Real Estate Platform Comparison· Updated July 15, 2026

RealT vs. Roofstock 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.

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.

★ Our Pick Roofstock logo

3.0

Roofstock is the dominant marketplace for buying whole single-family rental homes online, with deep listings, vetted property data, and a property management network. It's a fit for investors who want to own a full rental at scale, but if you want fractional shares with $50–$100 minimums, Lofty or Arrived are better matches.

At a Glance

RealT vs. Roofstock, Key Stats

N/A: platform is in voluntary liquidation and was never open to U.S. investorsMinimumWhole-home purchase price (typically $80,000–$400,000+); Roofstock One discontinued for new investors

Indefinite: token holders are waiting on asset sales in a wind-downHolding PeriodInvestor-controlled, sell whenever you choose

N/A: recovery depends on liquidation proceeds, not a withdrawal processEarly WithdrawalStandard real estate transaction costs (~5–8% to sell)

Suspended (historically weekly in stablecoins)Rent PayoutMonthly (paid by tenant or property manager)

N/A: distributions suspended; advertised yields historically exceeded 10%, which the current outcome puts in perspectiveAvg. ReturnsTypical SFR cap rates 5–8%; total return depends on appreciation and leverage

Pros & Cons

What each platform does well and poorly

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.

Real, full ownership
Buying through Roofstock means you actually own the property: title in your name, full control over rent setting, maintenance decisions, refinance, and sale. No platform sits between you and your asset.
Deep, vetted listings
Roofstock's marketplace contains thousands of single-family rental homes across the U.S., each with inspection reports, rent history, neighborhood ratings, and a Roofstock Estimate of expected return.
Property management built in
Roofstock's preferred property manager network covers most listed markets, so investors can buy a tenanted home in another state and hand off management on day one.
Use leverage to amplify returns
Because Roofstock investors buy whole homes, they can use traditional mortgage financing. That leverage is unavailable on most fractional crowdfunding platforms.
Investor-controlled liquidity
You decide when to sell. Roofstock has its own marketplace for tenanted homes, or you can list traditionally, either way, the exit timing is yours.
Whole-home minimums
Roofstock's main product is buying a full rental property. Even with leverage, that typically requires $20,000–$80,000+ in down payment plus closing costs, putting it out of reach for entry-level investors.
Roofstock One is closed to new investors
Roofstock One, the platform's accredited-only fractional product offering Tracking Stocks in single-family rentals, announced it was winding down in August 2023 and stopped accepting new capital contributions. The current marketplace is effectively a whole-home brokerage.
Transaction-style fees
Roofstock charges a 0.5% buyer fee or $500 minimum, plus standard closing costs and ongoing property management fees (typically 8–10% of gross rent). Sellers pay 3% or $2,500.
Headline cap rates can be optimistic
Roofstock's listed gross yields don't fully account for vacancy, maintenance, capex reserve, or local taxes. Real net returns are typically 1–3 percentage points lower than the headline number.
More work than passive
Even with property management, owning a rental home creates real work: financing, taxes, insurance, capex decisions, and tenant edge cases. It is not as hands-off as a REIT or fractional platform.

Deep Dive

Detailed comparison

What You're Investing In

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

Whole single-family rental homes, typically tenanted, sometimes vacant: from individual sellers, builders, and institutional sources. Multi-property portfolios are also occasionally listed.

Property Locations

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.

Strong coverage across the Sun Belt: Texas, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas, Alabama, Arizona, Ohio, and select Midwest and East Coast markets. Each listing's market has a published neighborhood and school rating.

Expected Returns

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.

Typical SFR cap rates on Roofstock listings range 5–8% gross. Real net returns after vacancy, maintenance, capex, and management fees are typically 1–3 percentage points lower. Total return depends heavily on whether the investor uses leverage, holds for appreciation, and selects strong markets.

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.

Roofstock charges 0.5% of purchase price (or $500 minimum) on the buyer side and 3% (or $2,500 minimum) on the seller side. Property management fees through partner managers typically run 8–10% of gross rent. Standard closing costs and lender fees apply to financed purchases.

Liquidity

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

Investor-controlled. Owners can hold indefinitely, refinance, or sell whenever they choose.

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.

Open to all investors, no accreditation required. Standard mortgage financing is available with typical lender requirements (credit score, down payment, debt-to-income).

The Verdict

Which is better, RealT or Roofstock?

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 →

★ Our Pick

3.0

Roofstock is the gold-standard marketplace for investors who want to buy whole single-family rental homes online. Vetted listings, leverage availability, real ownership, and a property manager network make it a serious tool for portfolio scaling. But it isn't a fractional platform, Roofstock One has been closed to new investors and the core product requires whole-home capital. Investors who want low-minimum, hands-off fractional real estate exposure should look at Lofty or Arrived instead.

Full Roofstock review →

Bottom Line

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

Frequently Asked Questions

RealT vs. Roofstock FAQ

Which is better, RealT or Roofstock?

