Landa vs RealT vs Ark7: Finding the Right Fractional Real Estate Platform

When evaluating fractional real estate investment platforms, investors face a critical challenge: balancing accessibility with reliability. The market offers dramatically different approaches, from traditional platforms to blockchain-based solutions, with varying levels of operational stability. Among the available options, Ark7 emerges as the premier choice for mainstream investors seeking a reliable, accessible path to real estate investment without cryptocurrency complexity. By offering fractional real estate investing with minimum investments as low as $20, SEC Regulation A+ qualification, and integrated IRA investment options, Ark7 delivers a streamlined experience that prioritizes investor security and accessibility. This comprehensive guide examines the three platforms, highlighting why Ark7 stands out as the optimal choice for most investors.

Key Takeaways

• Ark7 stands out as the most reliable fractional real estate platform with 100% operational uptime, consistent monthly dividends, and SEC Regulation A+ qualification
• Landa is completely non-operational since early 2024, with frozen investor funds and a significant number of BBB complaints, making it a cautionary tale rather than a viable option
• RealT offers blockchain-based tokenization but requires cryptocurrency knowledge, wallet setup, and accredited investor status for US investors, creating significant barriers to entry
• Ark7 provides unique advantages including IRA investment integration, no accreditation requirements, and a user-friendly mobile app with strong ratings on both iOS and Android platforms
• For mainstream investors seeking accessible, traditional real estate investment without crypto complexity, Ark7 offers the optimal balance of accessibility, reliability, and regulatory compliance

Understanding the Fractional Real Estate Investment Landscape

Fractional real estate platforms have democratized access to property investment by allowing individuals to purchase shares in rental properties rather than entire assets. This model enables investors to build real estate portfolios with significantly lower capital requirements while benefiting from rental income and potential appreciation. However, the implementation of this model varies dramatically across platforms, with critical differences in operational stability, regulatory compliance, and user experience.

The current landscape presents three distinct approaches:

1. Traditional platforms like Ark7 that operate within established securities regulations and offer straightforward investment processes
2. Blockchain-based platforms like RealT that leverage tokenization for property ownership but require cryptocurrency knowledge
3. Failed platforms like Landa that collapsed operationally, leaving investors with frozen funds

Key Considerations for Investors:

• Operational reliability – Is the platform consistently functional with regular dividend payments?
• Regulatory compliance – Is the platform operating under SEC oversight with proper qualifications?
• Accessibility – Are there accreditation requirements or complex technical barriers to entry?
• Exit options – Can investors liquidate their positions through secondary markets?
• Tax implications – Does the platform create complex tax reporting requirements?

Platform Comparison: Operational Status and Reliability

Ark7: The Reliable, Operational Platform

Ark7 stands as the most reliable option in the fractional real estate space, maintaining 100% operational uptime with consistent monthly dividend payments. With over 220,000 active investors and $23+ million in property value funded, the platform has demonstrated sustained operational excellence. Ark7’s portfolio maintains a 94.81% occupancy rate, with $75,538 in monthly dividends paid to investors.

Key Operational Strengths:

• Consistent monthly dividends paid on the 3rd of each month
• SEC Regulation A+ qualification ensuring regulatory compliance
• Active secondary market with $61,662 in recent monthly trading volume
• Responsive customer support with an A+ BBB rating
• Strong user satisfaction with a 4.7/5 rating on iOS and 3.8/5 on Android

Ark7’s operational reliability extends to its property management, with professional oversight of all properties and transparent reporting of performance metrics. The platform’s commitment to regulatory compliance through SEC qualification provides investors with confidence in the legitimacy and oversight of their investments.

Landa: The Cautionary Tale of Platform Failure

Landa represents a cautionary tale in the fractional real estate space, with the platform completely non-operational since early 2024. The collapse involved multiple factors, including a lawsuit from venture investor Viola over $35M+ in loan defaults and the failure of banking partner Synapse Bank in April 2024. Investors now face frozen funds with no access to capital or dividends, resulting in an F BBB rating with a significant number of unresolved complaints and a 1.3/5 Trustpilot rating.

