Real estate still holds a strong place in 2026, but the way people invest in it is clearly changing. Buying property the traditional way can be expensive and time-consuming, so many investors are now asking a simple question: is there an easier way to get in?
One popular route is through private real estate funds. Instead of buying and managing property yourself, you pool money with other investors and let professionals handle everything. Take the Fundrise Flagship Fund as an example.
It’s worth over $1 billion and gives access to thousands of homes and residential units. The surprising part? You can start with as little as $10, which makes it far more accessible than owning a property outright.
Steady demand meets hands-off investing
Another option worth looking at is Class B real estate. These are well-maintained properties aimed at middle-income renters. Why does that matter? Because demand tends to stay steady, even during economic slowdowns.
When rent gets too high elsewhere, people often move into these more affordable spaces. Platforms like Lightstone DIRECT open the door to these investments, though the entry point is much higher at around $100,000.
Not interested in dealing with tenants or repairs? That’s where fractional ownership comes in. Platforms like Arrived and Mogul let you buy shares in rental homes or vacation properties.
You earn income without worrying about maintenance or late-night calls from tenants. Mogul even reports average annual returns close to 18.8%, with yields between 10% and 12%, although results can vary.
There’s also growing interest in home equity investing. Instead of owning property, investors tap into the value of homes through agreements with homeowners. Funds like Homeshares are targeting returns between 14% and 17%, offering another hands-off way to benefit from real estate.
