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20 May 2025

Top Real Estate Tokenization Development: Expert Guide

Merehead is developing real estate tokenization platforms and has over 10 years of experience in the blockchain industry. Based on my experience, I will tell you how to launch real estate tokenization and how much it will cost. We will also consider what types of platforms exist and how they work.

In 2024, the volume of the tokenized real estate market was estimated at $3.5 billion, and by 2033 it could reach $19.4 billion. The growth rate largely depends on the adoption of blockchain technologies and crypto assets, as well as further regulation of this area, but in any case, according to forecasts, only further growth is expected. Therefore, starting our own tokenization platform, which can compete with such players as RealT, DIBS Capital, can be a financially beneficial solution. Below, we analyzed the market, examined the main nuances of such platforms, and published a general development guide: from choosing a blockchain and writing smart-contracts to the testing stage and direct launch.

What is Real Estate Tokenization?


Tokenization of real estate — this is the process of converting ownership rights of an apartment/house/land plot into tokens that are issued on a specific blockchain. In fact, each asset acts as a share in real estate. This simplifies the buying and selling process and allows customers to purchase not the entire object, but only a part of it. For example, a house can be «divided» into 10,000 shares/tokens, and an investor can purchase 1/10,000 part.



Why it is beneficial for both developers and investors:


Most often, popular networks are used to generate tokens — Ethereum, its second-level solution Polygon, as well as Binance Smat Chain, Tezos, Solana or Avalanche. Private blockchains, such as Corda, are sometimes used for corporate solutions. Tokens can be either interchangeable if each share of real estate is similar to the other and they can be replaced with each other, or NFT in cases where the token acts as ownership of a specific apartment. Sometimes hybrid contracts are created that contain both interchangeable and non-interchangeable tokens (for example — ERC-1155 standard). By the way, it is considered more economical in gas consumption than ERC-721, and is often used in the development of NTF marketplaces for collections with multiple copies.


Illustration of the tokenization process


The most popular standards:


The developer company also chooses how many parts the property will be divided into, what is the minimum number of tokens an investor can purchase, sets the price for the asset, and so on. Moreover, the conditions may vary for different types of real estate (apartment, apartment buildings, commercial sector, etc.). All these nuances are spelled out in official legal documents — the Memorandum of Offer + when buying tokens, the investor signs a Subscription Agreement. Either the token issuing platform or the developer company takes over the preparation of the documentation.

How does Real Estate Tokenization Work?


Tokenization — is a multi-step process for converting real estate into a digital token on the blockchain, which will act as ownership/ shares in the object. How it happens:

  1. The real estate object to be tokenized is selected: apartment, house, office, and so on. It can be both residential and commercial real estate or even a plot of land.

  2. The facility is being prepared for tokenization. This includes the legal registration of the object with the creation of a legal entity/trust that owns it + a valuation is carried out (in the future, the entire price will be equal to the total value of the tokens) + all necessary documentation is prepared (White Paper, Subscription Agreement, Contract, and etc.).

  3. A model is selected according to which tokenization will take place. For example, one object can be divided into shares, or 1 object = 1 token (in most cases, NFT).

  4. Tokens are being developed. First, the asset standard is selected. It all depends on the blockchain + depending on the selected type — NFT or interchangeable (that is, for example, the ERC-20 or ERC-1155 standard), then a smart contract is created and transferred to the selected blockchain. The contract should specify the number of tokens, transaction mechanics, profit accruals, profitability, and coin functions (for example, voting may also be supported).

  5. The token is placed on the platform and becomes available for sale. From the point of view of development, the website itself is generated at this stage, including a user interface through which investors can go through the KYC procedure, buy/sell coins, familiarize themselves with assets and their descriptions, and connect a wallet. When making transactions, the smart contract will update the owner's data.

  6. Income is distributed. This happens automatically through smart contracts. The main income in this case is rent, most often payments are accrued in stablecoins.





A resale option on secondary markets may also be supported. If this is provided for, most often such transactions are concluded on various DEXs, everything is implemented through the functionality of a smart-contract automatically.

Let's look at some examples of platforms that are engaged in tokenization: RealT, BrickFi, DIBS Capital, Securitize.

RealT — this is an American company specializing in tokenization of real estate. Investors can purchase shares from apartments, houses, and development projects and receive % of the rent. The company has tokenized over 700+ properties in the USA, Panama and Colombia. Supported types of real estate — residential properties. The company's database has over 18,000 registered users, and there are 7,500+ active investors from various countries.

RealT uses interchangeable tokens — ERC-20. The main network — Ethereum, it is used to issue tokens (its advantage is high security, but the fees are high), but it also uses a tier 1 decentralized network compatible with EVM, Gnosis Chain (it has lower fees, so it is used to transfer tokens, trade and transfer rent payments). All tokens are linked to the property through LLC or SPV (their status — real-world assets backed tokens). Lease payments are made in USDC or DAI.


