What are REITs and How to Invest in them?

Last Updated on June 6, 2023

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are investment vehicles that offer investors exposure to real estate assets, without the hassles of owning, leasing, or managing them.

REITs date back to the 1960s when the US Congress created the law to allow organizations to purchase portfolios of income-generating real estate.

Investing in REITs offers attractive risk-return characteristics, with regular dividend income, capital appreciation, low correlations to other asset classes, and potential inflation-hedging benefits.

What are REITs and How to Invest in them?

REITs are subject to specific regulations such as distributing at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders, having at least 75% of assets in real estate, and being managed by a board of directors.

Some of the key takeaways when investing in REITs include understanding the different types of REITs such as equity, mortgage, or hybrid REITs, and performing proper due diligence to evaluate the quality of assets, management team, financial performance, and valuation.

In addition, investors need to be aware of the risks associated with investing in REITs, such as interest rate risks, market liquidity, default risks, and various industry-specific risks.

Despite the risks, investing in REITs could provide a convenient and efficient way for investors to gain access to the growing real estate market, especially when compared to direct real estate investing.

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What are REITs?

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) allow individual investment in real estate without property ownership. Mainly, three types of REITs exist: equity, mortgage, and hybrid. Equity REITs manage income-generating real estate. Mortgage REITs invest in mortgages tied to real estate. Hybrid REITs combine features of both types.

REITs generate income from rental income and property appreciation. Investors receive distributions as dividends. REITs offer several advantages, including diversification, liquidity, and potentially higher yields compared to traditional investments.

Key advantages include professional management and portfolio diversification. Experienced professionals manage REITs, bringing extensive real estate industry knowledge. This removes the need for investors to manage property personally.

REITs provide exposure to diverse real estate types – commercial to residential properties in various locations. This broad spread reduces investment risk.

Another benefit is liquidity. Unlike physical real estate, investors can buy and sell REITs on the stock market, making it easy to adjust their investments.

However, REITs also have drawbacks, like higher fees and lower dividend tax rates. Hence, thorough research and due diligence are crucial. Consider factors like the management team, type of real estate assets, distribution, and dividend policies.

Summarily, REITs offer opportunities for individuals to invest in real estate. They generate income, offer diversification and liquidity, and provide professional management. While considering fees and taxes is essential, REITs can add valuable diversity to any investment portfolio.

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How to Invest in REITs

Determine Your Investment Objectives

Investing in real estate investment trusts, or REITs for short, can be a great way to diversify your investment portfolio. However, before investing your hard-earned money, you need to determine your investment objectives. Are you looking for a steady stream of income or long-term capital appreciation?

Comparison of Different REIT Investment Options

Once you have determined your investment objectives, the next step is to compare different REIT investment options. There are several types of REITs, each with their own unique characteristics. For example, equity REITs invest in physical properties, whereas mortgage REITs invest in real estate debt.

In addition to these, there are also hybrid REITs that invest in both physical properties and real estate debt. Furthermore, you can also choose between publicly traded REITs or non-traded REITs. Each type of REIT has its own pros and cons that need to be considered.

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Factors to Consider Before Investing in REITs

Before investing in REITs, there are several factors that need to be considered. One of the most important factors is the management team behind the REIT. You want a management team that has a proven track record of success and integrity.

Other factors that need to be considered include the REIT’s dividend yield, its earnings growth potential, the quality of its properties, and its overall performance history. You should also consider the economic conditions and how they may impact the REIT’s performance in the future.

Steps to Invest in REITs

Once you have determined your investment objectives, compared different REIT investment options, and considered the relevant factors, you can then take steps to invest in REITs.

The first step is to open a brokerage account with a reputable broker. Next, you should research the specific REIT that you are interested in, including its performance history and financial statements. You should also check to see if the REIT’s dividend payout is sustainable over the long-term.

Once you have decided on the specific REIT that you want to invest in, you can purchase its shares through your broker.

It’s important to remember that investing in REITs involves risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. As such, you should always invest prudently and do your own due diligence before investing.


Investing in REITs can be a great way to diversify your investment portfolio and generate steady income. However, before investing in REITs, you need to determine your investment objectives, consider different REIT investment options, and evaluate the relevant factors such as the REIT’s management team, dividend yield, earnings growth potential, and property quality.

Once you have done your due diligence, you can take the necessary steps to invest in REITs and potentially reap the rewards of your investment.

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Tips for Investing in REITs

REITs or Real Estate Investment Trusts have become quite popular among investors lately. These trusts combine the benefits of investing in real estate with the ease of buying and selling stocks. However, like every investment, REITs have their own set of risks and challenges that investors need to be aware of. In this chapter, we will discuss some tips that can help you make a well-informed decision before investing in REITs.

Understanding the risks associated with REITs

  • One of the primary risks of investing in REITs is the volatile nature of the real estate market. REITs can be impacted by fluctuations in property values, interest rates, and the overall economic climate.

  • Another risk associated with REITs is the possibility of dividend cuts. REITs have to pay at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders as dividends, failing which they lose their tax-exempt status. Therefore, dividend cuts could indicate financial distress in the REIT.

  • REITs can also be subject to sector-specific risks. For example, a healthcare REIT might be impacted by changes in healthcare policies or regulations.

Diversifying your REIT investment

  • Like any other investment, diversification is key to managing risks associated with REITs. Investing in different types of properties, geographical locations, and REITs with varying risk profiles can help spread your risks.

  • Diversification can also help balance your portfolio and ensure consistent returns, even if one or more REITs fail to perform as expected.

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Importance of research before investing in REITs

  • Before investing in REITs, it is crucial to research and analyze the specific REIT’s historical performance, dividend payout history, property portfolio, management team, and overall financial health.

  • Reading annual reports, attending earnings calls, and analyzing market trends can help you make informed investment decisions.

  • It is also crucial to pay attention to the REIT’s debt levels, as high leverage can indicate financial instability.

Monitoring REIT performance

  • Investors need to keep a watchful eye on their REITs’ performance, as even the slightest changes in their financial or operational performance can impact their stock prices.

  • Keeping track of quarterly earnings reports, management changes, and stock price fluctuations can help investors to react promptly to any negative changes and take corrective actions if necessary.

  • It is also advisable to reassess your REIT portfolio periodically and make necessary adjustments to your investment strategy based on your risk appetite and market conditions.


Investing in REITs can be a profitable option for those looking for alternative investment opportunities. However, it is essential to understand the risks and challenges associated with REITs and diversify your investment portfolio to manage risks.

Investing in REITs is not a ‘set it and forget it’ strategy and investors need to continuously monitor their REITs’ performance and make necessary adjustments to their investment strategy.

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Conclusion

Investing in REITs can be a beneficial addition to a diversified portfolio.

Key points to remember before investing include researching the specific REIT, considering the risks, and understanding tax implications.

It’s important to remember that like any investment, there are no guarantees and it’s critical to do your due diligence.

REITs can be a valuable investment opportunity if chosen carefully and monitored closely.

With the potential for both long-term appreciation and steady income, REITs are an option worth exploring for investors looking for a different type of real estate exposure.

Read: How to Navigate a Bear Market with Your Investments

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