Real Estate Platform Comparison· Updated July 15, 2026

Ark7 vs. RealT 2026 Real Estate Investing Comparison

A side-by-side breakdown of returns, liquidity, fees, and trustworthiness to help you decide where to invest your money.

★ Our Pick Ark7 logo

3.0

Ark7 is one of the most accessible fractional rental platforms with $20 secondary-market shares and a SEC-registered ATS, but a 12-month hold before resale, monthly dividends, and layered fees mean investors should model net returns carefully.

1.0

RealT pioneered tokenized U.S. rental properties with weekly rent distributions, but the platform is now winding down. On July 2, 2026, RealT announced the voluntary liquidation of its U.S. structures. Weekly distributions are suspended, roughly 700 Detroit properties sit under a court-approved special fiduciary following the city's nuisance lawsuit, and sale proceeds go to repairs, taxes, and legal obligations before token holders see anything. A class action and a criminal complaint are underway in France. Do not buy RealTokens. Existing holders should document their positions and follow the liquidation process closely.

At a Glance

Ark7 vs. RealT, Key Stats

$20 (secondary market) / $100 (new offerings)MinimumN/A: platform is in voluntary liquidation and was never open to U.S. investors

12-month minimum hold before secondary tradingHolding PeriodIndefinite: token holders are waiting on asset sales in a wind-down

Cannot sell during first 12 monthsEarly WithdrawalN/A: recovery depends on liquidation proceeds, not a withdrawal process

MonthlyRent PayoutSuspended (historically weekly in stablecoins)

Varies by property; portfolio occupancy ~95% in 2025Avg. ReturnsN/A: distributions suspended; advertised yields historically exceeded 10%, which the current outcome puts in perspective

Pros & Cons

What each platform does well and poorly

$20 secondary-market shares
Once a property is past its 12-month hold, investors can buy shares for as little as $20 each, the lowest per-share entry point in the fractional rental space.
Monthly dividend distributions
Ark7 pays dividends on the 3rd of each month, more frequent than the quarterly cadence used by most competing fractional platforms.
SEC-registered PPEX ATS secondary market
Ark7's secondary market runs on a SEC-registered Alternative Trading System, giving it more regulatory scaffolding than informal redemption windows used by some peers.
Per-property LLC structure
Each property is held in its own LLC, so liabilities of one property don't bleed into others, standard but worth confirming on any fractional platform.
12-month lock-up before resale
Investors cannot sell shares on the secondary market for the first 12 months after the initial offering. Capital is locked for a full year before any exit option is available.
Layered fees compress returns
Ark7 charges a 3% sourcing fee, plus 8–15% of monthly rental income for property management. Short-term rentals carry higher property-management percentages, which can materially reduce investor net yield.
IRA fees scale with property count
Holding Ark7 investments in an IRA costs $100 per property per year (capped at $400/year). For an investor diversifying across many properties, this fee adds up.
Smaller, earlier-stage platform
Ark7 is still a relatively small venture-backed platform with a more modest balance sheet than scaled peers. The platform appears stable today, but as with any earlier-stage operator, normal startup-stage business risk is worth weighing alongside the property-level economics.

Proved global demand for tokenized rentals
RealT operated since 2019 and attracted thousands of investors worldwide to fractional U.S. rental properties, demonstrating real international appetite for tokenized real estate with frequent distributions.
Weekly distributions set the cadence benchmark
When operating, RealT distributed rent weekly in stablecoins, more frequently than the monthly or quarterly schedules used by most competitors.
Genuinely onchain ownership records
RealTokens live on public blockchains, which means holders retain independently verifiable records of their positions even with the platform in liquidation. That transparency is helping investors organize during the wind-down.
Public paper trail
The Detroit court proceedings, fiduciary agreement, and liquidation announcements are publicly documented, so token holders can follow the process through primary sources rather than platform statements alone.
Voluntary liquidation announced July 2026
On July 2, 2026, RealT announced the voluntary liquidation of its U.S. structures and the progressive sale of its entire property portfolio. The announcement reportedly came via a YouTube call rather than formal notice through a registered transfer agent. Roughly 14,000 French investors are affected according to counsel involved, alongside holders worldwide.
Detroit lawsuit and court-approved fiduciary
The City of Detroit initiated proceedings in July 2025 over code violations and tax arrears on roughly 408 properties. In April 2026 a court approved an agreement placing a special fiduciary in control of roughly 700 RealT Detroit properties, with authority to renovate, sell, or demolish. RealT still owes millions in unpaid taxes, and only a city motion prevented 300+ properties from going into foreclosure.
Weekly distributions suspended
Rent distributions to token holders are suspended, and RealT has said proceeds are being directed first to repairs, stabilization, and legal obligations. Yields historically advertised above 10% annualized are not being paid.
Class action and criminal complaint
A class action is underway in France and a criminal complaint has been filed with the financial division of the Paris judicial court. Former collaborators have publicly alleged that some marketed properties may never have been purchased, an allegation that, if proven, would be securities fraud.

