Frequently Asked Questions
General
Who is URBIX?
URBIX is a fintech company specializing in financing real estate projects across Spain. We connect investors with promising real estate opportunities through equity investments and loans, aiming to provide attractive returns for investors while helping developers secure funding.
Is URBIX regulated?
Yes, URBIX operates as a Participatory Financing Services Platform (PFSP) under Spain’s Law 5/2015, which promotes business financing. Currently, we are awaiting official authorization from the CNMV (Spain’s National Securities Market Commission) to function as a PFSP. Until this authorization is obtained, we are only engaging in marketing activities with investors and real estate developers—no transactions or fund transfers are taking place.
How do we select projects?
Our team of analysts rigorously reviews each project submitted by developers. Only those that meet URBIX's standards are published on the platform for investors. The evaluation process follows several key stages to minimize risk:
- Initial Screening: We thoroughly vet real estate opportunities based on factors like location, feasibility, and developer credentials.
- Risk Assessment: A comprehensive analysis of each project's risks, including real estate market trends and financial viability, is conducted.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Once a project begins, URBIX tracks its progress closely, monitoring milestones, costs, and any changes that could impact the outcome.
How do I sign up for URBIX?
For Individuals:
You’ll need to provide your name, address, email, and phone number. To start investing, you'll also need to validate your account via our payment provider, Lemonway, by uploading a photo of your ID, NIE, or passport for identity verification.
For Legal Entities:
The process is quick and easy. You'll need to provide the representative's name, company name, address, CIF (company tax ID), company email, and phone number.
You’ll need to provide your name, address, email, and phone number. To start investing, you'll also need to validate your account via our payment provider, Lemonway, by uploading a photo of your ID, NIE, or passport for identity verification.
For Legal Entities:
The process is quick and easy. You'll need to provide the representative's name, company name, address, CIF (company tax ID), company email, and phone number.
How do I deposit funds to invest on URBIX?
To make a deposit, your account must be validated through Lemonway by providing a photo of your ID, NIE, or passport. For legal entities, you’ll also need to submit the company’s articles of incorporation and a certificate from the commercial register or proof of recent tax payments.
How do I withdraw profits or capital?
To withdraw funds, you’ll need to provide a document verifying your bank account ownership so Lemonway can approve the transaction and process the payment.
Does URBIX operate only in Spain, or internationally as well?
Currently, we are focusing on Spain and have applied for CNMV authorization to attract investors here. Until this process is finished, we are only conducting marketing activities and are not engaging in transactions or accepting funds.
What happens if URBIX shuts down?
All investor funds are held in accounts under your name with Lemonway, an independent payment provider. Therefore, in the unlikely event that URBIX suspends operations, your funds remain secure and unaffected. Additionally, we have agreements in place with another entity to manage your investments and projects to completion if necessary.
Investment
Who can invest in URBIX?
URBIX is open to individual and institutional investors interested in the real estate sector, including:
- Individuals of legal age with Spanish citizenship
- Individuals of legal age with a foreign ID number (NIE)
- Any company with a Spanish tax ID number (NIF)
What documentation do I need to register as an investor?
For individuals of legal age with Spanish or EU citizenship, a valid ID (DNI or passport) is required. For investors outside the EU, a Foreign Identification Number (NIE) is necessary.
What types of investor profiles are there?
URBIX offers three investor profiles: non-experienced, experienced, and professional.
What is a non-experienced investor?
By default, new investors are classified as non-experienced. Before granting full platform access, a knowledge assessment will be conducted to determine which services (debt, equity) are appropriate for you. If approved, warnings and risk notices will be issued if you invest over €1,000 or more than 5% of your net worth (excluding real estate and pension funds).
Non-experienced investors have a four-day "pre-contractual reflection period" during which they can cancel their investment at no cost, starting from the moment of confirmation.
Non-experienced investors have a four-day "pre-contractual reflection period" during which they can cancel their investment at no cost, starting from the moment of confirmation.
Who qualifies as an experienced investor?
Individuals who meet at least two of the following criteria:
- Annual gross income of at least €60,000 or a portfolio of financial instruments (including cash and assets) worth over €100,000
- At least one year of professional experience in the financial sector or an executive role for at least 12 months
- Executed significant volume transactions in capital markets with an average of 10 trades per quarter over the last four quarters
- Own resources of at least €100,000
- Annual turnover of at least €2,000,000
- Total assets of at least €1,000,000
What are URBIX's investment strategies?
URBIX focuses on two main investment strategies: equity and debt.
How do I activate my wallet?
Once your identity is verified and approved by Lemonway, you can send funds to your URBIX account via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or direct debit using your own IBAN.
How do I invest in a project?
To invest, first you need to deposit the desired amount into your URBIX account wallet.
On our website, you can view projects that are open for funding. When a project is available, the opening date and timeline will be announced, allowing you to easily and transparently invest in real estate opportunities.
On our website, you can view projects that are open for funding. When a project is available, the opening date and timeline will be announced, allowing you to easily and transparently invest in real estate opportunities.
What is the minimum investment amount?
The minimum investment varies by project. Each project listing specifies the minimum and/or maximum amount you can invest.
What is the maximum project size?
Up to €5 million.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
For inquiries, feel free to reach us at hola@urbix.es. We're happy to help! For investor-related questions, email inversores@urbix.es. For technical support, contact soporte@urbix.es.
