the tax and reporting responsibilities. Both issuers and investors should seek the advice of a tax specialist who can help them build a thorough and dependable tax strategy.

Assets Analysis

Make sure you've considered all of an asset's advantages and disadvantages before tokenizing it. You'll be interested in how much money security token issuers and investors will make — which is why you should include this phase in your plan.

Also, Read | Implementing Blockchain Smart Contracts in Real Estate

Location of the property

The location of real estate property is important. You'll need to think about the location parameter from a functional one and a legal standpoint. Private property rights, for example, do not get protection in all countries.

As a result, there will be fewer interested investors in purchasing property in these areas. It's crucial to think about whether the property's location will suit all parties.

Aspects of the mortgage

If the tokenized property is subject to a mortgage, the issuer must either obtain the approval of the mortgagee or redeem the mortgage. However, if the tokenization of this property is a mortgage itself, you’ll have to consider and familiarise yourself with the relevant laws.

Investor accreditation and AML/KYC standards

Issuers should follow Anti-Money Laundering and Know-Your-Customer (AML/KYC) laws and regulations when selling security tokens. They must also ensure that accredited purchases; otherwise, questions about the investor's credibility may arise.

Also, Read | How Blockchain Simplifies The Real Estate Investing

Sales across the globe

The majority of countries have their security legislation and AML/KYC regulations. As a result, token issuers must be aware of the various rules in the countries where their tokens will be launched.

Overall, depending on the characteristics of the token, it may be subject to a variety of different regulated money-services rules and even commodities controls. As a result, before tokenizing a real estate property, you should carefully and methodically design the approach to ensure that the tokenization process runs smoothly and effectively.

Connect with our blockchain development experts for more information about real estate tokenization