If you’re trying to build a strong, balanced portfolio, real estate is one of those investments that always comes up—and for good reason. It’s proven, it’s profitable, and it can add serious long-term value.

But let’s be real: buying property isn’t exactly cheap. Between the down payment, maintenance costs, insurance, and mortgage payments, it can feel totally out of reach. Not to mention the market can be a rollercoaster, and tying up a huge chunk of your money in a single property? Kinda scary.

Here’s the good news—

You don’t need to buy a house to make money from real estate.

Yep, you read that right. There are ways to invest in real estate without ever owning a property. No mortgages, no landlords, no leaky roofs to deal with.

So, if you’re curious how that works, pull up a chair—

Here are five smart ways to invest in real estate without buying a single property.

5 Ways To Make Money In Real Estate Without Buying A Single Property

1. Invest in REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)

One of the easiest ways to get into real estate—without buying a single property—is by investing in REITs.

REITs are companies that own or finance income-producing real estate, like apartment buildings, malls, hotels, or office spaces. When you buy shares in a REIT, you’re basically investing in a slice of that real estate portfolio—minus the hassle of managing any of it yourself.

Most REITs are publicly traded, so you can buy and sell them just like regular stocks. And here’s the kicker: by law, they have to pay out at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders through dividends. So if you pick the right REITs, this can be a solid source of passive income.

Just make sure to research carefully—some REITs invest in physical properties (called equity REITs), while others focus on real estate debt (mortgage REITs). Both can work, but it’s smart to know where your money’s going.

2. Invest in Real Estate Mutual Funds

If you like the idea of real estate exposure but want to keep things hands-off, real estate mutual funds might be a smart move.

Unlike REITs—which are actual companies—mutual funds are investment vehicles that pool money from many investors and are managed by professionals. A real estate mutual fund specifically invests in a mix of real estate-related assets: REITs, property development companies, construction firms, and more.

The big win here? Diversification. You’re not betting on a single property or even a single company—you’re spreading your money across a bunch of real estate investments. Plus, you can choose funds focused on steady income, long-term growth, or a mix of both.

They’re generally less volatile than investing in individual REITs or real estate stocks, but keep in mind: they’re still tied to the ups and downs of the real estate market. Just… with a bit more cushion.

3. Try Wholesaling Houses

Wholesaling is kind of like real estate matchmaking—you connect sellers with buyers and earn a cut for making the deal happen.

Here’s how it works: you find a motivated homeowner who wants to sell fast (often below market value), get the property under contract, and then assign that contract to a buyer for a higher price. The difference between what the seller agreed to and what the buyer pays? That’s your profit.

It’s similar to house flipping—but you’re not actually buying or renovating the home. That means no down payment, no mortgage, and no repair headaches.

Sounds pretty sweet, right? It can be—but let’s keep it real: finding great off-market deals and serious buyers takes hustle. You’ll need solid negotiation skills, a good eye for undervalued properties, and a basic understanding of contracts.

Still, if you’re up for the challenge, wholesaling can be a low-cost way to get into the real estate game.

4. Invest in Real Estate-Related Companies

REITs aren’t your only option when it comes to real estate-focused stocks. You can also invest in companies that support the real estate industry—without actually owning any property yourself.

Think of businesses like Zillow, Redfin, Opendoor, or real estate data platforms, brokerages, and home services companies. These companies make money from the buying and selling of homes, but you’re simply investing in their stock—not the properties themselves.

This kind of investment can give you indirect exposure to the housing market while keeping your portfolio diversified. And since you’re dealing with public companies, it’s easy to buy in and get out, just like any other stock.

Just skip the random or made-up names (we’re lookin’ at you, “Etsy Real Estate Co.”)—stick to actual companies with strong market presence and growth potential.

5. Invest in Home Construction Companies

If you believe people will always need homes (which—let’s be honest—feels like a safe bet), then investing in homebuilders might be your lane.

Publicly traded construction companies like Lennar (LEN), D.R. Horton (DHI), or PulteGroup (PHM) focus on building residential communities across the U.S. And you don’t need to swing a hammer to get involved—just buy shares like any other stock.

These companies tend to grow with housing demand, so when the market’s hot, their profits—and your potential returns—can rise. Just keep in mind, like all stocks, they still ride the waves of economic shifts, interest rates, and housing supply.

If you’re bullish on the future of real estate but want a more traditional stock market entry point, this one’s worth a look.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to buy a house, deal with tenants, or take out a massive loan to tap into the real estate market. Whether you’re looking for steady dividends, long-term growth, or just a smarter way to diversify—these five options let you invest without the usual headaches.

Real estate can still be part of your money game… even if you never hold a set of keys.