A critical analysis on the potential of crowdfunding platforms as alternative real estate financing techniques.
Abstract
The real estate industry is associated with a heavy capital requirement and yet it still remains one
of the most promising fields of investment both in Uganda and worldwide. Mortgages being the
most popular mode of financing for real estate in Uganda indicates the economy’s reliance on
traditional financing techniques whereas it is viewed as unstable due to the volatility of interest
rates among other issues. Therefore, this study critically analyzes the potential an alternative
financing tool for a low-wage economy like Uganda, real estate crowdfunding. The research
assesses the performance of the case study, Bit Bricks, a real estate crowdfunding platform in
Uganda, the knowledge and attitudes towards the crowdfunding industry in Uganda as well as the
standing of these platforms in comparison with other existing real estate financing tools. The study
adopted a qualitative research approach where questionnaires were distributed to participants of
the platform case study, Bit Bricks and an interview conducted with the platform’s proprietor. The
study found that unlike previous studies, the incorporation of social media into the RCPF industry
is in fact a hurdle to the growth of the platform in developing countries like Uganda as it brings
about skepticism, it further found that brand reliability is a big determinant of the success of the
project. The study also found that in comparison to other financing tools, crowdfunding is viewed
as more affordable and yet it faces a problem of accessibility due to the infancy of the industry. It
further presented that the key performance indicators include; delivering homes that people will
accept, delivering return with interest and dividends to both shareholders and debt investors. As
far as performance goes, the study found that the case study’s success was promising as two out
of the three key performance indicators had been satisfied. The regulatory framework also plays a crucial role in the success of the platforms