Deep Dive

Detailed comparison

What You're Investing In

Individual U.S. single-family and small multi-family rental homes, fractionalized into shares. Investors can buy shares from new property offerings or, after the 12-month hold, from other investors on the SEC-registered ATS secondary market.

Nothing. RealT is liquidating its portfolio and no new offerings are available.

Property Locations

Properties span 10+ U.S. states with concentration in growth markets. Specific market mix varies by listing.

Primarily Detroit (roughly 83% of the portfolio), with Cleveland, Chicago, and Memphis exposure. The Detroit portfolio is under fiduciary control until at least the end of October 2026.

Expected Returns

Returns vary by property and depend heavily on local rental performance. Recent platform updates report ~95% portfolio occupancy and cumulative dividends measured in the millions of dollars. Each property page lists projected dividend yield and projected appreciation. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

N/A. Distributions are suspended and future returns depend entirely on liquidation proceeds after repairs, taxes, fiduciary costs, and legal obligations. Historically advertised yields above 10% annualized should be read in light of that outcome: the highest advertised yields in the category came with the weakest underlying operations. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Fees

3% one-time sourcing fee at acquisition. 8–15% of monthly rental income for third-party property management (varies by long-term vs short-term rental). No commission on secondary market trades. IRA accounts: $100 per property per year, capped at $400/year.

Moot for new investors. For existing holders, fiduciary fees, escrow requirements, repair costs, and back taxes are effectively senior to token holder recoveries in the wind-down.

Liquidity

Investors cannot sell shares for the first 12 months after a property's initial offering. After that, shares can be listed on Ark7's SEC-registered PPEX ATS secondary market.

Indefinite. Token holders are waiting on a liquidation process with no published completion timeline.

Who Can Invest

Open to U.S. investors aged 18 or older. No accreditation required for most listings. IRA accounts are supported with a per-property annual fee.

No one. The platform was closed to U.S. persons under Regulation S, and with the July 2026 liquidation announcement it is effectively closed to new investment entirely.

The Verdict

Which is better, Ark7 or RealT?

★ Our Pick

3.0

Ark7 is a credible fractional rental platform with a unique combination of monthly dividends, a SEC-registered ATS secondary market, and the lowest per-share minimum in the space at $20. The 12-month hold before resale, layered management fees, and relatively small total AUM mean it works best as one piece of a diversified fractional portfolio rather than a primary holding. Investors who want immediate secondary liquidity, lower fees, or true daily payouts should compare against alternatives.

Full Ark7 review →

1.0

RealT is not an investable platform. It is a wind-down. The July 2026 voluntary liquidation, suspended distributions, fiduciary-controlled Detroit portfolio, unpaid taxes, and pending litigation mean prospective buyers should stay away entirely, including from discounted RealTokens on decentralized exchanges. Existing holders should document positions, follow the Detroit docket and the French class action, and calibrate expectations to distressed liquidation values. Investors who came to RealT for tokenized rentals with frequent payouts should evaluate operators on the factors that failed here: property condition and tax compliance, platform financial health, and what happens to investors if the operator disappears. See how Lofty compares on those specific criteria.

Full RealT review →

Bottom Line

Ark7 scores higher (3.0/5) and edges out RealT on our investment quality criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ark7 vs. RealT FAQ

Which is better, Ark7 or RealT?

