Ark7 vs Addy

Choosing between U.S.-focused fractional real estate platforms and Canadian alternatives can significantly impact your investment experience and returns. While Addy serves the Canadian market with very low entry points with per-property investment caps, Ark7 delivers superior liquidity, transparency, and monthly income specifically designed for U.S. investors. Understanding these fundamental differences—between geographic focus and operational excellence—helps American investors select the platform that matches their liquidity needs, income requirements, and regulatory comfort.

Key Takeaways

• Ark7 offers active secondary market liquidity after just 12 months – Unlike Addy’s extended illiquidity with no formal exchange for trading, Ark7 provides a path to liquidity with 70% of portfolio actively trading
• Monthly income with transparent reporting – Ark7 delivers consistent monthly distributions averaging 3.96% annualized with detailed performance dashboards, compared to Addy’s variable quarterly payments
• U.S.-only focus with clear regulatory compliance – Ark7 operates under SEC Regulation A+ with FINRA-registered broker-dealer oversight, while Addy serves Canadian provinces with different regulatory frameworks
• Superior occupancy rates demonstrate operational excellence – Ark7 maintains 94.81% portfolio occupancy through professional property management, providing stable rental income
• IRA integration enables tax-advantaged real estate investing – Ark7 offers dedicated retirement account options through Inspira Financial Company, a feature not available on Addy

When U.S. investors seek fractional real estate opportunities, the choice between domestic platforms and international alternatives becomes critical. Two distinct approaches—Ark7 and Addy—represent fundamentally different investment philosophies. While Addy operates as Canada’s largest real estate investment platform with reported high cumulative investment volume, Ark7 specializes in accessible, transparent U.S. rental property investing with monthly income and liquidity options. This comparison reveals why Ark7’s U.S.-focused model delivers superior value for American investors seeking hassle-free real estate exposure.

Understanding Each Platform’s Geographic Focus

Addy positions itself as Canada’s leading real estate investment platform, serving 50,000+ Canadian investors across Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Vancouver, Addy has built its reputation on providing access to Canadian commercial and residential properties with very low entry points with per-property investment caps. The platform operates under Canadian provincial securities regulations through Exempt Market Dealer (EMD) partnerships, with recent regulatory settlements addressing past compliance issues.

Ark7 takes a radically different approach. Founded in 2018-2019 and headquartered in San Francisco, Ark7 specializes exclusively in U.S. rental properties across 10+ markets including Dallas, Atlanta, Tampa, and Seattle. Rather than serving international markets, Ark7 focuses entirely on American real estate opportunities, operating under SEC Regulation A+ with Dalmore Group LLC as its FINRA-registered broker-dealer. This U.S.-only focus ensures regulatory clarity and compliance specifically designed for American investors.

The fundamental difference lies in market specialization: Addy dominates the Canadian market while Ark7 excels in U.S. real estate.

Investment Models Show Distinct Liquidity Advantages

Addy’s Canadian investment approach includes:

• $1 minimum investment per share
• Diverse investment types: equity, hard money loans, private credit, and real estate funds
• Typical 5-year holding period with no secondary market
• Quarterly or variable distribution schedules
• Provincial restrictions limiting access to AB, BC, QC, and ON residents

This model works for Canadian investors seeking long-term exposure to local real estate but creates significant liquidity constraints.

Ark7’s U.S. rental property model focuses on high-impact features:

• $20 minimum investment per share in rental properties
• Exclusive focus on cash-flowing single-family and multifamily rentals
• Secondary market trading after 12-month minimum hold
• Monthly cash distributions on the 3rd of each month
• Access for all U.S. residents 18+ with broad U.S. availability, subject to secondary market and state securities rules

The liquidity advantage becomes crucial for U.S. investors. While Addy requires a 5-year commitment with no exit options, Ark7 provides a regulated secondary market where 70% of properties actively trade. This flexibility proves invaluable for investors facing changing financial circumstances or seeking to rebalance portfolios.

For example, while Addy investors must wait for property exits to recover capital, Ark7 investors can sell shares on the PPEX ATS (Alternative Trading System) after just 12 months. This flexibility proves invaluable for investors facing changing financial circumstances or seeking to rebalance portfolios.

Performance Metrics Demonstrate Operational Excellence

The platforms’ performance data reveals significant operational differences.

Addy’s performance characteristics include:

• Estimated IRR ranging from 4.45% to 33.1% across different properties
• Limited public reporting on occupancy rates or operational metrics
• User reports of inconsistent returns, defaults, and foreclosures
• 100,000+ cumulative distributions made (not monthly specific)

Ark7’s transparent performance reporting emphasizes measurable results:

• 3.96% annualized returns as of November 2023
• 94.81% portfolio occupancy rate demonstrating strong property management
• $75,538.20 in monthly dividend payments distributed to investors
• Detailed monthly performance updates with property-specific metrics
• Top-performing property (Urbana-S11) delivering 7.65% yield

The transparency difference proves critical for informed decision-making. Ark7’s monthly performance dashboard provides investors with real-time occupancy data, lease updates, and operational events, while Addy offers limited public reporting. This operational visibility enables Ark7 investors to make data-driven decisions about their portfolios.

