How do I get started investing with UOWN?

Getting started is simple and fully online:

1. Sign Up: Create a UOWN account (it's free). You'll need to provide some basic info and complete the identity verification as mentioned above.

2. Browse Projects: Check out the Live Projects on our platform. We list each property development with details like location, funding target, projected return, and timeline. You can review the project summary, Information Memorandum, and risk factors.

3. Invest Directly: Choose your project and investment amount (minimum £50). You'll pay directly from your bank account using Yapily's open banking technology. Your funds go straight into the project SPV's bank account - secure and processes in seconds. The bank account you use becomes your designated account for receiving returns.

4. Instant Confirmation: Your payment clears almost immediately through open banking. You'll receive instant confirmation once your investment is processed. If the project doesn't reach its funding target, your money is automatically refunded to the same bank account.

5. Relax and Track: Once you invest, your money is pooled with others' and assigned to that project. If the project's funding target is reached, UOWN will go ahead and invest in the property (buying or funding the development) on behalf of the investors. You'll be able to track the project's progress through updates in your dashboard and emails. If the project doesn't reach its target in the funding period, your investment is automatically refunded to your bank account – no charges or penalties.

6. Get Returns: For development projects, you typically won't receive any returns until the project completes (when the property or its units are sold). At that exit point, any profits are calculated and distributed. Important: You must complete KYC verification through Shufti before receiving returns. Your share of the proceeds (profit + your original capital) will be paid directly to the bank account you invested from. If you haven't completed KYC when returns are due, your payment will be held securely until you verify.

If you ever feel unsure, UOWN's team is here to help at each step. We also provide guides and articles (check out 'The Hub' on our website) to get you comfortable with the process.