Co-Ownership: An Investment Opportunity for Everyone in the GTA

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is not just a geographical region; it's a vibrant tapestry of cultures, businesses, and opportunities. And though the skyline of the GTA is dotted with new constructions, the dream of homeownership continues to be out of reach for many aspiring investors.

Rising property prices, limited inventory, and stringent lending criteria have made the traditional route to homeownership a challenging endeavor. This is where the concept of co-ownership, a collaborative venture in real estate, comes into play. Co-ownership investment platforms like Lotly are championing this idea, offering a fresh perspective on property investment. By embracing co-ownership, individuals can navigate the complexities of the GTA real estate market, ensuring they have a stake in this dynamic region.

Delving Deeper into Co-Ownership

Co-ownership is more than just a financial arrangement; it's a partnership built on trust, shared aspirations, and mutual growth.

In a traditional co-ownership approach, multiple parties come together, harmonizing their resources to achieve a shared dream – co-owned property. This collaborative approach is not just about pooling finances; it's about teamwork, collective aspirations, and mutual growth. In a market like the GTA, where every square foot comes at a premium, co-ownership offers a pragmatic solution.

Martyna Gatkiewicz, co-founder and CEO of Lotly, saw the potential of co-ownership back in 2021:

“Here’s the problem with today’s market: would-be homeowners can’t afford to buy. These are folks who can afford a mortgage, earn a high income, and have an excellent credit score. In theory, they are primed to purchase a home! But not in the GTA because home prices are out of control. Recently, it was revealed that prices have gotten to the point where Habitat for Humanity is helping families with an income of $100,000 purchase property. That’s how bad things have gotten.

There has got to be a way to fix things. We believe that co-ownership is the future of real estate. Our innovative model is designed to help individuals realize their dreams of homeownership and simultaneously build wealth through collective property investment. But this is more than just an investment avenue; it's a collaborative journey where investors and aspiring homeowners come together. By stepping into a Lotly fund, investors are not merely investing; they’re playing a pivotal role in turning homeownership dreams into reality.”

Lotly’s Approach to Co-Ownership

Unlike traditional co-ownership, where multiple parties come together to manage a property, Lotly's investment fund helps those would-be homeowners become the primary owners. Investors don't have to worry about collecting rent or being involved with the property, as Lotly and the homeowner deal with that. This approach breaks down financial barriers, allowing individuals from various economic backgrounds to stake a claim in the coveted GTA real estate landscape.

The Landscape of Co-Ownership

The concept of co-ownership isn't new, but its adoption and popularity have surged in recent times, especially in regions like the GTA. It’s a versatile model with various forms, each catering to different needs and preferences:

• Lotly’s Approach: In this method of co-ownership, investors pool their money in a shared fund. This allows Lotly to fund the purchase of multiple homes, allowing for diversification. Investors can sit back and let the market appreciate, owning an equity stake in the homes under the fund without worrying about mortgages, maintenance, taxes, or collecting rent.
• Tenancy in Common (TIC): In TIC, each co-owner has a distinct, undivided interest in the property, which may not necessarily be equal. Each owner can sell, lease, or will their interest without the consent of the other co-owners.
• Joint Tenancy: In this model, all co-owners have equal ownership and interest in the property. A significant feature of joint tenancy is the right of survivorship, meaning if one co-owner dies, their share is automatically passed on to the surviving co-owners.
• Condominium Ownership: Unlike the other forms where the focus is on the property itself, condominium ownership emphasizes individual units in a multi-unit property. Each owner holds a title to their unit and shares the ownership of common areas.
• Cooperative (Co-op) Ownership: In a co-op, individuals don't own the property directly. Instead, they own shares in a corporation that owns the property. The number of shares one holds typically corresponds to the size and value of the unit they occupy.

Pros and Cons of Co-Ownership

Pros:

• An opportunity to own property that might otherwise be unattainable.
• Accumulation of equity and shared benefits from property appreciation.
• Diversification of investment, reducing risks associated with solo property ownership.
• Enhanced buying power, allowing for the acquisition of better properties.
• In the case of Lotly, a pro is that investing in a diversified pool allows investors to sit back and let the market appreciate without the hassle of managing a mortgage, collecting rent, doing maintenance, and paying property taxes. They own an equity stake in the homes under the fund.

Cons:

• Potential disagreements or conflicts between co-owners.
• Limited options for financing compared to traditional ownership.
• Less individual control over property decisions.
• Possible complexities in selling one's share or exiting the agreement.
• Unequal involvement or contribution to property maintenance and upkeep.
• In the case of Lotly, many of these cons are mitigated as investors don’t need to be involved with management or upkeep.

Co-Ownership vs. Traditional Ownership

But with the concept of traditional ownership so entrenched in investors’ habits, can co-ownership really make a difference in the real estate market? Martyna Gatkiewicz believes that is the case:

“Co-ownership is not just a trend; it's a transformative approach to real estate that addresses the challenges many face in today's market. Traditional ownership often remains an elusive dream for many due to escalating prices and stringent lending criteria. Co-ownership, on the other hand, democratizes the property market. It's a collective endeavor that breaks down financial barriers, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to unite and pool resources.”

Conclusion

The real estate narrative in the GTA is undergoing a seismic shift. Co-ownership, with its promise of inclusivity and shared growth, is at the helm of this transformation. Platforms like Lotly aren't just observers; they're the catalysts driving this change. As the concept of co-ownership continues to gain traction, the GTA stands on the brink of a new era—an era where the dream of homeownership is a shared vision, and the future is built on collaboration.

 

To learn more about co-ownership and how it can become a valuable part of your real estate investment portfolio, visit Lotly.com/invest!