By investigating the underlying mechanisms, challenges and opportunities associated with this innovative financial instrument, the research aims to shed light on the democratization of real estate investment for retail investors. The core of the thesis will explore the mechanisms of asset tokenization specifically focusing on how real estate assets are transformed into digital tokens tradable on the blockchain. This thesis explores the complexities of fractional ownership and the needs and preferences of retail investors regarding an asset tokenization platform specifically tailored for the Swiss real estate market.

Through two stages of survey-based research, this study identifies the critical features and functionalities that would attract and retain retail investors in this field. An initial survey was conducted to establish a baseline understanding of investor interest and awareness in real estate tokenization, followed by the development of a simple prototype. In the second phase, a refined survey gathered detailed feedback on specific features presented in the prototype. This follow-up survey was targeted retail investors to identify which functionalities they prioritize.

The findings highlight a strong preference for fractional ownership as a way to make real estate investment more accessible. Moreover, respondents indicated interest in a platform which enables them to access Swiss real estate properties, underscoring the demand for accessible and inclusive investment solutions. The results offer actionable insights for platform developers and contribute to the body of knowledge on digital asset tokenization in the real estate sector. By identifying key investor-driven features, this study aims to inform the design of a robust and investor-friendly platform tailored to the Swiss market.