Fundrise Review (2026): Real Estate Investing From $10, but Read the Liquidity Rules

Fundrise in One Minute

Fundrise lets everyday investors buy into private real estate funds online. Most plans start at $10 (retirement accounts from $1,000), and it's open to non-accredited investors. Fees have been reported at a 0.15% advisory fee plus 0.85% management fees on core plans, about 1% a year in total, with other fees possible.

Who Is Behind Fundrise?

Fundrise was founded by brothers Ben and Dan Miller and is based in Washington, D.C. It was founded in 2010 and launched its first online project in 2012. In 2015 it launched what it described as the first online REIT ("eREIT") under Regulation A+, the rules that let companies raise money from non-accredited investors. It has been reported to manage around $7 billion in total assets.

Fees in Context

Advisory fee0.15%

Management fee0.85%

Total1%

About 1% a year is higher than a low-cost REIT index fund but typical for private real estate platforms.

Liquidity Is the Big Catch

Fundrise funds aren't traded on an exchange. Some funds have been reported to charge about 1% on shares redeemed within five years, and Fundrise can limit or suspend redemptions in market stress. Only invest money you won't need for years.

How Its Plans and the Innovation Fund Work

Investors pick a goal, such as supplemental income, long-term growth or a balanced mix, and Fundrise spreads money across its real estate and credit funds. Its separate Innovation Fund, launched in late 2022, invests in private technology companies; it was reported in 2025 to have raised over $252 million from about 74,000 investors, with holdings reported to include large AI companies. It carries a higher fee (reported 1.85%) and higher risk than the real estate funds.

Who It Suits

Long-term investors who want private real estate exposure with a small minimum and accept limited liquidity.

How to Get Your Money Out

You request a redemption from your account; Fundrise processes requests on its funds' schedules (often quarterly, as reported). Shares held a short time may be redeemed at a discount, and in stressed markets the funds can limit or pause redemptions, as some private real estate funds did during past downturns. Plan as if your money will stay in for at least five years.

How Fundrise Earnings Are Taxed

Distributions from REIT-type funds are generally reported on Form 1099-DIV and are often taxed as ordinary income rather than at lower qualified-dividend rates, though part can be a return of capital. Tax forms for private funds can arrive later than brokerage forms. Holding Fundrise in an IRA can defer taxes, at the cost of a higher minimum. See IRS Publication 550 and a tax professional for your situation.

Can You Lose Money on Fundrise?

Yes. Fund values are set by appraisals of the properties and loans they hold, and those values can fall when interest rates rise or property markets weaken. Distributions can be cut. Because shares aren't traded, you may not be able to sell quickly if values drop. Diversification across many properties reduces, but doesn't remove, that risk.

Before You Invest

1. Read each fund's offering circular.
2. Note redemption penalties and limits.
3. Start small and add over time.
4. Compare with publicly traded REIT funds.
5. Keep emergency savings elsewhere.

Fundrise vs Other Platforms

Groundfloor offers short-term real estate debt with fixed rates; Cardone Capital sells larger apartment funds. Read our Groundfloor review and Cardone Capital review.

A Steadier Way to Protect Savings

Real estate and precious metals are both tangible assets some savers use to diversify away from stocks. Our top pick, Augusta Precious Metals, offers a free guide to the sales tactics retirement savers should watch for; our budget pick Noble Gold offers a free economic-crisis guide. Precious metals carry their own risks and costs.

Is Fundrise Legit?

Yes. It's a well-established platform with low minimums. Its funds are illiquid and fees are moderate, so treat it as a long-term holding.

Pros and Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Verdict on Fundrise

A legitimate, low-minimum real estate option. Commit only long-term money.

Precious metals prices can fall as well as rise, and a gold IRA carries setup, custody and storage fees. This page is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Consider speaking with a licensed financial professional before moving retirement savings.