RentReinvest with Stake vs. savings accounts: Why compounding in real estate wins

Compounding in real estate can be a game-changer for wealth creation, let’s discover why together in this insightful blog:

When it comes to building wealth, most people are familiar with savings accounts. They’re safe, predictable, and often considered the default option for compounding interest.

But what if there’s another way to grow your wealth?

At Stake, we’ve introduced RentReinvest:  A smart feature that automatically reinvests your monthly rental income to complement your existing saving and investing habits.

This feature leverages the power of compounding to help grow your portfolio seamlessly.

Comparative Analysis: How savings accounts work

Savings accounts typically offer a fixed interest rate, ranging from 1% to 5%, depending on the bank and market conditions.

The idea is simple: the bank pays you interest on your deposits, which compounds over time.

For example, with an interest rate of 4% on $10,000:

• Year 1: $10,400
• Year 5: $12,166
• Year 10: $14,802

Savings accounts are reliable and liquid, making them great for short-term needs. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider with this financial tool:

• Inflation risk: In recent years, global inflation rates have been declining but remain significant. For instance, the IMF projects a global inflation rate of 5.9% in 2024, down from 6.8% in 2023. Even at these levels, inflation can erode the purchasing power of fixed returns, as prices continue to rise over time
• Fixed Returns:  Your earnings are directly linked to the interest rate, which often fluctuates based on market conditions. For example, savings account rates in the U.S. experienced a significant dip in 2024, dropping from an average of over 4% in 2023 to around 3% as the Federal Reserve eased its aggressive interest rate hikes (source:  Federal Reserve Economic Data, 2024)

Comparative Analysis: How RentReinvest works

RentReinvest by Stake takes your monthly dividends, generated from the rent on the shares you own in income-generating properties, and automatically reinvests it into other opportunities on the platform. Over time, as your income gets reinvested consistently, your earnings compound to make you even more money!

Let’s break it down:

1. Ownership of property shares: Stake enables investors to purchase fractional shares of rented properties, providing access to prime real estate opportunities without the need for full property ownership
2. Rental income as returns: The rental income you earn works similarly to the interest in a savings account, providing a steady stream of returns. Your income is paid out every month directly into your Stake wallet, hassle-free
3. Reinvestment: This income is reinvested automatically into additional property shares, steadily increasing your portfolio’s earning potential through the power of compounding

Real estate has a distinct advantage: its returns are often linked to inflation. As property values and rents increase, so do your earnings.

Key benefits:

• Inflation hedge: Unlike savings accounts, real estate often appreciates with inflation
• Dynamic returns: Your income grows with rising rents and property values

The role of inflation: Real-life examples

Savings accounts vs. real estate during inflation

Imagine inflation is at 6% annually. While a savings account offering a 5% interest rate may seem attractive, it actually results in a net loss of 1% in real purchasing power (5% return – 6% inflation = -1%). For instance, if you deposit $10,000:

• After 1 year, your balance grows to $10,500, but the value of what that money can buy has dropped to $9,900 in inflation-adjusted terms
• Over 10 years, even with compounding, your purchasing power decreases further, leaving you with less value than you started with

In contrast, real estate provides returns that grow with inflation. Rental income often increases with market demand, and property values tend to appreciate in line with or above inflation. For example:

• A property worth $100,000 with an annual rent of $6,000 (6% yield) could see both its value and rental income rise by 6% annually.
• After 10 years, the property value might reach $179,000 and annual rent could grow to $10,740, significantly outpacing inflation.

Why this matters for wealth-building

While savings accounts offer stable returns, they fail to protect your purchasing power during periods of high inflation and  when they fall short when compared to other asset classes. Real estate, through mechanisms like RentReinvest, not only preserves but often grows your wealth, making it a powerful inflation hedge. This is because:

• Rent adjustments: Rental agreements typically account for inflation, allowing landlords (and investors) to increase rents annually
• Market appreciation: Properties in prime locations often see higher-than-inflation appreciation, boosting both capital value and income

Side-by-side comparison

Ending note: Compounding in real estate is key

Every investment decision depends on your individual goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation. Whether you choose to stick with savings accounts or explore real estate investment opportunities, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully, or better yet, seek advice from a financial advisor.

Curious to learn more? Download the Stake app today to explore how real estate investments and compounding strategies like RentReinvest can fit into your portfolio.

1.  This feature is only available via the Stake UAE product
2.  This excludes fix-and-flip properties, which are not eligible for the RentReinvest feature.
3.  Liquidity in real estate is linked to two aspects: (1) rental income, which is received monthly and can be withdrawn or reinvested, and (2) capital appreciation, which depends on market conditions. At Stake, we offer two exit mechanisms: a biannual Exit Window for investors in need of capital and an exit based on favorable market conditions, allowing investors to cash in on gains after a certain holding period.

All investments carry risks. Stake is regulated by the DFSA