The high occupancy rate of 94.81% demonstrates Ark7’s professional property management capabilities, ensuring consistent rental income even during market fluctuations. This operational excellence translates directly into reliable monthly distributions for investors seeking passive income.

Pricing and Fee Structures Reveal True Value

The fee structures reflect each platform’s operational model and value proposition.

Addy’s fee structure:

• $1 minimum investment (ultra-low barrier to entry)
• No direct investor fees (fees charged to issuers/EMDs)
• $0 annual membership fee (free tier) or $50/year (premium tier)
• Fees absorbed by the platform’s business model

Ark7’s transparent fee structure:

• $20 minimum investment per share
• 3% one-time sourcing fee (of property market cap)
• 8-15% property management fee (deducted from rental income)
• $0 annual platform fees
• IRA custodian fee: $100/property/year (capped at $400, waived for balances >$100K)

While Addy appears to have lower fees, Ark7’s transparent structure provides clarity about costs. The 3% sourcing fee and 8-15% management fee are clearly disclosed upfront, allowing investors to calculate net returns accurately. This transparency aligns with Ark7’s mission of operational clarity and information democracy.

When evaluating total value, Ark7’s monthly distributions and secondary market liquidity compensate for the slightly higher minimum investment. The ability to access capital after 12 months versus Addy’s 5-year lockup represents significant opportunity cost savings for U.S. investors.

Target Investors Reveal Strategic Alignment

Addy primarily serves Canadian residents in select provinces seeking exposure to local real estate markets. Their ideal customers are Canadian retail investors looking for very low entry points with per-property investment caps and diverse investment types beyond traditional rentals. These investors prioritize geographic proximity and accept longer illiquidity periods.

Ark7 targets U.S. investors seeking accessible, transparent fractional real estate with monthly income. These investors typically value liquidity options, regulatory clarity, and consistent cash flow. The platform serves both accredited and non-accredited U.S. investors with broad U.S. availability, subject to secondary market and state securities rules, making real estate investment accessible to Americans nationwide.

This distinction matters fundamentally. U.S. investors benefit from Ark7’s SEC Regulation A+ compliance, which provides standardized investor protections and disclosure requirements. Addy’s Canadian regulatory framework, while appropriate for its market, doesn’t address the specific needs and regulatory expectations of American investors.

For U.S. investors, Ark7’s model perfectly matches their requirements: domestic real estate exposure with familiar regulatory oversight and liquidity options.

Technology and User Experience Enhance Accessibility

Both platforms offer mobile applications, but their features reflect different priorities.

Addy’s technology approach:

• iOS app rated 4.8/5
• Android app available
• Active Discord community with 3,000+ members
• Basic investment tracking and management

Ark7’s technology advantages:

• Intuitive mobile app for iOS (4.7/5) and Android (4.2/5)
• Real-time portfolio tracking and performance insights
• Secondary market trading capabilities within the app
• IRA account management integration
• Secure transactions with 24/7 account access

The Ark7 mobile app enables investors to “discover and invest in curated rental properties across the U.S. from a mobile device,” making real estate investing as convenient as stock trading. The integration of secondary market trading within the app provides seamless liquidity management, while IRA account features support long-term retirement planning.

This technological sophistication supports Ark7’s mission to “make real estate investment as easy as a stock investment” while maintaining full operational transparency.

Regulatory Compliance and Investor Protection

The regulatory frameworks reflect different market requirements and investor protections.

Addy’s Canadian compliance:

• Operates through EMD (Exempt Market Dealer) partnerships
• Provincial securities regulations in AB, BC, QC, and ON
• March 2025 regulatory settlement with BC Securities Commission ($100K payment for unregistered trading from 2018-2025)
• Limited to specific Canadian provinces

Ark7’s U.S. regulatory framework:

• SEC Regulation A+ qualified offerings
• FINRA-registered broker-dealer (Dalmore Group LLC)
• SIPC membership for investor protection
• Available to all U.S. residents 18+
• Clear offering circulars with comprehensive risk disclosures

For U.S. investors, Ark7’s regulatory clarity provides confidence and protection. The SEC Regulation A+ framework ensures standardized disclosures, while FINRA/SIPC oversight provides additional investor safeguards. This regulatory foundation supports Ark7’s commitment to “making real estate investment accessible, efficient, and transparent.”

The recent regulatory settlement by Addy, while resolved, highlights the complexities of international regulatory compliance that U.S. investors may prefer to avoid.

