Fractional Ownership Real Estate India 2023

What is Fractional Ownership Meaning?

Fractional ownership meaning or fractional ownership commercial real estate is the ownership of a part of a commercial property. Fractional real estate investing gets achieved by a group of investors with pooled funds. 

These enormous commercial assets would not be accessible to retail investors. The fractional ownership real estate firm lets investors invest and profit from appreciation.

With its potential for high returns, ease of tracking, and diversification benefits, this investment model is rapidly gaining popularity.

How Does Fractional ownership work?

Let’s use an example to comprehend it better, Let’s say a group of investors is in charge of a Rs. 250 crore industrial building. They welcome retail investors to make minimal investments of Rs. 25 lakhs and receive set returns based upon those investments.

Assetmonk, an alternative investment platform, for example, offers a fractional ownership model where investments  are secured and starts as low as 25 lakhs.

Fractional ownership investment not only opens up new channels for investors, but it also lowers the cost of investment and reduces risk.

Benefits of Fractional Ownership in Real Estate for Indian Investors?

For Indian investors, fractional ownership in real estate or fractional real estate investing has several advantages. 

Here are a few key benefits:

Diversification

• One of the primary advantages of real estate fractional ownership or fractional real estate investing is that it allows investors to diversify their investment portfolios. 
• Real estate is a top asset class for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) in India, making up around 40% of their portfolios, as per a PwC India report.
•  Fractional property investment offers a more affordable and easier way for investors to diversify and reduce risk. 

High Returns 

• Real estate has historically been a high-yielding investment, and Fractional ownership in real estate lets investors earn high returns without investing a lot of money.
•  According to a Knight Frank India report, investors can expect rental yields of 6-8% on fractional ownership in real estate.

Passive Income 

• Real estate fractional ownership or fractional real estate can also provide passive income. Investors can earn rental income on their property ownership stake, which can provide a consistent stream of income over time.

Access to New-Age Alternative Investment Platforms

• In India, several new-age alternative investment platforms, such as Assetmonk, provide fractional ownership of real estate. These platforms facilitate real estate investment by providing a user-friendly platform, transparent pricing, and hassle-free property management.

Fractional Ownership vs. Traditional Real Estate Investment

Parameters	Fractional Ownership	Traditional Real Estate Investment
Capital Required	Lower	Higher
Ownership Structure	Shared Ownership	Full Ownership
Rental Income	Shared	Sole
Property Management	Shared	Sole
Diversification	Easier	More Challenging
Flexibility	Higher	Lower
Liquidity	Lower	Higher
Potential for Return	High	High

Which is Better: Fractional Ownership or Traditional Ownership?

When it comes to investing in high-value properties in India, the decision between fractional investing real estate and traditional real estate investment is influenced by your investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation.

Fractional investing real estate is a good choice if you want to diversify your portfolio by investing in multiple properties without paying the full price. It’s also a lucrative option if you want to invest in high-value properties that are too expensive to buy outright. With fractional ownership, you can own a portion of a property and earn rental income and capital appreciation.

Traditional real estate investment, on the other hand, may be a better fit for you if you prefer to have sole ownership and control over the property. You have complete control over the property, including rental pricing, tenant selection, and property management. You also have the freedom to sell the property whenever you want.

Because it can take time to find a buyer for a property, traditional real estate investment typically has lower liquidity than fractional ownership. In contrast, with fractional investing real estate, you can sell your share more easily, but you need to find a buyer who is willing to purchase your share.

Your investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation influence the decision between fractional ownership and traditional real estate investment.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate fractional ownership or fractional investing real estate is a unique investment strategy that allows investors to purchase a portion of a property rather than the entire property.
• Diversification, high returns, passive income, and access to new-age alternative investment platforms are all advantages of fractional ownership for Indian investors.
• Real estate fractional ownership is particularly appealing to Indian investors because it allows them to invest in high-value properties that would otherwise be out of their price range.
• Your investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation influence the decision between fractional ownership and traditional real estate investment.
• Suppose you want to diversify your portfolio by investing in multiple properties without having to bear the full cost of purchasing them. In that case, fractional ownership may be a better fit for you. In contrast, traditional real estate investment may be a better fit for you if you prefer sole ownership and control over the property.

Fractional Ownership: A Lucrative Investment avenue for NRIs

Non-resident Indian (NRI) investors are attracted to fractional ownership because of the professionally managed environment and the potential for rental income.

A survey by NRI-focused fintech company SBNRI Technologies Private Ltd found that about 52 percent of NRIs consider investing in Commercial Real Estate (CRE) to diversify their portfolio in the Indian real estate market. This shows that NRIs prefer CRE over other asset classes, such as residential properties.

NRI investors can benefit from the expertise of management companies like Assetmonk by investing in high-quality assets in India through fractional ownership. This is appealing to NRIs who want stable and income-generating assets in their home country. NRIs can invest through their NRO accounts. 

