Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) - Definition, Types, Guide for Indian Investors

What is a Real Estate Investment Trust? A real estate investment trust (REIT) allows you to invest in income-generating property like office buildings and shopping centers without directly handling properties.

Types of Real Estate Investment Trusts in India: Mostly equity REITs, with greater focus on commercial buildings; mortgage REITs are less common.

How to Invest in REITs: Invest at least Rs 10,000 in real estate investment trust units in a demat account.

Best REITs to Invest in 2025: Brookfield, Embassy, and Nexus Select are good contenders, but returns vary.

Risks: REITs are interest rate and market sensitive but offer passive real estate investing income.

Definition

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) enable you to invest in a share of India's hot realty market without buying and holding property. In commercial hubs like Gurugram, where offices and malls are thriving, REITs are a smart way to earn rental income and long-term value appreciation. REITs are like stocks – you buy units on stock exchanges like NSE or BSE and get periodic dividends.

Why Invest in REITs

REITs are best for passive real estate investing and diversifying holdings. For example, in Gurugram, REITs like Brookfield have office parks that benefit from the city's IT boom. Their worth may fall if interest rates increase or the economy dips, so you should investigate or consult professionals.

REITs provide various advantages for Indian investors:

• Passive Income: Regular dividend payments offer steady cash inflows, usually better than fixed deposits or bonds.
   
• Diversification: Risk exposure to a property portfolio is lower than that to an individual property.
   
• Liquidity: Listed on stock markets, REITs are highly liquid compared to direct real estate ownership.
   
• Professional Management: Properties are professionally managed—no direct involvement is required.
   
• Tax Efficiency: Dividend income may be tax-exempt if SPVs fall under the older tax regime.

Risks to Consider

• Interest Rate Sensitivity: Higher rates raise borrowing costs and reduce property values.
   
• Market Fluctuations: Trends like remote work can reduce rental income.
   
• Sector-Specific Risks: Office REITs may face issues if corporate leasing slows.

Getting Started with Real Estate Investment Trusts

To start:

1. Open a demat account.
    
2. Buy units of a real estate investment trust (REIT) listed on NSE or BSE.
    
3. Review recent performance and seek advice.

Want expert assistance? Call 784-000-1269.

Types of Real Estate Investment Trusts in India

Equity REITs

• Own and manage income-producing properties.
   
• Highly prevalent in India (e.g., Brookfield India Real Estate Trust).
   
• Common in office, retail, and warehousing.
   

Mortgage REITs

• Invest in real estate loans and mortgage-backed securities.
   
• Generate income through interest.
   
• Rare in India.
   

Hybrid REITs

• Combine features of both equity and mortgage REITs.
   
• Balanced but uncommon in India.
   

By Listing Status:

• Publicly Traded REITs: Listed on exchanges, offering liquidity.
   
• Non-Traded REITs: Not listed, less liquid and costlier.
   

Type of REIT	Primary Income Source	Prevalence in India	Example Industries
Equity REITs	Leasing from properties	High	Office, Retail, Industrial
Mortgage REITs	Interest from loans	Low	Mortgages, MBS
Hybrid REITs	Interest and rent	Unusual	Combined assets

Equity REITs are common in Gurugram, with properties like Candor TechSpace (Brookfield) serving corporate needs.
 

Skip the hassle. Contact 784-000-1269 for help.

Guide to Picking the Perfect Real Estate Investment Trust

1. Define Your Investment Goals

• Income Focus: Look for sustainable dividends.
   
• Growth: Choose REITs with strong property portfolios.
   
• Risk Tolerance: Equity REITs = lower risk; mortgage = higher sensitivity.
   

2. Understand Types of Real Estate Investment Trusts

• Equity REITs: Stable income, widely available.
   
• Mortgage REITs: Less common, sensitive to rates.
   
• Sectors: Commercial, retail, industrial.
   

3. Assess Location

• Invest in REITs with properties in growth hubs like Gurugram.
   

4. Analyze Financial Metrics

• FFO: Higher = better cash flow.
   
• Dividend Yield: Target 6–8%.
   
• D/E Ratio: Lower ratio = better.
   
• Past Returns: Analyze 1-year performance.
   

5. Property & Tenant Quality

• Occupancy: >90% = good.
   
• Lease Terms: Long-term with MNCs preferred.
   
• Asset Quality: Grade-A offices and malls.
   

6. Evaluate Management

• Proven teams navigate market cycles effectively.
   

7. Growth Potential

• Future acquisitions or expansions, esp. in data centers/logistics.
   

8. Risk Analysis

• Rate hikes, remote work, or online retail can impact returns.
   

9. Diversify Investments

• Combine multiple REITs, mutual funds, or ETFs.
   

10. Check Liquidity

• Publicly traded REITs = easy to buy/sell.
   

11. Take Professional Advice

• Firms like Realsta Infratech help optimize decisions.
   

12. Stay Informed

• Review SEBI filings, macroeconomic trends, and REIT reports.
   

Criteria	What to Look For
Financial Wellness	High FFO, consistent dividends, low D/E ratio
Property Quality	High occupancy, Grade-A assets, long leases
Sector and Location	High-growth segments in urban zones like Gurugram
Management	Experienced and stable
Growth Potential	Expansion in logistics/data centers
Risks	Low exposure to sector or rate risks

 

Need expert assistance in choosing the right commercial property investment?

Navigating India’s real estate investment trust market requires both market insight and strategic planning. Realsta Infratech offers:

• Personalized Investment Advisory
   
• Market Insights: Especially for Gurugram and other urban hotspots.
   
• Asset Management
   
• Hyper-Local Expertise: Especially valuable for regional REIT listings.
   

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced investor, Realsta can help simplify how to invest in REITs effectively.

Get in touch with us at 784-000-1269

About Realsta

With over ₹1,360 crore in advised capital and 22 lakh sq. ft. of commercial real estate in Gurgaon our strategy is anchored in disciplined, high-conviction commercial real estate investment across Gurgaon’s most prolific micro-markets. We invest alongside our clients in nearly every transaction - ensuring true alignment and shared upside. By combining deep operating insight, on-the-ground intelligence, and robust capital capabilities, we build and scale strategic CRE assets with enduring value.