RealT — one of the leading companies offering real estate tokenization options


BrickFi — This is a platform that tokenizes lease agreements, turning them into NFTs. Owner Company: BrickFi Inc. The main sources of income for investors are rent + profit due to rising real estate prices. Protection against double taxation is provided. The platform was developed by the Merehead team. The process included the implementation of such technical nuances:


Since the company chose the NFT format, it made it easy to sell lease agreements for entire apartments to investors from any country without the need for personal presence. Different types of real estate are supported: multi-room apartments, houses, studios, etc.


Real Estate Tokenization platform BrickFi, developed by Merehead


DIBS Capital (previously — SolidBlock) — this is an Israeli company operating in the financial and technical sector, whose main specialization is the tokenization of real estate. The target audience of the platform is real estate owners and developers + investors interested in deposits with a low entry threshold. The tokenization option for both residential and commercial real estate is supported. The company was the first to conduct a commercial real estate STO in 2018, raising over $18 million in investments. The main blockchain — Ethereum, on which coins of ERC standards are issued. The company's list of services includes:



Real Estate Tokenization platform DIBS Capital


Securitize — It is a large company founded in 2017, which is engaged in the creation, management and trading of digital assets issued on the blockchain. Together with other companies, it launches platforms and real estate tokenization projects, although this is not its main profile: for example, in 2023, the company issued tokenized shares of the Mancini Partners real estate fund + participated in the tokenization of the American St. Regis Aspen Resort hotel. The company's activities are regulated by SEC + FINRA. The Ethereum blockchain is often used for the tokenization of real estate.

Types of Real Estate Tokenization


Different types of real estate can be tokenized: from residential to commercial, as well as social and infrastructural facilities. Moreover, although in most cases these processes are meant specifically tokenization of property rights, there are other more specific options, for example; tokenization of debt obligations secured by real estate, a hybrid model (the real estate object itself + debt), tokenization of rental income of real estate, etc. Let's look at the main types of real estate for which all these options are provided:


Depending on the type of facility, the price of the tokenization process, the timing and complexity of the project will vary. Also, different types of tokens and networks are suitable for different purposes. This issue is discussed at the initial stages with customers. The functionality and services of tokenization platforms can include all types of real estate, as well as only residential.

Real Estate Tokenization Platform Development Guide


The development of a real estate tokenization platform — a complex and multi-step process, as such sites combine a centralized part (backend logic + UI/UX + KYC and AML + audit tools + technical support services) and decentralized components (smart contracts for the issuance and transfer of tokens, income distribution, coin blocking/unfreezing + real estate tokens + ownership rights recorded in the blockchain + token burning/release mechanisms + voting mechanisms for holders, if this option is supported). The decentralized part runs on a specific selected blockchain (for example, Ethereum, BSC), while the centralized part is a classic platform/application with a server infrastructure. Let's look at the specific steps to launch such a platform.

The first step — to identify the target audience. These can be investors, developers, real estate owners. At this stage, the main strategy and types of services are also determined: tokenization of which types of real estate will be available (residential/commercial/social and infrastructural/land plots), in which countries purchase/sale is available and whether there will be legal support, what regional restrictions and regulations will apply (SEC in the USA, MiCa in the EU + widespread the option — a mandatory KYC and AML procedure). The second step — choosing the type of tokens, will also depend on this:



Explanation of the specifics of NFT-tokens


To accurately determine not only the type, but also the standard (ERC or SPL, etc.), it is also immediately necessary to select the blockchain that will be used to generate coins. Let's look at the most popular options:


After choosing the blockchain and the type of tokens, can proceed to the third step — writing smart contracts. Basic contracts that need to be created:


Additionally, smart contracts for voting and management may also be required if token holders receive additional rights. Another popular option — a managing smart-contract for general control of the real estate tokenization process.

In addition to the decentralized part, the architecture of the platform also includes a centralized one. So the next step — to develop centralized components:


After development, you can proceed to the next step — testing. This includes both smart contract tests and centralized components. Types of tests for the blockchain network and smart contracts: checking the logic of functions (unit test), evaluating the interaction of several contracts, for example, tokens and revenue distribution (integration test), test simulation on a copy of the blockchain, identifying vulnerabilities and security issues. The most popular tools:


A series of tests is also recommended for testing centralized components: unit + integration tests (evaluating the correctness of logic and execution, API operation, interaction of various modules, for example, KYC/databases), API tests, security assessment + load testing simulating a large number of simultaneous operations from many users. Technologies that are often used for testing:


User behavior scenarios on the platform are also often checked, taking into account all the steps. That is, from registration and KYC to buying a token and receiving dividends. The TestCafe/Playwright/Cypress tools can help with this.

How much does it Cost to Tokenize Real Estate?


The cost of developing a platform depends on many factors, ranging from the pricing policy of the developer company to the jurisdiction and type of real estate that will be tokenized. Let's consider the main nuances:


Approximate prices of Merehead company: a solution for a single property — from $10,000 to $20,000, the creation of a small marketplace with limited functionality — from $30,000 to $60,000. At the same time, an average marketplace with extra options will cost $60,000 to $90,000, and a large one — $90,000 to $150,000. For more details, please contact Merehead managers.

