REITs Guide: 5 Real Estate REIT Types You Should Know About

Real estate investing is not what it used to be! Thanks to the introduction of real estate investment trusts, or REITs, the days of needing to spend tens of thousands of rupees upfront are long gone. REITs are a special sort of asset that allows you to invest in anything from commercial and residential real estate to healthcare facilities and even timberlands! The best thing is that you just need a few hundred bucks to get started. But did you know that there are 5 types of REITs?

REITs are a special sort of asset that allows you to invest in anything from commercial and residential real estate to healthcare facilities and even timberlands! 

Even if you determine that REITs are the best method to get started in real estate investment, you will still have to make several considerations.

Here, we will discuss what REITs are, the benefits of real estate REITs, and the five basic types of REITs.

What exactly are REITs?

REIT stands for real estate investment trust and is a great method for smaller investors to get started in real estate investing without requiring a large amount of cash upfront. REITs were established in 1960 to let small investors participate in the then-booming real estate industry. Since then, they have grown in popularity. REITs vary from regular stock or ETF investing in that they provide more stability with fewer entry barriers.

A real estate investment trust (REIT) is a firm that possesses or invests in income-producing real estate. Office buildings and retail malls, as well as warehouses and housing complexes, are examples of such properties.

Also, read Exploring REITs. Here Are The 3 REITs Listed In India & How To Invest.

When you invest in a REIT, you become a stakeholder and earn a portion of the profits (or losses). REITs must pay out 90% of their taxable revenue in dividends to shareholders, which is why they are commonly referred to as “pass-through” businesses.

These securities were developed in the early 1960s to allow small investors to enter the real estate industry. REITs are similar to mutual funds in that you own shares in a trust that owns a portfolio of real estate assets rather than individual firms.

Do not miss Should Indians Invest In REITs With A Long Term Or Short Term Plan?

Types of REITs?

• Retail REITs: Retail REITs are real estate investment trusts that invest in shopping centers and other retail buildings. These REITs are an excellent way to obtain exposure to the struggling brick-and-mortar retail industry, which is under stress from online retailers such as Amazon. The rise of internet shopping has hurt many retail REITs, but some are still doing well. And, as online sales continue to rise, so will the need for high-quality retail space. If you want to invest in a Retail REIT, make sure you do your homework beforehand. Retail REITs are not all created equal, and some are riskier than others. When wanting to get started with retail REITs, it is critical to understand that REITs earn money via collecting rent from tenants (individuals and businesses). As e-commerce becomes a significant worldwide phenomenon daily, it is critical to recognize that this may have a detrimental impact on REITs that have invested in physical stores. It is also crucial to note that e-commerce only serves a specific sort of client, and there will always be people who prefer the conventional shopping experience, particularly when purchasing high-value or luxury products.

• Commercial Property REIT: The Commercial Property REIT is the second form of real estate REIT. These REITs invest in commercial assets such as office buildings, industrial warehouses, and retail stores. Commercial real estate is an excellent strategy for exposure to the expanding economy. Businesses will want additional office and warehouse space as they grow, which Commercial REITs supply. There are several factors to consider when determining whether or not a commercial property REIT is the right option for you.  Do not miss Do you want a chunk of commercial real estate at a reasonable price? Invest In REITs. Here are some issues to consider before investing in a commercial real estate investment trust:

1. How is the economy doing right now?
2. What is the current unemployment rate?
3. What is the commercial vacancy rate in your desired area?
4. What are the commercial growth projections?
5. Is there extra funding available for acquisitions through this REIT? If you want to invest in commercial real estate investment trusts, make sure the city or area has favorable economic prospects for growth, stability, and sustainability. REITs with a higher risk tolerance should turn to other areas with more potential growth, even if this comes with greater volatility.

• Residential REITs: The residential REIT is the third form of real estate REIT. Residential real estate investment trusts (REITs) invest in apartments and other forms of residential assets. Residential real estate investment trusts (REITs) are an excellent method to obtain exposure to the housing market. The demand for rental accommodation will continue to rise as more people migrate to cities. Residential REITs are another excellent option to obtain access to the student housing industry. There are several factors to consider when determining whether or not a residential REIT is a right option for you. Here are some points to consider before investing in a residential REIT:

1. What is the situation of the housing market right now?
2. What is the current unemployment rate?
3. What is the residential rental vacancy rate in your chosen area?
4. What are the rental growth projections?
5. Are the homes in a location that will always have a high demand for renters? For example, are you close to a big university?

If you want to invest in Residential REITS, make sure the management team is seasoned and diverse enough to handle rough waters. It’s crucial to note that these sorts of REITs are more vulnerable to the general condition of the housing market. One disadvantage of real estate REITs for residential sectors is that you are sometimes limited in your ability to pick particular properties. Alternative investment choices, on the other hand, allow you to select particular projects that function similarly to REITs.

• Healthcare REITs: The Healthcare REIT is the fourth type of real estate REIT. These REITS make investments in healthcare institutions like hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. As the population ages and more individuals seek healthcare services, healthcare spending is likely to rise dramatically in the future years. As a result, Healthcare REITs are a good long-term investment.

• Mortgage REITs: The Mortgage REIT is the fifth form of real estate REIT, in which your REIT invests in a mortgage. Mortgage REITs are a terrific method to get a piece of the mortgage pie. Mortgage REITs are a strong long-term investment since the value of mortgage-backed securities rises when interest rates climb. There are several factors to consider when determining whether or not a Mortgage REIT is the right option for you. Here are some questions to consider before making a decision:

1. How is the mortgage market doing right now?
2. What is the current interest rate?
3. What is the mortgage-backed security yield in your chosen area?
4. What are the interest rate projections?
5. Is there extra funding available for acquisitions through this REIT?

Final Takeaway

There are several types of real estate REITs, each with its own set of advantages. While real estate REITs have several advantages, you must first grasp the market circumstances, projects, and dangers before investing. You can guarantee that you are making the finest purchase for yourself by conducting due diligence.

REITs are an excellent method to invest in real estate while benefiting from its growth potential. Understanding the many types of REITs available allows you to make an informed decision about which one is best for you.

Always do your homework before investing! Yes, we are aware that we are preaching to the choir, but still. 

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