Critical Failure Points:

• Platform completely inaccessible since early 2024
• Frozen investor funds with no dividend payments since 2024
• Non-responsive customer support leaving investors without assistance
• F BBB rating with a significant number of unresolved complaints
• Banking partner collapse affecting custodian accounts

The Landa situation underscores the importance of operational track record and regulatory oversight when selecting a fractional real estate platform. Investors who chose Landa based on its historically low $5 minimum investment now face the reality of inaccessible capital and no recourse for recovery.

RealT: The Blockchain-Based Alternative

RealT operates as a functional blockchain-based platform, having tokenized over $150M in property value. The platform leverages Ethereum and Gnosis blockchain technology to create tokenized property ownership, with weekly stablecoin dividend payments. While operational, RealT’s blockchain foundation creates significant barriers for mainstream investors unfamiliar with cryptocurrency concepts.

Operational Characteristics:

• Blockchain-dependent infrastructure requiring wallet setup and management
• Weekly dividend payments in stablecoins rather than traditional currency
• Active decentralized exchange (DEX) trading for token liquidity
• Variable gas fees depending on Ethereum network congestion
• Limited direct customer support compared to traditional platforms

RealT’s operational model appeals to tech-savvy, crypto-native investors comfortable with blockchain technology, but creates significant friction for mainstream investors seeking straightforward real estate exposure.

Accessibility and Investment Requirements

Ark7: Maximum Accessibility for All Investors

Ark7 prioritizes accessibility by requiring no accreditation for US investors 18 and older, with minimum investments starting at just $20 per share. This approach aligns with Ark7’s mission of making real estate investment accessible to everyone, regardless of accreditation status or technical knowledge.

Accessibility Features:

• No accreditation required for US investors 18+
• $20 minimum investment per share
• No cryptocurrency knowledge needed
• Traditional bank account linking via ACH
• IRA investment integration via Inspira Financial custodian

Ark7’s accessibility extends to its user experience, with a mobile app designed for intuitive navigation and investment management. The platform’s traditional approach eliminates the learning curve associated with cryptocurrency platforms, making it ideal for mainstream investors.

Landa: Historical Accessibility

Landa historically offered the lowest minimum investment in the industry at $5 per share, making it highly accessible before its collapse. However, this historical advantage is now irrelevant given the platform’s complete non-operational status. Investors cannot access the platform, make new investments, or withdraw existing capital.

RealT: Limited Accessibility for Mainstream Investors

RealT creates significant barriers to entry for mainstream US investors, requiring both accredited investor status and cryptocurrency knowledge. The platform’s minimum investment of approximately $50 per token is higher than Ark7’s $20 minimum, and the requirement for wallet setup and management creates additional complexity.

Accessibility Barriers:

• Accredited investor status required for US investors
• Cryptocurrency wallet setup necessary for participation
• $50 minimum investment per token
• Gas fees for blockchain transactions
• Complex tax reporting due to cryptocurrency involvement

While RealT offers greater accessibility for international investors, US investors face significant hurdles that limit its appeal to the mainstream market.

Returns, Fees, and Total Cost of Ownership

Ark7: Transparent Fee Structure with Consistent Returns

Ark7 offers a transparent fee structure with 3.96-4.36% annualized dividend returns. The platform charges a 3% sourcing fee on property market cap and 8-15% of rental income for property management, with no annual asset management fees. The IRA investment option incurs a $100 annual fee per property (capped at $400 annually), which is waived for account balances exceeding $100,000.

Cost Structure:

• 3% sourcing fee on property market cap
• 8-15% property management fee of rental income
• $0 annual AUM fees
• $0 secondary trading fees after 12-month hold
• $100/property annual IRA fee (capped at $400)

The total cost of ownership for a $1,000 investment in Ark7 is approximately $70-90 in the first year, resulting in a net return of approximately 3.0-3.5% after fees.

Landa: Zero Returns Due to Platform Collapse

Landa currently offers 0% effective returns, as the platform has not distributed dividends since early 2024. Investors cannot access their capital or receive any income from their investments, making cost analysis irrelevant.

RealT: Higher Costs with Complex Fee Structure

RealT’s fee structure includes approximately 10% origination fees, variable property management fees, 2% transaction fees for trading, and variable gas fees for blockchain transactions. The platform projects 8-12% returns, but the higher cost structure reduces net returns to approximately 4.5-7.0% after fees.