Guide to Investing in fractional ownership commercial real estate

Diversifying your financial portfolio and investing in fractional ownership can enhance it. Real estate may provide you with access to the housing market. Follow these basic steps to invest in fractional real estate ownership:

Step 1: Select a Platform for Fractional Ownership

The first step is to choose a reliable fractional ownership platform to invest with. Choose fractional ownership real estate companies that have a proven track record of performance. They should be transparent and honest about their costs and investment prospects. They should also offer a diverse range of investment options. There are many professional real estate investment platforms like Assetmonk. It is a good option since they offer a user friendly interface and a wide range of investment choices.

Step 2: Look into Investment Opportunities

The next step is to investigate the available investment opportunities. Seek assets that match your investing goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Fractional ownership real estate companies give detailed information about each investment opportunity including financial predictions. You will also know property specifications, and expected returns.

Step 3: Examine Your Investment

Ahead of making an investment, it is critical to research the investment. Examine the platform’s property data, financial estimates, and any other pertinent information. Look for possible hazards and weigh them against the potential rewards. If you have any queries or problems, contact the platform’s customer service staff.

Step 4: Make a financial investment

It’s time to make your investment. But, only after you’ve located an investment opportunity that satisfies your criteria. These platforms enable you to invest online, making the transaction quick and easy. You can invest  with INR 25 lakhs in premium properties. So, fractional ownership is a viable investment option for an array of investors.

Step 4: Keep an Eye on Your Investment

It is critical to check your investment once you have made it. Keep an eye out for any property-related developments or news. Also, you must examine your returns on a regular basis. Fractional ownership fractional ownership real estate companies provide regular updates and extensive data. These will keep you informed about the success of your investment.

Considerations Before Making a fractional ownership commercial real estate Investment

Fractional real estate ownership is a new investment instrument. So, investors should consider a few key points before investing.

• Detailed research plus background checks:  Investors must conduct extensive research on the firm. Investors must investigate major investors’ backgrounds and financial standing. A stable team must support the facilitator.
• Legality: Investors should confirm the facilitator can serve as a fractional investment facilitator. Because this investment is so large, the likelihood of fraud increases.

Also read Curious About Fractional Property Ownership? Here Are The Essential Legal Facts.

• Tech environment: Investors should opt for a tech-enabled fractional investment firm. If so, your investments can get tracked online. Investors are more likely to proceed if they have easy exit alternatives and no hidden terms.
• Seek the Best Deal:  Experienced investors get skilled at negotiating. It is a ‘great to have’ ability. Try to get the biggest discounts possible, as huge projects have a lot of price flexibility.

Understanding Timeshare

A timeshare is a type of vacation ownership where individuals purchase the rights to use a property, typically located within a hotel or resort, for a specific period each year. But, it’s important to know that timeshare owners don’t actually own a part of the property. The developer or owner(s) of the building(s) still own the property. Instead, Timeshare ownership grants individuals the right to use the accommodation unit during their designated time period.

Fractional Ownership Vs Timeshare

Fractional Ownership Vs REITs

Comparison Points	Fractional Ownership	REITs
Type of Property	Fractional Ownership has no constraints on the type of property. Thus, investment can be done in both under construction as well as fully constructed properties.	According to SEBI guidelines, 80% of the investment should be in developed and income-generating properties. The rest can be invested in under-construction properties.
Choice of  property	Fractional Ownership offers complete control to investors in choosing the property	REITs offer no control as the management decides in choosing the property after due diligence.
Lock-in period	Fractional Ownership does not have any lock-in period. Investors can sell their stake in the property anytime.	REITs generally come with a constraint of market value fluctuations of the company. Investors can profit only when they sell at higher prices.
Earnings Distribution	The rental earnings from the property are distributed through SPVs at regular intervals.	The earnings by the REITs are distributed to the investors in the form of dividends with a payout ratio of 90%.
Ownership	Part-ownership in the property is acquired.	No ownership of the property is acquired.
Transferability	The ownership of property is freely transferable.	No transferability due to no ownership of property.
Diversification of Portfolio	Investors can diversify their portfolios as per their will.	Investors’ money is invested in a set portfolio created by the company.
Entry Cost	The entry cost can be comparatively higher than REITs	The entry cost is low as the company’s shares are listed on the stock exchange.
Valuation Requirements	Requires continuous valuations at frequent intervals.	Requires complete valuation for at least twice a year.

How to Get Started with Fractional ownership Real estate India

Fractional ownership or fractional real estate investing is the hottest trend in Indian real estate. The real estate sector is becoming democratized as a result of fractional ownership. A retail investor can now invest in a former pricey but very profitable real estate. So if you’ve ever dreamt of owning a piece of prime commercial real estate but thought it was beyond your reach, think again.

As co-ownership of real estate has started gaining traction, the market regulator — Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) — is considering a regulatory framework for fractional ownership.