Based on our scoring criteria, returns, fees, liquidity, transparency, minimums, and track record, Roofstock (3.0/5) scores higher than RealT (1.0/5). Roofstock is the dominant marketplace for buying whole single-family rental homes online, with deep listings, vetted property data, and a property management network. It's a fit for investors who want to own a full rental at scale, but if you want fractional shares with $50–$100 minimums, Lofty or Arrived are better matches.

What is the minimum investment for RealT vs. Roofstock?

RealT's minimum investment is N/A: platform is in voluntary liquidation and was never open to U.S. investors. Roofstock's minimum investment is Whole-home purchase price (typically $80,000–$400,000+); Roofstock One discontinued for new investors.

How do RealT and Roofstock compare on liquidity?

RealT: Indefinite. Token holders are waiting on a liquidation process with no published completion timeline. Roofstock: Investor-controlled. Owners can hold indefinitely, refinance, or sell whenever they choose.

What returns can investors expect from RealT vs. Roofstock?

RealT reports average yearly returns of N/A: distributions suspended; advertised yields historically exceeded 10%, which the current outcome puts in perspective. Roofstock reports average yearly returns of Typical SFR cap rates 5–8%; total return depends on appreciation and leverage. 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

RealT vs. Roofstock 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.

1.0

★ Our Pick Roofstock logo

3.0

At a Glance

RealT vs. Roofstock, Key Stats

N/A: platform is in voluntary liquidation and was never open to U.S. investorsMinimumWhole-home purchase price (typically $80,000–$400,000+); Roofstock One discontinued for new investors

Indefinite: token holders are waiting on asset sales in a wind-downHolding PeriodInvestor-controlled, sell whenever you choose

N/A: recovery depends on liquidation proceeds, not a withdrawal processEarly WithdrawalStandard real estate transaction costs (~5–8% to sell)

Suspended (historically weekly in stablecoins)Rent PayoutMonthly (paid by tenant or property manager)

Pros & Cons

What each platform does well and poorly

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.

Real, full ownership
Buying through Roofstock means you actually own the property: title in your name, full control over rent setting, maintenance decisions, refinance, and sale. No platform sits between you and your asset.
Deep, vetted listings
Roofstock's marketplace contains thousands of single-family rental homes across the U.S., each with inspection reports, rent history, neighborhood ratings, and a Roofstock Estimate of expected return.
Property management built in
Roofstock's preferred property manager network covers most listed markets, so investors can buy a tenanted home in another state and hand off management on day one.
Use leverage to amplify returns
Because Roofstock investors buy whole homes, they can use traditional mortgage financing. That leverage is unavailable on most fractional crowdfunding platforms.
Investor-controlled liquidity
You decide when to sell. Roofstock has its own marketplace for tenanted homes, or you can list traditionally, either way, the exit timing is yours.
Whole-home minimums
Roofstock's main product is buying a full rental property. Even with leverage, that typically requires $20,000–$80,000+ in down payment plus closing costs, putting it out of reach for entry-level investors.
Roofstock One is closed to new investors
Roofstock One, the platform's accredited-only fractional product offering Tracking Stocks in single-family rentals, announced it was winding down in August 2023 and stopped accepting new capital contributions. The current marketplace is effectively a whole-home brokerage.
Transaction-style fees
Roofstock charges a 0.5% buyer fee or $500 minimum, plus standard closing costs and ongoing property management fees (typically 8–10% of gross rent). Sellers pay 3% or $2,500.
Headline cap rates can be optimistic
Roofstock's listed gross yields don't fully account for vacancy, maintenance, capex reserve, or local taxes. Real net returns are typically 1–3 percentage points lower than the headline number.
More work than passive
Even with property management, owning a rental home creates real work: financing, taxes, insurance, capex decisions, and tenant edge cases. It is not as hands-off as a REIT or fractional platform.

Deep Dive

Detailed comparison

What You're Investing In

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

Whole single-family rental homes, typically tenanted, sometimes vacant: from individual sellers, builders, and institutional sources. Multi-property portfolios are also occasionally listed.

Property Locations

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

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

Investor-controlled. Owners can hold indefinitely, refinance, or sell whenever they choose.

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.

Open to all investors, no accreditation required. Standard mortgage financing is available with typical lender requirements (credit score, down payment, debt-to-income).

The Verdict

Which is better, RealT or Roofstock?

1.0

Full RealT review →

★ Our Pick

3.0

Full Roofstock review →

Bottom Line

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

Frequently Asked Questions

RealT vs. Roofstock FAQ

Which is better, RealT or Roofstock?

What is the minimum investment for RealT vs. Roofstock?

How do RealT and Roofstock compare on liquidity?

What returns can investors expect from RealT vs. Roofstock?

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

RealT vs. Roofstock 2026 Real Estate Investing Comparison

RealT vs. Roofstock, Key Stats

What each platform does well and poorly

Detailed comparison

Which is better, RealT or Roofstock?

RealT vs. Roofstock FAQ

Start building generational wealth with Lofty

RealT vs. Roofstock 2026 Real Estate Investing Comparison

RealT vs. Roofstock, Key Stats

What each platform does well and poorly

Detailed comparison

Which is better, RealT or Roofstock?

RealT vs. Roofstock FAQ

Start building generational wealth with Lofty