Cost Components:

• ~10% origination fee
• Variable property management fees
• 2% transaction fees for trading
• $10-50 variable gas fees for blockchain transactions
• Additional $50-100 tax preparation costs for crypto complexity

The total cost of ownership for a $1,000 investment in RealT is approximately $180-270 in the first year, significantly higher than Ark7’s costs.

Liquidity and Secondary Market Options

Ark7: Regulated Secondary Market with Holding Period

Ark7 provides liquidity through the PPEX ATS (Public Private Execution Network Alternative Trading System), a SEC-registered secondary trading platform. Investors can sell shares after a 12-month minimum holding period, with $61,662 in recent monthly trading volume. While liquidity depends on buyer demand for specific properties, the regulated nature of the secondary market provides investor protection.

Liquidity Features:

• SEC-registered secondary market (PPEX ATS)
• 12-month minimum holding period before trading
• $0 trading fees after holding period
• 26 properties actively trading (70% of portfolio)
• Regulatory compliance with securities laws

Landa: Complete Liquidity Freeze

Landa’s secondary market is completely disabled, with no ability for investors to sell shares or access their capital. The platform’s collapse has resulted in a total liquidity freeze, leaving investors with no exit options.

RealT: Decentralized Exchange Trading

RealT offers immediate liquidity through decentralized exchanges (DEX) like Uniswap, with no minimum holding period. However, this liquidity comes with blockchain transaction costs (gas fees) and requires cryptocurrency knowledge to execute trades.

Liquidity Characteristics:

• Immediate trading availability via DEX
• 2% transaction fees plus variable gas fees
• Cryptocurrency knowledge required for trading
• No regulatory oversight of trading platform
• Smart contract risk associated with DEX trading

Regulatory Compliance and Investor Protection

Ark7: Comprehensive Regulatory Oversight

Ark7 operates under SEC Regulation A+ qualification, with Dalmore Group LLC serving as the FINRA and SIPC registered broker-dealer of record. This regulatory framework provides investors with significant protections, including transparent disclosure requirements and oversight of investment offerings.

Regulatory Features:

• SEC Regulation A+ qualification
• FINRA/SIPC registered broker-dealer (Dalmore Group LLC)
• Full offering circular disclosure
• Regulated secondary market (PPEX ATS)
• Traditional tax reporting with 1099 forms

Landa: Regulatory Compliance (Historical)

Landa operated under SEC Regulation A+ when functional, but the platform’s collapse has eliminated any regulatory protections for current investors. The lack of operational oversight during the collapse highlights the limitations of regulatory frameworks when platforms fail operationally.

RealT: Securities Compliance with Blockchain Complexity

RealT maintains securities compliance but adds blockchain complexity that creates additional regulatory considerations. The platform’s use of cryptocurrency creates tax reporting complexity and potential regulatory uncertainty as blockchain regulations evolve.

Regulatory Considerations:

• Securities compliant structure
• Cryptocurrency regulatory uncertainty
• Complex tax reporting requirements
• Smart contract risk without traditional oversight
• Limited investor protection for blockchain-specific risks

Technology and User Experience

Ark7: Intuitive Mobile Platform

Ark7’s mobile app delivers intuitive navigation and comprehensive investment management features. The platform’s traditional approach eliminates technical complexity while providing all necessary functionality for property discovery, investment management, and dividend tracking.

Technology Advantages:

• 4.7/5 iOS rating and 3.8/5 Android rating
• Intuitive user interface requiring no technical knowledge
• Comprehensive portfolio tracking
• Secure bank account linking via ACH
• Standard tax reporting with 1099 forms

Landa: Non-Functional Technology

Landa’s mobile app and website are completely inaccessible since early 2024, rendering any discussion of user experience irrelevant.

RealT: Blockchain Complexity

RealT’s blockchain foundation requires cryptocurrency wallet setup, gas fee management, and blockchain transaction knowledge. While innovative, this approach creates significant friction for mainstream investors unfamiliar with cryptocurrency concepts.

