The idea of owning property in India may be shifting from full-unit purchases to micro ownership models, as digital platforms promote fractional investing backed by blockchain infrastructure. At a recent financial event in Mumbai, the founder of Alt DRX outlined a vision where investors can buy real estate in small denominations, lowering entry barriers in high-value urban markets.
The Bengaluru-based platform enables users to purchase fractional interests in residential and commercial assets, effectively allowing property ownership to be “tokenised”. The proposition: instead of committing crores to acquire an apartment in Mumbai or a commercial unit in Pune, investors can participate with significantly smaller amounts, similar to buying shares in a company. This model often described as India fractional property investing relies on blockchain-backed records to track ownership units. Proponents argue that digitisation increases transparency, simplifies transactions and enhances liquidity compared to traditional co-ownership structures. Industry analysts note that rising urban property prices have steadily pushed full ownership beyond the reach of many middle-income households. In cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru, residential capital values and stamp duty costs create steep entry thresholds. Fractional platforms attempt to address this gap by democratising access to rental-yielding or appreciation-driven assets. However, experts caution that regulatory clarity remains critical. While Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) already offer publicly traded exposure to commercial real estate, fractional residential ownership sits in a more complex regulatory space. Issues such as investor protection, dispute resolution, asset management transparency and exit liquidity need robust oversight.
Supporters argue that technology-enabled platforms could complement formal real estate finance structures rather than replace them. By aggregating small-ticket investments into larger asset pools, such models may improve capital flow into urban housing and commercial infrastructure. They could also support more efficient utilisation of built stock in high-demand cities. From an urban development standpoint, India fractional property models reflect a broader financialisation of real estate. Property is increasingly treated not only as shelter but as an investable asset class accessible through digital channels. As cities pursue denser, transit-oriented growth, diversified capital sources may play a role in funding mixed-use and rental housing projects. Market observers say the long-term viability of tokenised property will depend on governance standards, asset quality and investor education. If structured prudently, fractional ownership could widen participation in wealth creation while reducing speculative pressure on full-unit purchases.
As digital finance intersects with urban real estate, the next phase of India’s property market may be defined less by outright ownership and more by flexible, tech-enabled participation one square foot at a time.
Also Read: BDA Bengaluru commercial land sale surge
Bengaluru startup reshapes real estate access
