Real estate investment trusts, or REITs, own, operate, or finance income-producing real estate. They allow individuals to invest in real estate assets without owning physical properties. By purchasing shares of a REIT, investors earn income through dividends, enjoy the benefits of diversification, and may benefit from long-term capital appreciation.

Definition of REITs

REITs make real estate investment more accessible to individual investors. Instead of buying property directly, people can invest in real estate by purchasing individual REIT stocks, mutual funds, or ETFs (exchange-traded funds) that include REITs.

Investors who buy REIT shares receive income generated by the underlying properties—without the need to buy, finance, or manage real estate themselves.

Pros and Cons of REITs

Pros of REITs

• Portfolio Diversification: REITs help investors diversify their portfolios. By including real estate alongside assets like stocks, bonds, and cash, investors reduce their exposure to the risk of any single investment. REITs often hold a mix of property types—such as residential, commercial, industrial, or healthcare—allowing for broader diversification and more stable earnings.
• Accessibility: REITs eliminate the need for large down payments or mortgage commitments. Investors can enter the real estate market without significant capital and often buy fractional shares if a full share is too costly.
• Passive Income: REITs provide regular dividends to shareholders, creating a consistent stream of passive income. This income appeals to retirees and income-focused investors who want reliable cash flow without active management responsibilities.
• Competitive Returns: In addition to dividends, REIT shares can appreciate. REIT investors may benefit from capital gains as the underlying properties generate more revenue or increase market value.
• Liquidity: Publicly traded REITs allow investors to buy and sell shares through regular brokerage accounts. Unlike traditional real estate, which can take months to sell, REITs offer immediate access to cash through public markets.

Cons of REITs

• Dividend Taxes: Although REITs generate passive income, the IRS treats most of that income as ordinary taxable income. Investors may pay higher taxes on REIT dividends than long-term capital gains from traditional stocks.
• High Fees: Publicly traded REITs typically have lower fees. Still, private or non-listed REITs can charge steep upfront costs—sometimes exceeding 11% of the investment. These fees can cut into overall returns, especially for short-term investors.
• Interest Rate Risk: REIT performance often correlates with interest rate trends. When interest rates rise, real estate demand can fall, leading to lower property values and reduced REIT returns. Higher interest rates may also reduce the appeal of REIT dividends compared to safer, fixed-income investments.
• Market Volatility: Although REITs invest in physical assets, they still trade on stock exchanges. The stock exchange makes them susceptible to market swings, economic downturns, and real estate-specific risks such as oversupply or tenant vacancies.
• Lack of Control: REIT investors, like those in mutual funds or ETFs, have no direct control over the properties or investment strategies. They rely on REIT managers to make key property acquisitions, sales, and financing decisions.

Types of REITs

REITs come in several forms based on how they operate and where they’re traded:

Public REITs

These companies trade on national stock exchanges and are registered with the SEC. They own and operate income-producing real estate, such as office buildings, shopping centers, and warehouses. Investors can easily buy or sell shares, making public REITs highly liquid and transparent.

Public Non-Listed REITs (PNLRs)

Although registered with the SEC, PNLRs do not trade on major stock exchanges. They typically offer limited liquidity and require a minimum holding period. Investors can redeem shares only through restricted programs or after several years.

Private REITs

Private REITs do not register with the SEC, and you cannot trade publicly. Typically reserved for institutional or accredited investors, these REITs offer limited transparency and low liquidity.

REIT Classifications by Strategy

Equity REITs

These REITs own and manage physical properties—such as apartment complexes, shopping malls, and office buildings—and lease them to tenants. They earn rental income and may profit from property sales. Equity REITs distribute most of their earnings to shareholders through dividends.

Mortgage REITs (mREITs)

Rather than owning properties, mortgage REITs invest in mortgages and mortgage-backed securities. They earn income through interest payments and, due to the nature of their investments, often offer higher dividend yields.

Hybrid REITs

Hybrid REITs combine strategies from both equity and mortgage REITs. They may own properties while also investing in mortgages, creating a diversified source of income.

Final Takeaway

REITs provide a simple way to invest in real estate without owning or managing property. Investors benefit from consistent dividends, competitive long-term returns, and portfolio diversification. While REITs come with tax considerations, interest rate sensitivity, and limited control, they remain a popular option for those seeking exposure to the real estate market in a flexible and accessible format.