Unique Features Create Competitive Advantages

Addy’s unique features:

• $1 absolute minimum investment (industry-leading accessibility)
• Diverse investment vehicles beyond rentals (hard money loans, private credit)
• Canadian market dominance ($1.36B in assets, 50% market share)

Ark7’s superior features for U.S. investors:

• Active secondary market with published trading data and price discovery
• Monthly performance transparency dashboard with detailed operational metrics
• Dedicated IRA real estate investing program for tax-advantaged wealth building
• Monthly cash flow distribution for consistent passive income
• Professional property management ensuring 94.81% occupancy rates

For U.S. investors, Ark7’s features address the most critical investment requirements: liquidity, transparency, income, and regulatory compliance. The secondary market alone represents a significant advantage, providing exit options unavailable on most fractional platforms, including Addy.

The monthly performance reporting enables data-driven investment decisions, while the IRA integration supports long-term wealth building strategies. These features collectively create a superior investment experience for American investors.

Why Ark7 Delivers Superior Value for U.S. Real Estate Investors

U.S. investors face unique requirements that international platforms cannot adequately address. These investors need domestic real estate exposure with familiar regulatory oversight, liquidity options, and consistent income.

Key advantages of Ark7’s U.S.-focused approach:

• Geographic specialization: Exclusive focus on U.S. rental properties in high-growth markets like Dallas, Atlanta, and Tampa ensures alignment with American economic trends and investor preferences
• Liquidity leadership: Secondary market trading after 12 months provides crucial flexibility compared to Addy’s extended illiquidity with no formal exchange for trading
• Income consistency: Monthly distributions averaging 3.96% annualized support reliable cash flow planning, unlike Addy’s variable quarterly payments
• Regulatory clarity: SEC Regulation A+ compliance with FINRA-registered broker-dealer oversight provides familiar investor protections
• Operational transparency: Detailed monthly performance reports with 94.81% occupancy rates demonstrate professional management and reliable returns

For U.S. investors seeking fractional real estate exposure, Ark7 represents the superior platform for accessible, transparent real estate investing. The combination of monthly income, secondary market liquidity, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence creates compelling value that international alternatives cannot match.

By investing in rentals, American investors gain access to professionally managed properties with minimal capital requirements, monthly passive income, and potential appreciation—all without landlord responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum investment for Ark7 and how does it compare to Addy?

Ark7 requires a $20 minimum investment per share, while Addy offers a $1 minimum per share. Although Addy’s entry point is lower, Ark7’s $20 minimum still represents industry-leading accessibility for U.S. fractional real estate with property selection. The slightly higher minimum is offset by Ark7’s superior liquidity options, monthly income, and regulatory clarity specifically designed for American investors.

Can I sell my shares on Ark7, and what are the liquidity options?

Yes, Ark7 investors can sell shares on the secondary trading market after a 12-month minimum holding period. The platform features an active secondary market where 70% of the portfolio trades regularly, providing regulated exit opportunities. This liquidity option is unavailable on Addy, which has no secondary market and typically requires 5-year holds. Ark7’s secondary market operates through the PPEX ATS (Alternative Trading System).

Are there any hidden fees with Ark7 investments?

Ark7 maintains a transparent fee structure with no hidden costs. Investors pay a 3% one-time sourcing fee (of property market cap) and 8-15% property management fee (deducted from rental income before distributions). There are no annual platform fees or ongoing membership costs. This transparency aligns with Ark7’s commitment to “no hidden fees, no surprise ever” and enables investors to accurately calculate net returns before investing.

How does Ark7 ensure transparency in its property offerings?

Ark7 provides exceptional transparency through detailed monthly performance reports that include occupancy rates (94.81% as of November 2023), dividend distributions, lease updates, and operational events by property. The platform offers complete legal and financial disclosure accessible 24/7, with SEC-qualified offering circulars for each property series. This operational transparency enables data-driven investment decisions and supports Ark7’s mission of “access operation transparency.”

Is investing through Ark7 considered a compliant and regulated investment?

Yes, Ark7 operates under SEC Regulation A+ with Dalmore Group LLC as its FINRA-registered and SIPC-member broker-dealer of record. All offerings are qualified with the SEC, providing standardized investor protections and disclosure requirements familiar to U.S. investors. This regulatory framework ensures compliance with U.S. securities laws and provides investor confidence through established oversight mechanisms.

What types of properties does Ark7 offer for investment?

Ark7 offers fractional shares in curated high-yield rental properties nationwide, focusing on single-family homes and townhomes in 10+ U.S. markets. Properties include modern constructions in growth markets like Dallas-S8 (3b/2.5b, 1998-built home in Mesquite, TX), Atlanta-T3 (3b/2.5b, 2020-built townhome in Jonesboro, GA), and Tampa-S10 (4b/2.5b, 2020-built home in Land O Lakes, FL). All properties are professionally sourced, acquired, and managed to ensure consistent rental income and potential appreciation.