The Different Types of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, are a type of investment vehicle that allows investors to put their money into real estate without actually having to buy, manage or finance properties themselves. Essentially, a REIT is a company that owns or operates income-generating real estate properties and pays out dividends to its investors. There are different types of REITs, each with its own characteristics and investment objectives. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of REITs, their characteristics, and how they may fit into an investor’s portfolio.

1. Equity REITs

Equity REITs are the most common type of REIT. They own and operate income-producing properties, such as office buildings, apartments, hotels, and shopping centers. Equity REITs generate revenue by collecting rent from tenants and then distribute that revenue to investors in the form of dividends. Equity REITs tend to be relatively stable, as they have a steady stream of rental income, and may offer long-term capital appreciation.

Investors may want to consider equity REITs as a way to diversify their portfolio, as they provide exposure to the real estate market without the burden of managing properties. However, equity REITs may also be sensitive to changes in interest rates, as they often rely on debt to finance their operations.

2. Mortgage REITs

Mortgage REITs invest in mortgages and other real estate-related loans. Unlike equity REITs, mortgage REITs do not own physical properties but instead lend money to real estate developers and other borrowers. They generate revenue by charging interest on the loans they make and may also invest in mortgage-backed securities.

Mortgage REITs tend to have high dividend yields, as they are required to distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders in the form of dividends. However, they may also be more volatile than equity REITs, as their revenue streams may be affected by changes in interest rates and credit risk.

3. Hybrid REITs

As the name suggests, hybrid REITs are a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. They invest in both physical properties and real estate loans, providing investors with a diversified portfolio of real estate assets. Hybrid REITs may also offer higher yields than equity REITs, as they invest in both rental income and interest income.

Hybrid REITs may be suitable for investors looking for a more balanced approach to real estate investing. However, they may also be more complex and require a deeper understanding of the underlying investments.

4. Public Non-Listed REITs

Public non-listed REITs are a type of REIT that is not listed on a public stock exchange. Instead, they are sold through broker-dealers and financial advisors to individual investors. Public non-listed REITs may offer higher dividends than traditional stocks and bonds, and may also provide access to commercial real estate investments that are typically only available to institutional investors.

However, public non-listed REITs may also have high fees and expenses, which can eat into investors’ returns. Additionally, they may be illiquid, meaning that it may be difficult to sell shares if an investor needs to access their funds quickly.

5. Private REITs

Private REITs are not traded on public stock exchanges and are typically only available to accredited investors, such as institutional investors and high net worth individuals. Private REITs may offer higher returns than publicly traded REITs, as they are not subject to the same regulatory requirements and may have more flexibility in their investment strategies.

However, private REITs may also be riskier than publicly traded REITs, as they may invest in more speculative real estate projects and may have less transparency than publicly traded REIT