Go Back

Updated on
March 16, 2024

Accredited Investor

Written by: 
Landa

A U.S. investor whose net worth of assets exceeds $1 million excluding the value of their primary residence.

What is an accredited investor?

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) defines an accredited investor as an individual or entity that meets certain financial thresholds. Specifically, an accredited investor is someone who has earned income that exceeds $200,000 in each of the two most recent years (or $300,000 combined income with their spouse) and expects the same for the current year or has a net worth of at least $1 million, excluding their primary residence.

Why does this matter when it comes to investing?

The SEC requires that certain investments be offered only to accredited investors, in part because these individuals are considered to be more financially sophisticated and better able to assess the risks and potential rewards of these investments. Additionally, these investments often involve higher minimum investment amounts, and the SEC wants to ensure that investors who participate in these offerings have the financial means to withstand any potential losses.

One area where this distinction is particularly relevant is in real estate investing. Many real estate investments, such as private real estate funds, private real estate investment trusts (REITs), and certain types of real estate crowdfunding may be limited to accredited investors. This can be frustrating for non-accredited investors who may be interested in these opportunities but are unable to participate due to SEC regulations.

For example

Let's say there's a private real estate fund that requires a minimum investment of $500,000 and promises a high potential return on investment. Only accredited investors would be able to participate in this fund, which means non-accredited investors would miss out on the potential returns. Several real estate crowdfunding platforms allow both accredited and non-accredited investors to participate, the minimum investment amount may be lower, and the goal is for the potential returns to remain equally attractive.

Benefits of being an accredited investor

One potential benefit of being an accredited investor is that it can provide access to investment opportunities that are not available to the general public. For example, a private real estate fund may offer a higher potential return on investment than publicly-traded REITs, which are available to anyone. Additionally, accredited investors may be able to negotiate better terms and fees, given their financial means and investment experience.However, it's important to note that being an accredited investor does not guarantee investment success. Just because someone meets the SEC's financial thresholds does not mean they are immune to losses or bad investment decisions. It's still essential to conduct thorough due diligence and understand the risks associated with any investment opportunity.

The distinction between accredited and non-accredited investors is essential for anyone interested in investing

Accredited investors have access to certain investment opportunities that non-accredited investors do not, and they may also have more negotiating power and better terms. However, it's important to remember that being an accredited investor does not guarantee investment success, and all investors should conduct due diligence and assess the risks before making any investment decision.

Ready to start investing?

Sign up for Landa and start investing in real estate.

Get Started