Masterworks vs Crowdstreet Comparison

Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms

Invest in fractionalized multimillion-dollar paintings

Invest in commercial real estate projects

444,000 visits/month 9,700 search keywords
107,000 visits/month 15,300 search keywords

Investments
$15,000

The minimum investment required is $15,000, which can be used to buy one or more assets.

Investments
$25,000

Minimum investment amounts on CrowdStreet start at $25,000, with the exact threshold varying by individual project.


Moderate Risk
3/5

Investing in art through Masterworks has risks, including concentration in a single artwork, limited insurance coverage, market volatility, and uncertainty in the secondary market.

Moderate Risk
3/5

Investing via CrowdStreet entails typical real estate risks such as market fluctuations and property-specific issues, with no guarantee of returns and potential for capital loss.


Moderate Liquidity
2/5

You have the option to trade shares on the platform's secondary market, but there are certain restrictions on what and how you can trade.

Minimum Liquidity
1/5

CrowdStreet investments are generally illiquid, with capital committed for several years until a potential liquidity event, such as a property sale or refinancing, without a secondary market for early exit.

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Moderate Return
12.6 %

Profits come from selling the painting or when investors sell their shares.

High Return
17.9 %

CrowdStreet has a historical 17.9% Realized IRR and a typical 3.1-year hold period for investments, with returns varying based on equity shares, debt interest, or hybrid terms, and property sales.


Long-term Investment
3-7 years

Masterworks keeps the artwork for 3 to 10 years.

Long-term Investment
3-10 years

CrowdStreet investments typically have a hold period of 3.1 years on average, with some ranging from 3-5 years and others up to 10 years, reflecting a long-term investment horizon.


Who can invest
International

Masterworks welcomes individuals, corporations, or entities from any location, including the United States.

Who can invest
United States

Individuals must be accredited U.S. residents with valid identification to invest on CrowdStreet, while entities need U.S. accreditation, taxation, and verification, subject to CrowdStreet's approval.


Moderate Volatility
3/5

Art market fluctuations can lead to rapid price increases and declines, posing risks for short-term investors who may lose a significant portion of their capital.

Moderate Volatility
3/5

Assets on CrowdStreet may experience volatility due to economic shifts, interest rate changes, and local market trends, affecting property values and investment returns.


Regulation and audits
SEC Regulated

Masterworks provides SEC-approved offering circulars for each artwork, allowing public investment. AGD Legal reviews art investments annually.

Regulation and audits
SEC Regulated

CrowdStreet's offerings are regulated by the SEC and subject to regular audits for compliance, ensuring adherence to legal standards for securities and real estate investments. However, details on specific audits and regulations are not publicly disclosed.


Insurance
Yes

Artworks are insured for up to $500 million by Lloyd's of London, but coverage may not fully match the artwork's value.

Insurance
Yes

CrowdStreet's properties are typically insured against physical damage, but this does not cover market risks or guarantee full property value protection. Investors should note that insurance mitigates, but doesn't eliminate, all investment risks.


Payouts
No Recurring Payouts

The company doesn't generate revenue.

Payouts
Dividends

CrowdStreet investors may receive distributions, typically on a quarterly basis, based on the cash flow and profitability of their investments, but these are not guaranteed and depend on the specifics of each project.


Withdrawals

Investors should wait for the company to sell the painting to receive their share of the proceeds, after deducting fees.

Withdrawals

Investors on CrowdStreet typically receive their money back after a liquidity event like a property sale, based on the timeline of the specific project's business plan. Real estate investments are illiquid, so funds cannot be withdrawn on demand.


Extra Fees
Yes

Masterworks charges a 1.5% yearly fee in equity, takes a 20% cut on art sales profits, and has a one-time sourcing fee per investment.

Extra Fees
Yes

CrowdStreet investments may include sponsor-determined fees such as acquisition, asset management, and property management fees, along with performance-based carried interest.


Taxes
Tax Form

US taxpayers: subject to collectible gains rate (capped at 28%), unless owning 10%+ of a single painting. Masterworks provides a free Consolidated Tax Statement. Foreign investors: no US taxes or tax withholding.

Taxes
Tax Form

CrowdStreet issues Form K-1 or other relevant tax documents to investors for annual tax reporting, with the advice to consult a tax advisor for proper tax treatment of investments.

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