What happens if a project doesn’t reach its funding goal?
If a project fails to meet its funding goal, your contribution will be refunded within 5 days at no cost to you.
What happens if a project is canceled after reaching its funding goal?
If a project is canceled after reaching its funding goal, URBIX will refund your investment along with any early termination penalties agreed upon with the developer, ensuring that funds are used only for viable projects.
What types of projects does URBIX invest in?
We primarily invest in residential and commercial real estate.
This variety allows investors to participate in a broad range of opportunities that align with their preferences and goals.
This variety allows investors to participate in a broad range of opportunities that align with their preferences and goals.
How do I make an investment on URBIX?
Once you’ve found a project you’re interested in and have enough funds in your account, simply click "Invest" and specify the amount. The entire process is handled online, so there's no need for paperwork or in-person meetings. It’s a straightforward and efficient way to participate in real estate projects.
How is the investment formalized?
A notary signs off on the contract. Investors don’t need to attend, as URBIX handles all the legal steps through a mandate agreement with the investor.
What is a guarantee agent?
In some cases, a mortgage or property pledge is created as a security measure. A guarantee agent, empowered by the developer, handles the sale of the property if financing conditions are not met. This helps avoid the costs and delays associated with foreclosure.
How much can I invest?
There are no set investment limits under Regulation (EU) 2020/1503 for crowdfunding service providers.
When will I get my investment back?
Investments are generally recovered when the property or units are sold. Timelines depend on the strategy:
- CrowdLending: Investments are typically recovered within 12 to 36 months.
- CrowdEquity: Recovery may take around 3 years, with potential dividends from rental income during the holding period.
Profitability and Risk
What return can I expect from investing with URBIX using the CrowdEquity strategy?
As with any investment, returns are not guaranteed and depend on the specifics of each project and market conditions.
Developers set target returns for each project, and our team of analysts carefully reviews these targets to assess their feasibility.
Typically, we aim for a gross annual return target of 10% to 15% through capital appreciation, with project timelines ranging from 12 to 36 months. Actual returns may vary based on the amounts invested and the guarantees in place.
It's important to note that these figures can fluctuate depending on the unique characteristics of each project.
Always remember that all investments carry risks, so it’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate each opportunity before making any decisions.
Developers set target returns for each project, and our team of analysts carefully reviews these targets to assess their feasibility.
Typically, we aim for a gross annual return target of 10% to 15% through capital appreciation, with project timelines ranging from 12 to 36 months. Actual returns may vary based on the amounts invested and the guarantees in place.
It's important to note that these figures can fluctuate depending on the unique characteristics of each project.
Always remember that all investments carry risks, so it’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate each opportunity before making any decisions.
What return can I expect from investing with URBIX using the CrowdLending strategy?
In CrowdLending, the return and repayment timeline are defined in the notarial contract and depend on the successful completion of the financing deal.
What are the main risks I could face?
For capital appreciation projects, the main risks include:
In rental projects, the main risk is tenant-related. A tenant may vacate the property early, requiring time to find a replacement, which could impact rental terms.
In the worst-case scenario, these risks could lead to a partial or total loss of your investment, or temporary illiquidity during the project’s term. It’s essential for investors to carefully assess and understand these risks before committing to an investment.
- Time risk: The developer might take longer than expected to complete the project, either due to overly optimistic estimates or delays in obtaining permits or financing.
- Cost risk: Construction costs could increase, and these costs might not be passed on to property sale prices, affecting profitability.
- Commercial risk: The developer may take longer than anticipated to sell the properties or may need to sell them at a lower price than originally projected.
In rental projects, the main risk is tenant-related. A tenant may vacate the property early, requiring time to find a replacement, which could impact rental terms.
In the worst-case scenario, these risks could lead to a partial or total loss of your investment, or temporary illiquidity during the project’s term. It’s essential for investors to carefully assess and understand these risks before committing to an investment.
What are the risks of investing with URBIX?
When an investor commits to a project, they accept the inherent risks and potential returns. Key risks include not achieving the expected returns, liquidity issues, potential dilution, or even the loss of the principal amount invested.
At URBIX, we work to minimise these risks by thoroughly vetting and filtering projects. We only publish opportunities that meet our strict quality and solvency standards to help maximize investor outcomes.
At URBIX, we work to minimise these risks by thoroughly vetting and filtering projects. We only publish opportunities that meet our strict quality and solvency standards to help maximize investor outcomes.
Is my investment insured?
No, investments are not insured, but all projects include guarantees to protect investors. If a developer defaults, URBIX will take the necessary steps to enforce these guarantees.
How does URBIX help minimise investment risks?
Before any project is listed, our professional team rigorously evaluates each proposal to mitigate risks for investors. Additionally, external independent professionals also review the projects for added security.
Once I’ve invested, how can I track the progress of my investments?
You can access all project documentation in your private account area. Additionally, developers provide quarterly updates on the progress of each project, ensuring you stay informed throughout the investment lifecycle.
This transparency allows you to closely monitor your investments and make well-informed decisions as projects evolve.
This transparency allows you to closely monitor your investments and make well-informed decisions as projects evolve.
What is the first step in buying a home?
The absolute first step for your client is to get approved for a mortgage. Without being approved for a mortgage it will be quite difficult, if not impossible, to purchase a new home. If a potential client reaches out to you, have them go through the tenant screening process and then guide them to a reputable mortgage corporation and advisor that you trust.