Property investment guide
Everything you need to know about investing in property through crowdfunding. From the basics to getting started with your first investment.
What is property crowdfunding?
Property crowdfunding allows multiple investors to pool their money together to fund property developments. Instead of needing hundreds of thousands of pounds to buy a property outright, you can invest smaller amounts alongside other investors.
Each investor owns a proportional share of the investment and receives returns based on their contribution when the project completes or generates income. This model has opened up the property market to a much wider range of people.
In the UK, property crowdfunding platforms like UOWN are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing investors with additional protections and oversight.
How UOWN works
UOWN sources property development opportunities across the UK, focusing on residential and mixed-use projects with strong potential returns. Every project goes through a rigorous due diligence process before being listed on the platform.
Once a project is listed, investors can browse the details including financial projections, timelines, location analysis, and risk assessments. You can invest from as little as £50, making it accessible to both new and experienced investors.
As the development progresses, you will receive regular updates on the project. When the project completes and properties are sold or begin generating rental income, returns are distributed to investors proportionally.
Understanding returns
Returns from property crowdfunding typically come from two sources: capital appreciation (the increase in property value) and income (such as rental yields). The type of return depends on the specific project structure.
Target returns are provided for each project based on financial modelling and market analysis. While UOWN has historically delivered an average return of 17.7%, it is important to understand that past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Returns are usually paid out when a project reaches its completion milestone. This could be when properties are sold, when a development achieves practical completion, or at other defined points in the project timeline.
Risk factors
All investments carry risk, and property crowdfunding is no exception. The value of your investment can go down as well as up, and there is a possibility you may not get back the amount you originally invested.
Property investments are inherently illiquid, meaning you cannot easily sell your position before the project completes. Unlike stocks or shares, there is no active secondary market for most property crowdfunding investments.
Specific risks include construction delays, planning permission issues, market downturns, and changes in property values. UOWN mitigates these risks through thorough due diligence, but they cannot be entirely eliminated.
It is recommended that you only invest money you can afford to lose and that you diversify your investments across multiple projects to spread risk. You should also consider seeking independent financial advice.
Getting started
Getting started with UOWN is straightforward. First, create your account by providing your email address and basic personal information. You will then need to complete our identity verification process, which typically takes just a few minutes.
Once verified, you can browse all available investment opportunities. Take your time to read through the project details, financial projections, and risk assessments for each opportunity. There is no pressure to invest immediately.
When you find a project you are interested in, select your investment amount (minimum £50) and complete the transaction. Your investment is confirmed instantly, and you can track your portfolio through your dashboard.
We recommend starting with a smaller amount as you familiarise yourself with the platform. As your confidence grows, you can increase your investments and diversify across multiple projects.
Risk Warning: Investing in property carries risks. Your capital is at risk. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Property investments are illiquid. Please read our full risk warning and seek independent financial advice if you are unsure whether investing is right for you.
Ready to start your investment journey?
Create your free account and explore our current property investment opportunities.