Read along to find out how you can start investing in fractional ownership commercial real estate in India.

Types of Fractional Ownership Real Estate

Although fractional ownership real estate india is a relatively new idea, It has already become very popular among investors looking for a more adaptable real estate investment strategy. Due to the high cost of real estate and the scarcity of financing options for small investors in India, fractional ownership is especially appealing. The most popular kinds of fractional real estate investing in India are as follows:

Joint Development Agreements (JDAs)

• In the real estate industry in India, it is common for fractional ownership to happen through a Joint Development Agreement (JDA).

•  A JDA is a contract between the landowner and developer that specifies their joint efforts in developing the land and dividing the proceeds from the sale.

• Investors can participate in a JDA by contributing money to the project and receiving a share of the profits based upon their investment. 

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

• In India, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are the second most popular type of fractional property investment.
•  REITs are publicly traded businesses that own and manage a portfolio of real estate assets that make money. Investors can buy shares in a REIT and receive dividends based upon the income from the properties the REIT owns. 

Fractional Ownership Platforms

• Fractional ownership real estate companies, also known as real estate crowdfunding platforms, are becoming more popular in India. 

• These platforms allow investors to browse different properties and invest any  size investment they choose. After investing, each investor owns a share of the property and receives rental income. 

Co-living and Co-working Spaces 

• Co-living and co-working spaces are becoming common in India, especially in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. 

• A single entity usually owns and operates these spaces. However, investors can buy shares in the entity and receive a portion of the revenue generated by the space. 

Vacation Properties

• In India, fractional ownership of vacation homes like beach houses or mountain lodges is also on the rise. Investors can purchase a share of the property and use it for a specified period each year. In the remaining time, the property can be rented out to generate income.

Property industry executives said the holiday home industry is worth around $2 billion in India, and its size is expected to surge to $10 billion in the next few years.

Second-home Fractional Ownership: A New Trend in India’s Real Estate

• Second homes are accommodations that people own or partly own, but they are not their main residence. In the past, people used them for vacations or to get away from city life.. However, the purpose of acquiring second homes may have changed with the seismic lifestyle changes brought on  due to the pandemic. 

• Getting a second home is not just a luxury anymore. It’s a smart move that can make your life better and give you the chance to make money. As city life gets busier, more people want to take breaks and relax. This has made the demand for vacation homes in peaceful areas go up a lot. So, investors are thinking about buying vacation properties.

• A research report by 360 Realtors says that second homes or holiday homes in India have become really popular after the pandemic. By the end of 2021, the total size of holiday homes was $1.394 billion. That’s 88.63% more than before COVID in 2019. 

A growing work-from-home, or rather, work-from-anywhere culture, is also fuelling the demand within the market for second homes in India. 

Bottom Line

Fractional ownership real estate Investment India is relatively a new idea in the Industry. But, it has created a novel potential for individual investors. It offers investors access to high-end homes, flexibility, and diversity that may have been otherwise out of reach for individual investors. 

Apart from NRIs and HNIs, small investors can also reap the benefits of investment in properties with high return potential. Investors must conduct a detailed investigation of the facilitator.

The growing demand for commercial real estate and office spaces will give rise to leasing opportunities. The growth in fractional ownership opportunities is closely related to the increase in commercial real estate demand.

Assetmonk is one of the most innovative alternative investment platforms. You may invest in alternative investment options such as real estate on a budget.  We make alternative assets, such as real estate, more accessible. Reach out to us right away! 

FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP FAQs

Q1. Is fractional ownership legal in India?

A. It is, indeed, legal. However, there is currently no specific legal structure in India that governs commercial real estate fractional ownership.

Q2. Can you sell fractional ownership?

A. One significant advantage of fractional ownership is the ability to resell. If the price or value of your fractional property rises throughout your ownership tenure, you can sell your fractional portion for a profit.

Q3. What is the difference between REITs and fractional ownership?

A. Because fractional ownership allows for liquidity, you can sell your share any time you want. REITs cannot be transferred or sold at the discretion of the investor.

Q4. Why invest in fractional ownership?

A. You should invest in fractional ownership because you can invest in Grade-A commercial properties with just Rs. 25 lacs. 

Q5. Do you make money with fractional ownership?

A. If the ownership agreement allows it, a fractionally owned property can be rented out as a short-term or long-term rental. Depending on the terms of the agreement, all owners may be entitled to a portion of the rental income.

Q6. Is fractional ownership a good investment?

A. Yes, fractional ownership is a good option for investing in CRE compared to timeshares. As the market value for CRE keeps increasing, your share value keeps growing as well. With fractional ownership real estate India, Investors get access to high-end homes, flexibility, and diversity that may have been otherwise out of reach for individual investors.

Q7. Can NRIs invest in commercial real estate through fractional ownership?

A. Yes, like residents, NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) can also invest in CRE in India. An NRI investor needs to have an NRO/ NRE account to invest in commercial real estate in India. 

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