Real Estate Crowdfunding: Getstake vs Smartcrowd 2025
What is Real Estate Crowdfunding?
Real estate crowdfunding allows multiple investors to pool funds to buy property without needing a large down payment or applying for mortgages.
Instead of owning an entire property, you own fractional shares.
Platforms like Smartcrowd and Getstake manage the property and rental income distribution for you.
Key Benefits of Real Estate Crowdfunding:
1. Low Entry Point: Invest with as little as AED 500.
2. Direct Property Ownership: Unlike Dubai REITs, you invest directly into specific Dubai properties.
3. Transparency: Detailed insights into projects, developers, and expected returns.
4. Passive Income: Earn passive income potential (rental properties) and potential property appreciation.
5. Professional Management: No need to roll up your sleeves and play landlord. The platform handles property maintenance and tenant management.
What Are the Risks?
1. Illiquidity: Longer lock-in periods, and fees for withdrawing early. Selling your share may take time, making it difficult to quickly access funds.
2. Platform Reliability: Your investment success depend heavily on the platform’s management expertise. Unreliable platforms could lead to mismanagement or potential loss of funds.
3. Risk of Loss: Like any investment, there’s the risk of losing money – potential for property value decline.
4. Fees: Fees can eat into your overall returns.
5. Limited Control: Little to no say in the day-to-day management of the property.
6. Dilution Risk: Your investment pie might get sliced thinner if the project needs more cash down the line.
Why Invest in the Dubai Property Market via Crowdfunding?
Dubai’s real estate can deliver good ROI potential because:
- Better rental yields than most places worldwide.
- Property value steadily increase with high demand.
- Easy access for everyday investors through platforms like Smartcrowd and Getstake.
👉 For investors interested in buying property in Dubai, crowdfunding is a cost-effective way to start small while diversifying.
Getstake vs Smartcrowd vs Baytukum: Which Platform Is Best?
Smartcrowd, Getstake and Baytukum are three real estate crowdfunding platforms that make it easier to dip your toes into the Dubai property market.
They offer ways to invest without buying the entire properties, but they do it in different ways.
Getstake vs Smartcrowd vs Baytukum – Comparison
When comparing, it’s important to understand that these real estate crowdfunding platforms offer vetted opportunities, but they operate with different models and may cater to different types of investors.
| Platform | Min. Investment | Holding Period | Reviews* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartcrowd | AED 500 Max. Investment (AED 183,625 / USD 50,000) | Up to 5 Years (with early share transfer 2x a year, after 1-year lock-in period.) | Google 4.6 (287 Reviews) Trustpilot 4.4 (224 Reviews) |
| GetStake | AED 2000 Max.Investment (AED 183,625 / USD 50,000) | 5+ Years (with exit window 2x a year, after 1-year lock-in period.) | Google 4.3 (201 Reviews) Trustpilot 4.4 (448 Reviews) |
| Baytukum | AED 5000 Max.Investment (AED 183,625 / USD 50,000) | 3-5 Years (share transfer allowed) | Google 5.0 (16 Reviews) |
Getstake vs Smartcrowd vs Baytukum – Fees & Exit
| Platform | Fees | Exit |
|---|---|---|
| Smartcrowd | Entry Fee: 1.5% Admin Fee: 0.5% / year Exit Fee: 2.5% | Voting at 5 years, or prior to this if the property receives a good offer. Vote weight is based on the proportionate weighting of the investment. E.g. if you own 10%, your vote carries a 10% weight. Max anyone to own is 24.99% of a property. |
| GetStake | Entry Fee: 1.5% Admin Fee: 0.5% / year KYC & AML Fee: 0.2% 1st Year, 0.1% from 2nd year Exit Fee: 2.5% at time of sale Performance Fee: 7% on appreciation profits | End of investment term, all investors can vote to sell or hold for another 12 months. If property’s ROI reaches in excess of 30%, Stake will initiate a vote to sell or hold the Property. If majority wants to sell, Stake will initiate property sale. |
| Baytukum | Entry Fee: 2.98% Admin Fee: 0.99% / year Exit Fee: 2.5% Platform Fee On Rental Income: 5% | After 3–5-year, investors can sell or postpone property sale by vote. |
How are the Listed Properties Selected?
All three platforms use:
- Rigorous internal screening process.
- Networks of investors, asset managers, brokers, banks, and developers to source and filter unique deals.
- Third-party data providers (like REIDIN) to remain accurate and reliable.
Getstake vs Smartcrowd vs Baytukum – How Do I Pick?
Here are some key things that can help you make the right choice:
1. Investment Goals
Have a look at the types of property opportunities offered by each platform. Do you want steady rental income, or are you hoping property values will shoot up quickly?
For example, if you want cash flow and rental income, investing in affordable holiday homes in Marina may give you more rental income as opposed to capital appreciation.
Figure out what your game plan. It’ll help you pick the right properties to invest in.
2. Track Record
Research the track record of each platform by reviewing their “Funded” and “Exited” properties. Check annual rental income, what’s the ROI when the property is sold, and look for any notable successes or failures.
3. Crowdfunding Platforms Reputation
Check reviews from other investors. Consider factors such as:
- Platform reliability
- Fees
- Transparency
- Ease of use
- Customer service
- Investor Protection (i.e. how’s investments are structured, insurance, etc)
Is Real Estate Crowdfunding Platform Right for You?
Ask yourself:
1. What’s your Holding Power?
- How long can I lock my money? (Most require 3–5 years minimum.)
- What is my risk tolerance?
- Am I comfortable with limited control over property management?
👉 If your goal is passive income and diversified exposure to the Dubai property market, platforms like Smartcrowd and Getstake can be a good fit.
2. Market Timing
Take a look at what’s happening in the real estate market. Are prices on the rise, or is it a buyer’s market?
Depending on the market cycle, you may look for different opportunities.
Conclusion: Smartcrowd vs Getstake – Which Wins?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
- Choose Smartcrowd for a lower entry point and wide property options.
- Choose Getstake if you’re comfortable with slightly higher fees and want features like a performance-based exit trigger.
- Baytukum may suit those looking for premium properties with shorter holding periods.
Disclaimer: Home It Better is not your financial advisor or real estate agent. The article here is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a licensed professional.
