Real Estate Platform Comparison· Updated July 15, 2026

EquityMultiple 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 EquityMultiple logo

3.5

EquityMultiple is one of the more credible commercial real estate platforms for accredited investors: a selective deal pipeline (roughly 5% of proposed deals accepted), a reported double-digit net IRR on realized equity deals, and genuinely useful short-term Alpine Notes paying 6–7.35% fixed with no investor-level fees. The trade-offs are steep: accreditation is mandatory, most deals require $10,000–$30,000, fees vary deal-by-deal (0.5–1.5% plus origination and admin fees), most investments are illiquid for years, and the platform's customer-service reputation (delayed K-1s, poor communication) is a recurring complaint. Best for accredited investors building a CRE sleeve, not for beginners or income-focused investors.

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

EquityMultiple vs. RealT, Key Stats

$5,000 (accredited only)MinimumN/A: platform is in voluntary liquidation and was never open to U.S. investors

3–9 months for Alpine Notes; typically 3–5+ years for equity and debt dealsHolding PeriodIndefinite: token holders are waiting on asset sales in a wind-down

No early exit on most deals; capital is committed for the project termEarly WithdrawalN/A: recovery depends on liquidation proceeds, not a withdrawal process

Deal-dependent (monthly or quarterly interest on debt; equity distributions as projects perform)Rent PayoutSuspended (historically weekly in stablecoins)

Alpine Notes 6.0–7.35% fixed APY; realized equity deals have reported low-to-mid-teens net IRR (deal outcomes vary widely)Avg. 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

Institutional-quality CRE deal flow
EquityMultiple accepts roughly 5% of the deals it screens and offers equity, preferred equity, and senior debt positions in professionally managed commercial projects, exposure most retail platforms simply don't carry.
Strong realized track record
The platform reports a double-digit net IRR across realized equity investments since its Investment Committee was formed in 2019, with published target ranges per deal type so investors can benchmark expectations.
Alpine Notes for short-term fixed yield
Alpine Notes pay 6.0–7.35% fixed APY on 3, 6, and 9-month terms with no investor-level fees, EquityMultiple takes a first-loss position, and the company reports every maturing note has been repaid on time.
Clear product framework
Investments are organized into Keep (short-term notes), Earn (income-focused debt and preferred equity), and Grow (appreciation-focused equity), which makes it easier to match deals to a goal than scrolling an undifferentiated marketplace.
Accredited investors only, with high practical minimums
Every offering requires accredited status, and while the advertised minimum is $5,000, most individual deals require $10,000–$30,000. This platform is structurally out of reach for most retail investors.
Multi-year illiquidity on most deals
Outside Alpine Notes, capital is committed for the life of the project, typically 3–5+ years, with no secondary market and no guaranteed early exit. Distressed deals can extend well past their target hold.
Complex, deal-by-deal fees
Annual asset management fees run roughly 0.5–1.5% depending on the investment, plus origination fees on some deals, a $30–$70 annual administrative fee, and a promote (profit share) on many equity deals. True all-in cost takes work to calculate per deal.
Recurring customer-service and reporting complaints
Independent review sites and investor forums document weak trust scores for EquityMultiple, with recurring complaints about delayed K-1 tax documents, slow communication on troubled deals, and opaque updates when projects underperform.

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 CRE deals (equity, preferred equity, senior debt), Alpine Notes (3/6/9-month terms), and periodic income funds. Deal flow is curated but finite, at any given time only a handful of offerings may be open.

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

Property Locations

Commercial projects across U.S. markets: multifamily, industrial, office, hospitality, and specialty assets, with deal-by-deal geographic disclosure in each offering's documents.

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

Varies by product: Alpine Notes pay 6.0–7.35% fixed APY, debt and preferred equity deals target roughly 8–14% annualized income, and common equity deals target higher total returns with commensurate risk. The platform reports a double-digit net IRR across realized equity deals since 2019, but individual deal outcomes range from strong exits to principal impairment. 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

Roughly 0.5–1.5% annual asset management fee depending on the deal, plus origination fees on some offerings, a $30–$70 annual administrative fee per investment, and a promote (carried interest) on many equity deals. Alpine Notes carry no investor-level 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

Alpine Notes: 3, 6, or 9 months with early redemption after 30 days if rolled into another EquityMultiple offering. Everything else: the life of the deal, typically 3–5+ years with extension risk.

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

Who Can Invest

Accredited investors only (income of $200K+/$300K joint, or $1M+ net worth excluding primary residence). Individual, joint, entity, trust, and self-directed IRA accounts are supported. This requirement is structural, not a marketing choice, offerings rely on SEC exemptions limited to accredited investors.

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, EquityMultiple or RealT?

★ Our Pick

3.5

For accredited investors who want curated commercial real estate deals and can genuinely lock up five-figure sums for years, EquityMultiple is one of the stronger platforms in its class: selective underwriting, a credible realized track record, and Alpine Notes that are legitimately competitive for short-term cash. It loses points for complex fees, multi-year illiquidity, and persistent customer-service complaints. Non-accredited investors can't use it at all, and even accredited investors who value liquidity and steady income may prefer per-property fractional platforms. See how Lofty compares: $50 minimums, no accreditation requirement, daily rent payouts, and a 24/7 secondary marketplace.

Full EquityMultiple 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

EquityMultiple scores higher (3.5/5) and edges out RealT on our investment quality criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

EquityMultiple vs. RealT FAQ

Which is better, EquityMultiple or RealT?