Based on our scoring criteria, returns, fees, liquidity, transparency, minimums, and track record, Ark7 (3.0/5) scores higher than RealT (1.0/5). Ark7 is one of the most accessible fractional rental platforms with $20 secondary-market shares and a SEC-registered ATS, but a 12-month hold before resale, monthly dividends, and layered fees mean investors should model net returns carefully.

What is the minimum investment for Ark7 vs. RealT?

Ark7's minimum investment is $20 (secondary market) / $100 (new offerings). RealT's minimum investment is N/A: platform is in voluntary liquidation and was never open to U.S. investors.

How do Ark7 and RealT compare on liquidity?

Ark7: Investors cannot sell shares for the first 12 months after a property's initial offering. After that, shares can be listed on Ark7's SEC-registered PPEX ATS secondary market. RealT: Indefinite. Token holders are waiting on a liquidation process with no published completion timeline.

What returns can investors expect from Ark7 vs. RealT?

Ark7 reports average yearly returns of Varies by property; portfolio occupancy ~95% in 2025. RealT reports average yearly returns of N/A: distributions suspended; advertised yields historically exceeded 10%, which the current outcome puts in perspective. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

One of the most flexible ways to invest in real estate

Start building generational wealth with Lofty

$50 minimums · Daily rent payouts · No lock-up periods · 24/7 exchange

View Properties

Real Estate Platform Comparison· Updated July 15, 2026

Ark7 vs. RealT 2026 Real Estate Investing Comparison

A side-by-side breakdown of returns, liquidity, fees, and trustworthiness to help you decide where to invest your money.

★ Our Pick Ark7 logo

3.0

1.0

At a Glance

Ark7 vs. RealT, Key Stats

$20 (secondary market) / $100 (new offerings)MinimumN/A: platform is in voluntary liquidation and was never open to U.S. investors

12-month minimum hold before secondary tradingHolding PeriodIndefinite: token holders are waiting on asset sales in a wind-down

Cannot sell during first 12 monthsEarly WithdrawalN/A: recovery depends on liquidation proceeds, not a withdrawal process

MonthlyRent PayoutSuspended (historically weekly in stablecoins)

Varies by property; portfolio occupancy ~95% in 2025Avg. ReturnsN/A: distributions suspended; advertised yields historically exceeded 10%, which the current outcome puts in perspective

Pros & Cons

What each platform does well and poorly

$20 secondary-market shares
Once a property is past its 12-month hold, investors can buy shares for as little as $20 each, the lowest per-share entry point in the fractional rental space.
Monthly dividend distributions
Ark7 pays dividends on the 3rd of each month, more frequent than the quarterly cadence used by most competing fractional platforms.
SEC-registered PPEX ATS secondary market
Ark7's secondary market runs on a SEC-registered Alternative Trading System, giving it more regulatory scaffolding than informal redemption windows used by some peers.
Per-property LLC structure
Each property is held in its own LLC, so liabilities of one property don't bleed into others, standard but worth confirming on any fractional platform.
12-month lock-up before resale
Investors cannot sell shares on the secondary market for the first 12 months after the initial offering. Capital is locked for a full year before any exit option is available.
Layered fees compress returns
Ark7 charges a 3% sourcing fee, plus 8–15% of monthly rental income for property management. Short-term rentals carry higher property-management percentages, which can materially reduce investor net yield.
IRA fees scale with property count
Holding Ark7 investments in an IRA costs $100 per property per year (capped at $400/year). For an investor diversifying across many properties, this fee adds up.
Smaller, earlier-stage platform
Ark7 is still a relatively small venture-backed platform with a more modest balance sheet than scaled peers. The platform appears stable today, but as with any earlier-stage operator, normal startup-stage business risk is worth weighing alongside the property-level economics.

