The Future of Blockchain: Applications in Real Estate

Ayesha Bashir
3 min readJun 27, 2024

--

Blockchain, formerly associated with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, has evolved into a novel platform appropriate for various domains and fields, including the real estate business. As such, the virtue of transparency and security coupled with the efficiency of blockchain will profoundly impact the real estate industry.

1. Title Deeds and Property Ownership

One of the most disruptive areas of Blockchain is in title deeds and property ownership. Conventional property transactions can take a lot of time and are full of procedures, middlemen and documents. This can be easily solved with the help of blockchain, because the ownership information will be recorded on the distributed ledger. This immutable record curtails fraud risks and eradicates possible disagreements over ownership, making it a transparent, reliable platform.

2. Smart Contracts for Transactions

Smart Contracts are self-performing agreements in which the conditions of the agreement are coded, allowing for secure, peer-to-peer transactions facilitated through computer code. In real estate, smart contracts can facilitate the signing of documents for property conveyances, tenancy, and even escrow services. Through such transactions, various players save time and costs and meet various contractual conditions.

3. Fractional Ownership and Tokenization

Blockchain makes it easy to own tokens for real estate investment, where an individual does not have to own the entire property but can own a part of it. This makes it possible for one to invest in high-value properties or even get involved in real estate markets across the world. Tokenisation also improves liquidity since products’ ownership can be divided into small parts that can be traded on blockchain-based markets.

4. Property Management and Maintenance

One of the key benefits of blockchain is that it enhances the transparency and auditability of property management. It eliminates the need for time-consuming paperwork and lengthens and strengthens tenant-landlord relations by automating processes such as rent collection, maintenance request submission, and lease renewal. Blockchain can also keep records of property maintenance history on an immutable ledger that cannot be tampered with or altered.

5. Identity and Background Check

Blockchain-based identity verification might streamline due diligence procedures for real estate deals. Blockchain can store and authenticate identities safely to support the KYC & AML processes so that there are fewer chances of fraud & compliance with regulations. This, in turn, fosters the credibility and effectiveness of real estate deals, primarily in the international market.

6. Real estate crowdfunding and investment platforms

Real estate crowdfunding is another innovation allowed by the blockchain, where many investors can collectively contribute to the funding of properties. These platforms employ blockchain in handling investment, distribution of dividends, and fair governance by means of tokens. Such platforms increase access to real estate investment opportunities, making it easier for interested investors.

--

--