Real Estate Tokenization Development Services


There are various ways to launch your own real estate tokenization platform. The most time—consuming is creating from scratch. Even with the involvement of a team of specialists, business analysis, design, and architecture creation (backend/frontend development + integration + creation of decentralized components + legal registration + testing) will take from 6 to 12+ months. An alternative solution, which is also offered by most development studios, is the purchase of a White Label. This is a ready-made template that will be customized and branded. What the customer chooses:




Buying a White Label — a cheaper option compared to developing from scratch, and it allows you to enter the market faster: in 2-4 months (depending on the complexity of the project and the necessary additional functions). The third option — to develop on the basis of a ready-made solution. This simplifies the creation of the platform, as it uses ready-made blockchain architecture, tokenization protocols, and individual components (KYC/AML API, digital signature API, frameworks, SDK, and etc). This approach is more difficult than buying a White Label, but it provides more customization options, while it is easier than developing from scratch.

Real Estate Tokenization Development Company


Merehead — This is a Ukrainian IT company that has been launching projects in the fintech niche since 2015. The main focus is on developing solutions using blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies: CEX, DEX, bots for automatic crypto trading, and so on. Since 2020, the company has also been developing real estate tokenization platforms, one of the major projects — BrickFi, which allows investors to purchase lease agreements in the form of NFTs. Merehead offers comprehensive services, from target market analysis, strategy selection, to the creation and launch of the platform itself. Moreover, both the option of developing from scratch and buying a White Label with further branding is available. What stages does the launch of the platform include:


The main advantages of the company are high customization + individual approach, extensive experience working with the DeFi sector and STO, fast startup, understanding of legal nuances, as well as the ability to use ready-made modules. Read more details on our Merehead website. You can also write any questions to our managers.

FAQ



How much does it cost to Tokenize real estate?


The price of tokenization will vary for different companies + type of real estate + jurisdiction, and so on. On average, the price of tokenization of one object is $10,000 to $20,000. If you want to develop a full-fledged tokenization platform, the price will vary greatly depending on the functionality and scale of the project. A small marketplace will cost $30,000 to $60,000, an average one — $60,000 to $90,000, and a large one — $90,000 to $150,000. Developing from scratch will be more expensive, a more budget friendly and faster option — to purchase a White Label solution followed by branding and customization.

Is tokenization the future of real estate?


Yes, this is one of the most likely scenarios, as tokenization provides many advantages over the classic sale/purchase of real estate or lease agreements. Firstly, the possibility of fragmentation significantly reduces the entry threshold and expands the target audience. Secondly, smart contracts automate and speed up the process of concluding contracts, making profits and reducing the risk of errors due to the human factor. Thirdly, borders are blurring — can invest in real estate online from any country. More and more companies that own/build real estate are using this option and the trend will continue.

Which crypto will tokenize real estate?


In 2025, the Ethereum blockchain and its native tokens ERC-20, ERC-1400 are most often used for tokenization of real estate. However, since the network has significant drawbacks (high gas fees + slow transaction speeds), second-tier solutions or EVM-compatible networks, such as Polygon, are increasingly being used. Solana and Stellar networks/tokens are also sometimes used due to the high speed of operations. ERC tokens (both interchangeable and NFT) are likely to remain the most popular choice in the future.

What are the issues with tokenization in real estate?


The main difficulties lie in the legal recognition of transactions. Not all countries have adapted legislation and have norms/standards for tokens, which act as a right of ownership / lease for real estate. This is especially difficult if the investor is a resident of another country. Also, when tokenizing, existing regulations must be taken into account, for example, security tokens are subject to the same rules and restrictions as securities (there are often restrictions on secondary trading, investors are required to undergo KYC/AML procedures, and so on). Investors should also take into account that the liquidity of this market is not very high yet.

What role do smart contracts play in real estate tokenization


Smart contracts — the main component of the asset tokenization platform. They are responsible for the generation of tokens, confirm the owner/ownership, are used to automatically distribute income, allow you to buy/sell tokens, and so on. Also, if provided for, it is through smart contracts that token holders can participate in voting. Security and anti hacking — very important criteria for this component of the platform.

What are the potential risks associated with real estate tokenization


One of the potential risks — the vulnerability of smart contracts, as this can lead to hacking, theft, loss of assets, or errors in income distribution. There may also be technical failures when integrating offline real estate data into the blockchain. There are also risks associated with the uncertain legal status of tokens in some countries: sometimes such contracts/coins will not be recognized (depending on the jurisdiction, type of tokens, and so on) + in the future, regulatory pressure and the emergence of large norms and restrictions will increase, and any discrepancy will lead to losses. There is also a liquidity problem — the secondary market is poorly developed, so resale of assets is difficult.

How does tokenization impact the liquidity of real estate investments


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