Technology Requirements:

• Cryptocurrency wallet setup (MetaMask, etc.)
• Gas fee management for transactions
• Blockchain transaction knowledge
• Crypto tax reporting complexity
• Smart contract interaction requirements

Specific Use Cases Where Each Platform Excels

Choose Ark7 when:

• You’re a mainstream investor seeking traditional real estate exposure without cryptocurrency complexity
• You want consistent monthly dividend payments with reliable platform operation
• You need IRA investment integration for retirement planning
• You’re a non-accredited investor seeking accessible real estate investment
• You prioritize regulatory compliance and investor protection
• You want straightforward tax reporting with standard 1099 forms

Consider RealT only when:

• You’re a tech-savvy, crypto-native investor comfortable with blockchain technology
• You’re an accredited investor seeking blockchain-based real estate exposure
• You prefer weekly dividend payments in stablecoins
• You want to integrate real estate tokens with DeFi protocols
• You’re an international investor with limited access to traditional platforms

Landa Considerations:

• The platform is completely non-operational with frozen investor funds
• No dividends have been paid since early 2024
• Customer support is non-responsive
• The platform represents a cautionary tale of operational risk

Making the Right Choice for Your Investment Goals

Selecting the ideal fractional real estate platform depends on your specific requirements, technical comfort level, and investment objectives. Ark7 emerges as the clear winner for mainstream investors seeking reliable, accessible real estate investment without cryptocurrency complexity. The platform’s operational reliability, regulatory compliance, and user-friendly experience make it the optimal choice for most investors.

For those prioritizing operational stability, accessibility, and traditional investment structures, Ark7 provides the ideal solution. The platform’s track record of consistent dividend payments, transparent fee structure, and comprehensive regulatory oversight demonstrates its commitment to investor protection and satisfaction.

The future of fractional real estate investing lies in platforms that balance innovation with reliability, and Ark7 leads the charge in democratizing access to high-quality real estate investment for investors of all backgrounds. Start building your real estate portfolio today with Ark7’s accessible platform and experience the difference that operational reliability and regulatory compliance can make in your investment success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Landa, RealT, and Ark7?

The primary difference lies in operational status and technology approach. Landa has been completely non-operational since early 2024 with frozen investor funds, making it unavailable for investment. RealT uses blockchain technology requiring cryptocurrency knowledge and accredited investor status for US investors, creating significant barriers to entry. Ark7 offers a traditional, SEC-regulated platform with no accreditation requirements, consistent monthly dividends, and 100% operational uptime. This makes Ark7 the most accessible and reliable option for mainstream investors seeking straightforward real estate exposure.

Can I invest in these platforms if I’m not an accredited investor?

Yes, but only with Ark7, which is open to all US investors 18 and older without accreditation requirements. RealT requires accredited investor status for US investors, limiting access to high-net-worth individuals who meet specific income or asset thresholds. Landa is completely non-operational and unavailable for new investments regardless of accreditation status. For non-accredited investors seeking fractional real estate exposure, Ark7 represents the only viable option among these three platforms.

How do I receive returns from my investments on these platforms?

Ark7 pays consistent monthly dividends on the 3rd of each month via direct deposit to your linked bank account, with annualized returns of 3.96-4.36%. The platform uses traditional payment methods that integrate seamlessly with standard banking. RealT distributes weekly stablecoin payments to cryptocurrency wallets, requiring blockchain knowledge to manage and convert to traditional currency. Landa has not paid any dividends since early 2024 due to its complete operational collapse, leaving investors with zero returns and no access to their capital.

What are the typical fees associated with investing through fractional real estate platforms?

Ark7 charges a 3% sourcing fee and 8-15% of rental income for property management, with no annual asset management fees, resulting in total first-year costs of approximately $70-90 on a $1,000 investment. RealT has approximately 10% origination fees, variable management fees, 2% transaction fees, and variable gas fees for blockchain transactions, totaling approximately $180-270 in first-year costs on a $1,000 investment. Landa’s fee structure is irrelevant due to its non-operational status and inability to generate returns. Ark7’s transparent fee structure provides better value for most mainstream investors.

Is my investment liquid, and can I sell shares easily?

Ark7 provides liquidity through the SEC-registered PPEX ATS secondary market after a 12-month holding period, with recent monthly trading volume of $61,662 and approximately 70% of portfolio properties actively trading. The regulated marketplace ensures investor protection and transparent pricing. RealT offers immediate liquidity through decentralized exchanges but requires cryptocurrency knowledge and incurs transaction costs including gas fees. Landa’s secondary market is completely disabled with no ability for investors to sell shares or access their capital, representing a total liquidity freeze with no exit options available.