Guide
10 simple ways to invest in real estate
These are common approaches to real estate investing, with different capital requirements, costs and risks. This overview does not compare their suitability in any particular country or predict returns.
By MarkMyProperty · Editorial overview updated . Product scope and data limitations are explained in our methodology.
10 ways to invest
Buy and hold rental properties
Buy a property and offer it for rent. Income depends on occupancy, operating costs and the terms of the lease; future property values can rise or fall.
House flipping
Buy a property below market value, renovate it and sell it for a profit. This needs a good understanding of local prices and renovation costs.
REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)
REITs provide exposure to income-producing real estate without directly buying a building. Some are publicly traded and others are not; their liquidity, fees and risks differ.
Vacation rentals
Rent a home to travellers for short stays through holiday-rental platforms. It works best in popular tourist destinations.
Real estate crowdfunding
Pool money with other investors to fund larger projects — an option if you have limited capital.
Commercial real estate
Invest in offices, shops or warehouses. Commercial property can offer higher rental yields and longer leases than homes, with different risks.
Real estate development
Build new property to sell or rent. This takes significant capital, time and expertise.
Raw land
Buy land and hold it for appreciation or future development. This is a long-term strategy — knowing the exact boundary of what you own matters.
Wholesaling
Put a property under contract and assign that contract to another buyer for a fee. The rules differ by country, so check local law first.
Use a platform like MarkMyProperty
Find, list, buy or rent property directly with owners, brokers and developers around the world — MarkMyProperty charges no brokerage on your deal.
How MarkMyProperty helps
- Pin a property on the map or draw its exact boundary, so everyone sees precisely where it is.
- Set your own price, area and details — and decide whether it stays private or is listed publicly.
- Buyers and renters reach you directly. Your phone number and email stay private until someone reveals them with credits.
- Explore listings in many countries on the interactive property map.
“Real estate is not only about physical assets; it’s about connecting people with their dream properties.”
This guide is general information, not financial or investment advice. Property investments carry risk, and rules differ from country to country — speak to a qualified adviser before you invest.
Sources and scope
For the distinction between publicly traded and non-traded REITs, see Investor.gov’s REIT overview. That source describes the United States; products and rules in other jurisdictions may differ. The remaining approaches are introductory categories, not a comparison of local investment opportunities.
For platform-specific comparison methods, read how to compare property locations and review the calculator assumptions.