In short, blockchain technology enables the user to record information on a digital ledger. It divides and stores the entered information in a compartmentalized array across several computer systems on a Blockchain network. Technically speaking, Blockchain technology utilizes Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), where the stored information becomes impossible to hack, alter or erase.
The biggest constraint with sale or lease of properties is the hassle of an ever-present middleman. This is avid in Sri Lanka, as there is minimal or no barrier to become an agent or a broker.
In such cases, the roadblock is the inability of accurate information transfer from the seller of the property to the buyer or the lessor to the lessee. Information is often altered to reap the undue advantage of a transaction. With DLT, one can build a real estate marketplace on a blockchain technology where stakeholders can communicate and transact freely and directly without a mediator. The stakeholders on this marketplace can have 100% confidence that the information is not tampered with. Besides, it enables smoother transactions in the fastest time possible.
Furthermore, in most countries, real estate primarily attracts local investors. With globalization, transactions across borders should be seamless but it is a cumbersome process in reality.
Due to this factor, most investors do not vigorously seek real estate investment outside their homeland. Blockchain and cryptocurrency are solutions to this problem. This solution is a process, called On-Demand Liquidity (ODL), achieved through a bridge currency, in this case, a crypto token. Ripple Labs operating out of San Francisco, California, is at the forefront of providing this solution to companies worldwide. With ODL, investors around the world can pursue Real Estate investments across borders.
How does such a digitized transaction take place?
An individual from country X deploys a smart contract (SC) on a real estate marketplace built on top of a blockchain. SC detects an investment in Country Y which meets the requirements set by the individual in country X. SC executes the transaction, and the payment is made through ODL. The seller receives the payment in the local currency of country Y. The entire transaction completes within a few seconds.
Another vital usage of blockchain in real estate is its application for REITs. Here, it makes the strongest case. One single Bitcoin can be divided into 100 million individual units, called “satoshi“. Every single satoshi can be designated to any asset like REITs/stocks/bonds or identity information, and even votes. This process is called tokenization of an asset. There is immense potential in making REITs accessible to a wider investor base by migrating them on a blockchain. Simply put, anyone around the world with an internet connection can become a prospective REITs investor if it is on the blockchain. The barriers to entry will be drastically diluted.
About JLL
JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. JLL shapes the future of real estate for a better world by using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $18.0 billion, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 93,000 as of December 31, 2019. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.