Best Fractional Investing Platforms: Own Stocks & Real Estate with Small Capital
Introduction
Investing has traditionally been seen as an activity for individuals with substantial capital. However, fractional investing has revolutionized the landscape, allowing retail investors to own shares of stocks, real estate, and other assets with minimal funds. With fractional investing platforms, you can diversify your portfolio without committing large sums of money.
In this guide, we will explore what fractional investing is, compare the best platforms, and help you choose the right option for your investment goals.
What is Fractional Investing?
Fractional investing allows investors to purchase a portion of an asset rather than buying it in full. This method is particularly useful for:
- Stocks: Buying a fraction of expensive shares like Amazon, Tesla, or Google.
- Real Estate: Owning a percentage of rental properties.
- Alternative Assets: Investing in art, collectibles, or private businesses.
With low entry barriers, fractional investing makes diversification and wealth-building accessible to more people.
Best Fractional Investing Platforms
Here are the top fractional investing platforms for stocks and real estate in 2025:
Best Platforms for Fractional Stock Investing
1. Robinhood
- Minimum Investment: $1
- Assets: Stocks, ETFs, Crypto
- Pros:
- Commission-free trades
- No account minimum
- User-friendly interface
- Cons:
- Limited research tools
- No access to retirement accounts
2. Public.com
- Minimum Investment: $5
- Assets: Stocks, ETFs
- Pros:
- Social investing feature
- No commission fees
- Offers educational resources
- Cons:
- No mutual funds or bonds
- Limited advanced trading tools
3. Charles Schwab Stock Slices
- Minimum Investment: $5
- Assets: Stocks from the S&P 500
- Pros:
- Trusted brokerage with extensive history
- No commission fees
- Supports retirement accounts
- Cons:
- Only S&P 500 stocks available for fractional shares
4. Fidelity
- Minimum Investment: $1
- Assets: Stocks, ETFs
- Pros:
- No fees for fractional trades
- Excellent research tools
- Great for long-term investors
- Cons:
- Interface can be overwhelming for beginners
Best Platforms for Fractional Real Estate Investing
1. Fundrise
- Minimum Investment: $10
- Pros:
- Offers eREITs and eFunds
- Hands-off real estate investing
- Strong historical returns
- Cons:
- Limited liquidity
- Management fees apply
2. Arrived Homes
- Minimum Investment: $100
- Pros:
- Buy shares in single-family rental homes
- Earn passive rental income
- Fully managed properties
- Cons:
- Limited property selection
- Long-term commitment required
3. Roofstock One
- Minimum Investment: $5,000
- Pros:
- Invest in rental properties without ownership responsibilities
- Backed by professional property managers
- Transparent fees
- Cons:
- Higher minimum investment than competitors
- Limited liquidity
4. RealtyMogul
- Minimum Investment: $5,000
- Pros:
- Wide range of commercial and residential properties
- Passive income opportunities
- Strong investor protection
- Cons:
- High minimum investment
- Fees may impact returns
Fractional Investing: Stocks vs. Real Estate
Feature | Fractional Stocks | Fractional Real Estate |
---|---|---|
Minimum Investment | As low as $1 | Starts at $10 |
Liquidity | High (sell anytime) | Lower (long-term investment) |
Risk Level | Market volatility | Market & property risks |
Passive Income | No direct income | Earn rental income |
Management | Self-managed | Professionally managed |
Choose Fractional Stocks if:
✔️ You prefer high liquidity. ✔️ You want exposure to the stock market. ✔️ You like trading flexibility.
Choose Fractional Real Estate if:
✔️ You want passive income. ✔️ You prefer tangible assets. ✔️ You are comfortable with long-term investment.
Pros & Cons of Fractional Investing
Pros:
✅ Access to expensive assets with little capital. ✅ Diversification across multiple investments. ✅ Low-cost entry for new investors. ✅ Passive income opportunities in real estate.
Cons:
❌ Limited control over company decisions (stocks) or property management (real estate). ❌ Some platforms have high fees. ❌ Real estate investments may lack liquidity.
Is Fractional Investing Right for You?
Fractional investing is perfect for:
- Beginner investors looking to start with small capital.
- Diversified investors who want exposure to stocks and real estate.
- Long-term investors seeking gradual wealth accumulation.
However, if you prefer full control over your investments or need high liquidity, you may want to explore other investment options.
Conclusion
Fractional investing is a game-changer, enabling small investors to own a part of high-value stocks and real estate with low capital. Whether you prefer stocks or real estate, there are top-notch platforms catering to different financial goals.
Before investing, always check fees, liquidity, risks, and platform credibility to make an informed decision. Start small, diversify, and grow your wealth smartly!
📌 Pro Tip: Combine fractional stocks & real estate investments to maximize returns and reduce risk!
FAQs
🔹 Is fractional investing safe? Yes, but always choose regulated and reputed platforms to ensure safety.
🔹 Can I sell fractional shares anytime? Yes, for stocks. However, real estate platforms have specific exit policies.
🔹 Is fractional investing profitable? It depends on market conditions, asset appreciation, and investment strategy.
🔹 Are fractional investing platforms regulated? Most platforms are regulated by financial authorities (e.g., SEC for US platforms). Always verify before investing.
Happy Investing! 🚀