Based on our scoring criteria, returns, fees, liquidity, transparency, minimums, and track record, EquityMultiple (3.5/5) scores higher than RealT (1.0/5). EquityMultiple is one of the more credible commercial real estate platforms for accredited investors: a selective deal pipeline (roughly 5% of proposed deals accepted), a reported double-digit net IRR on realized equity deals, and genuinely useful short-term Alpine Notes paying 6–7.35% fixed with no investor-level fees. The trade-offs are steep: accreditation is mandatory, most deals require $10,000–$30,000, fees vary deal-by-deal (0.5–1.5% plus origination and admin fees), most investments are illiquid for years, and the platform's customer-service reputation (delayed K-1s, poor communication) is a recurring complaint. Best for accredited investors building a CRE sleeve, not for beginners or income-focused investors.

What is the minimum investment for EquityMultiple vs. RealT?

EquityMultiple's minimum investment is $5,000 (accredited only). RealT's minimum investment is N/A: platform is in voluntary liquidation and was never open to U.S. investors.

How do EquityMultiple and RealT compare on liquidity?

EquityMultiple: Alpine Notes: 3, 6, or 9 months with early redemption after 30 days if rolled into another EquityMultiple offering. Everything else: the life of the deal, typically 3–5+ years with extension risk. RealT: Indefinite. Token holders are waiting on a liquidation process with no published completion timeline.

What returns can investors expect from EquityMultiple vs. RealT?

EquityMultiple reports average yearly returns of Alpine Notes 6.0–7.35% fixed APY; realized equity deals have reported low-to-mid-teens net IRR (deal outcomes vary widely). 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

EquityMultiple 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 EquityMultiple logo

3.5

1.0

At a Glance

EquityMultiple vs. RealT, Key Stats

$5,000 (accredited only)MinimumN/A: platform is in voluntary liquidation and was never open to U.S. investors

3–9 months for Alpine Notes; typically 3–5+ years for equity and debt dealsHolding PeriodIndefinite: token holders are waiting on asset sales in a wind-down

No early exit on most deals; capital is committed for the project termEarly WithdrawalN/A: recovery depends on liquidation proceeds, not a withdrawal process

Deal-dependent (monthly or quarterly interest on debt; equity distributions as projects perform)Rent PayoutSuspended (historically weekly in stablecoins)

Pros & Cons

What each platform does well and poorly

Institutional-quality CRE deal flow
EquityMultiple accepts roughly 5% of the deals it screens and offers equity, preferred equity, and senior debt positions in professionally managed commercial projects, exposure most retail platforms simply don't carry.
Strong realized track record
The platform reports a double-digit net IRR across realized equity investments since its Investment Committee was formed in 2019, with published target ranges per deal type so investors can benchmark expectations.
Alpine Notes for short-term fixed yield
Alpine Notes pay 6.0–7.35% fixed APY on 3, 6, and 9-month terms with no investor-level fees, EquityMultiple takes a first-loss position, and the company reports every maturing note has been repaid on time.
Clear product framework
Investments are organized into Keep (short-term notes), Earn (income-focused debt and preferred equity), and Grow (appreciation-focused equity), which makes it easier to match deals to a goal than scrolling an undifferentiated marketplace.
Accredited investors only, with high practical minimums
Every offering requires accredited status, and while the advertised minimum is $5,000, most individual deals require $10,000–$30,000. This platform is structurally out of reach for most retail investors.
Multi-year illiquidity on most deals
Outside Alpine Notes, capital is committed for the life of the project, typically 3–5+ years, with no secondary market and no guaranteed early exit. Distressed deals can extend well past their target hold.
Complex, deal-by-deal fees
Annual asset management fees run roughly 0.5–1.5% depending on the investment, plus origination fees on some deals, a $30–$70 annual administrative fee, and a promote (profit share) on many equity deals. True all-in cost takes work to calculate per deal.
Recurring customer-service and reporting complaints
Independent review sites and investor forums document weak trust scores for EquityMultiple, with recurring complaints about delayed K-1 tax documents, slow communication on troubled deals, and opaque updates when projects underperform.

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

Commercial projects across U.S. markets: multifamily, industrial, office, hospitality, and specialty assets, with deal-by-deal geographic disclosure in each offering's documents.

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

Alpine Notes: 3, 6, or 9 months with early redemption after 30 days if rolled into another EquityMultiple offering. Everything else: the life of the deal, typically 3–5+ years with extension risk.

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

Who Can Invest

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, EquityMultiple or RealT?

★ Our Pick

3.5

Full EquityMultiple review →

1.0

Full RealT review →

Bottom Line

EquityMultiple scores higher (3.5/5) and edges out RealT on our investment quality criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

EquityMultiple vs. RealT FAQ

Which is better, EquityMultiple or RealT?

What is the minimum investment for EquityMultiple vs. RealT?

EquityMultiple's minimum investment is $5,000 (accredited only). RealT's minimum investment is N/A: platform is in voluntary liquidation and was never open to U.S. investors.

How do EquityMultiple and RealT compare on liquidity?

What returns can investors expect from EquityMultiple 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

EquityMultiple vs. RealT 2026 Real Estate Investing Comparison

EquityMultiple vs. RealT, Key Stats

What each platform does well and poorly

Detailed comparison

Which is better, EquityMultiple or RealT?

EquityMultiple vs. RealT FAQ

Start building generational wealth with Lofty

EquityMultiple vs. RealT 2026 Real Estate Investing Comparison

EquityMultiple vs. RealT, Key Stats

What each platform does well and poorly

Detailed comparison

Which is better, EquityMultiple or RealT?

EquityMultiple vs. RealT FAQ

Start building generational wealth with Lofty