Proved global demand for tokenized rentals
RealT operated since 2019 and attracted thousands of investors worldwide to fractional U.S. rental properties, demonstrating real international appetite for tokenized real estate with frequent distributions.
Weekly distributions set the cadence benchmark
When operating, RealT distributed rent weekly in stablecoins, more frequently than the monthly or quarterly schedules used by most competitors.
Genuinely onchain ownership records
RealTokens live on public blockchains, which means holders retain independently verifiable records of their positions even with the platform in liquidation. That transparency is helping investors organize during the wind-down.
Public paper trail
The Detroit court proceedings, fiduciary agreement, and liquidation announcements are publicly documented, so token holders can follow the process through primary sources rather than platform statements alone.
Voluntary liquidation announced July 2026
On July 2, 2026, RealT announced the voluntary liquidation of its U.S. structures and the progressive sale of its entire property portfolio. The announcement reportedly came via a YouTube call rather than formal notice through a registered transfer agent. Roughly 14,000 French investors are affected according to counsel involved, alongside holders worldwide.
Detroit lawsuit and court-approved fiduciary
The City of Detroit initiated proceedings in July 2025 over code violations and tax arrears on roughly 408 properties. In April 2026 a court approved an agreement placing a special fiduciary in control of roughly 700 RealT Detroit properties, with authority to renovate, sell, or demolish. RealT still owes millions in unpaid taxes, and only a city motion prevented 300+ properties from going into foreclosure.
Weekly distributions suspended
Rent distributions to token holders are suspended, and RealT has said proceeds are being directed first to repairs, stabilization, and legal obligations. Yields historically advertised above 10% annualized are not being paid.
Class action and criminal complaint
A class action is underway in France and a criminal complaint has been filed with the financial division of the Paris judicial court. Former collaborators have publicly alleged that some marketed properties may never have been purchased, an allegation that, if proven, would be securities fraud.

Deep Dive

Detailed comparison

What You're Investing In

Nothing. RealT is liquidating its portfolio and no new offerings are available.

Property Locations

Properties span 10+ U.S. states with concentration in growth markets. Specific market mix varies by listing.

Primarily Detroit (roughly 83% of the portfolio), with Cleveland, Chicago, and Memphis exposure. The Detroit portfolio is under fiduciary control until at least the end of October 2026.

Expected Returns

Fees

Moot for new investors. For existing holders, fiduciary fees, escrow requirements, repair costs, and back taxes are effectively senior to token holder recoveries in the wind-down.

Liquidity

Investors cannot sell shares for the first 12 months after a property's initial offering. After that, shares can be listed on Ark7's SEC-registered PPEX ATS secondary market.

Indefinite. Token holders are waiting on a liquidation process with no published completion timeline.

Who Can Invest

Open to U.S. investors aged 18 or older. No accreditation required for most listings. IRA accounts are supported with a per-property annual fee.

No one. The platform was closed to U.S. persons under Regulation S, and with the July 2026 liquidation announcement it is effectively closed to new investment entirely.

The Verdict

Which is better, Ark7 or RealT?

★ Our Pick

3.0

Full Ark7 review →

1.0

Full RealT review →

Bottom Line

Ark7 scores higher (3.0/5) and edges out RealT on our investment quality criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ark7 vs. RealT FAQ

Which is better, Ark7 or RealT?

What is the minimum investment for Ark7 vs. RealT?

Ark7's minimum investment is $20 (secondary market) / $100 (new offerings). RealT's minimum investment is N/A: platform is in voluntary liquidation and was never open to U.S. investors.

How do Ark7 and RealT compare on liquidity?

What returns can investors expect from Ark7 vs. RealT?

One of the most flexible ways to invest in real estate

Start building generational wealth with Lofty

$50 minimums · Daily rent payouts · No lock-up periods · 24/7 exchange

View Properties

About Lofty

Ark7 vs. RealT 2026 Real Estate Investing Comparison

Ark7 vs. RealT, Key Stats

What each platform does well and poorly

Detailed comparison

Which is better, Ark7 or RealT?

Ark7 vs. RealT FAQ

Start building generational wealth with Lofty

Ark7 vs. RealT 2026 Real Estate Investing Comparison

Ark7 vs. RealT, Key Stats

What each platform does well and poorly

Detailed comparison

Which is better, Ark7 or RealT?

Ark7 vs. RealT FAQ

Start building generational wealth with Lofty