# RealT - Tokenized Real Estate Investments

> RealT tokenizes real estate properties through blockchain technology, enabling fractional ownership of properties. Investors can purchase digital tokens that represent shares in specific real estate assets, while smart contracts automatically distribute rental income. Since 2019, over 200 properties worth more than 45 million USD have been tokenized, reducing the purchase process from at least 30 days to 30 minutes.

**Sector:** Tertiary sector · **Industry:** Real estate agencies · **Organisation:** RealToken, Inc. · **Maturity level:** Production

Canonical URL: https://www.sapientblock.com/en/use-cases/realtoken-taeglich-mietrendite-aufs-wallet-erhalten

## Documentation status

- **Project status:** Production
- **Evidence:** Evidence high
- **Editorial review:** Ufuk Avci, 15 April 2026

## Description

RealT was founded in 2019 by the Franco-American brothers Jean-Marc and Rémy Jacobson. The model: a specific LLC buys a property; LLC shares are issued as ERC-20 tokens on the Ethereum blockchain. Rental income flows daily or weekly via smart contract as USDC or DAI to the wallets of token holders.

RealT is one of the first scaled real estate tokenisation platforms worldwide. The model in detail: a separate LLC is established for each property; the LLC membership shares are divided into hundreds to thousands of ERC-20 tokens. Investors buy tokens and thereby acquire shares in the LLC (not directly in the land register). Smart contracts distribute rental income daily or weekly as USDC/DAI. Minimum entry size: approx. 50 USD. Secondary market: tokens can be traded on DEXs like Uniswap or SwapCat — ownership transfers in minutes instead of months. As of 2025: 700+ tokenised properties, 16,000+ investors, 125 countries. Returns: 9-12% p.a. according to platform data. Criticism: The city of Detroit sued RealT in 2024/25 for neglecting 400+ properties — rental properties without heating, water or structural safety. The blockchain model increases transparency over token transactions but does not protect against poor property management. The case shows: tokenisation does not solve property management problems.

## Benefits

- Real estate companies can access new sources of financing and liquidate their properties faster than through traditional sales processes.
- Private investors gain access to diversified real estate investments with low minimum investment amounts and automatic income payments.
- Tokenisation enables fractional ownership, significantly lowering the barriers to entry for real estate investments.
- Smart contracts fully automate rent distribution and create transparent, traceable payment flows.
- Integration with DeFi protocols creates a liquid secondary market for traditionally illiquid real estate investments.
- Automation through smart contracts reduces manual administrative effort and allows employees to focus on higher-value advisory activities.

## Challenges

- Real estate companies must invest significant resources in blockchain expertise and legal advice to tokenise compliantly.
- Regulatory uncertainties regarding real estate tokenisation and securities laws create legal complexity.
- Technical challenges such as high blockchain fees and complex USDC payouts on Gnosis Chain impair user-friendliness.
- Employees require comprehensive training in blockchain technology and DeFi protocols to effectively use the new systems.

## Technology foundation

RealT uses the Ethereum blockchain and Gnosis Chain for real estate tokenisation via smart contracts. The ERC-20 token standards enable trading of real estate shares like digital securities, while stablecoin payments in USDC ensure automatic and transparent rent payouts.

## Sources

- [RealT Official Website](https://realt.co)
- [Request Finance RealT Use Case](https://www.request.finance/use-cases/realt)
- [RealT Token Purchase](https://realt.co/buy-tokens/)