What is REIT in real estate? Types of REITs. REIT basics.

Discover the potential of REITs, a lucrative investment opportunity. Learn about their definition, history, and types to gain a deeper understanding. Start your journey towards financial success today.

last updated Monday, May 12, 2025
#what is reit #reit basics

---



by John Burson

QUICK LINKS

The Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) stand out as a cornerstone for both novice and seasoned investors aiming to diversify their portfolios. 1960, REITs revolutionized the investment landscape by offering an accessible pathway to investing in extensive and lucrative real estate markets, previously reserved only for the wealthy or institutional investors.

These unique financial vehicles pool capital from numerous investors to purchase or finance various income-generating real estate assets. From bustling commercial spaces to expansive residential complexes, REITs manage these properties to generate a steady income through rent, which is then distributed as dividends to shareholders.

Whether you are looking to understand the basics of REITs or an investor considering them for portfolio expansion, this guide will provide you with essential insights into how REITs function, their benefits, and their crucial role in the real estate investment sector.

Real Estate Investment Trust’s Definition

REIT definition: Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) companies own or operate income-producing real estate. REITs generate a steady income for investors by giving them dividends from their investments. An individual investor doesn’t have to buy, manage, or finance properties. Most REITs are publicly traded, which makes them highly liquid, unlike physical real estate investments.

What is a REIT and how does it work?

A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is a company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate. By pooling the capital of numerous investors, REITs allow individuals to earn dividends from real estate investments without having to buy, manage, or finance any properties themselves. Most REITs operate along a straightforward model: lease space, collect rent, and then distribute that income as dividends to shareholders.

History of REITs

When were REITs created?

REITs were established in 1960 by Congress as an amendment to the Cigar Excise Tax Extension. This allows investors to purchase shares of commercial real estate portfolios, a facility previously available only to wealthy investors and large-scale financial agents.

REITs invest primarily in real estate properties such as apartment buildings, commercial buildings, warehouses, medical facilities, etc. However, despite offering a steady income, REITs offer little capital appreciation. Properties in REITs' portfolios may also include hotels, infrastructure, office buildings, etc.

Evolution of REITs

• 1960s-1970s: Initial growth through mortgage REITs (MREITs), which facilitated land development and construction deals.
• 1976: The Tax Reform Act allowed REITs to be established as corporations or business trusts.
• 1986 Tax Reform Act: Introduced regulations to prevent income sheltering, significantly impacting the REIT industry structure.
• 1992: Introduction of UPREIT by Taubman Centers, modernizing the REIT industry.

Development of REITs

Around the time of their establishment in 1960, the first REITs consisted of mortgage companies. The industry experienced significant expansion in the late 1960s and the early 1970s. This expansion happened because of the increased use of Mortgage REITs or MREITs in land development and construction deals. In 1976, the Tax Reform Act authorized the establishment of REITS as corporations and business trusts. The Act of 1986 also impacted REITs. New rules like preventing taxpayers from using partnerships and sheltering their earnings from other sources were established. Unfortunately, REITs witnessed significant losses in the stock market three years later.

In 1992, Retail REIT Taubman Centers modernized the REITs by creating UPREIT. 
In a UPREIT, the parties of an existing partnership and a REIT become partners in a new partnership known as the operating partnership. In short, The REIT is the general partner and the majority owner of the operating partnership units. The partners who contributed their properties can exchange their operating partnerships for REIT shares.

Basic types of REITs

There are three types of REITs

• Equity REITs
• Mortgage REITs
• Hybrid REITs

These REITs can be further classified into three types based on the type of shares they buy. These are:

• Publicly Traded REITs
• Non-Traded REITs
• Private REITs

What is UPREIT?

A UPREIT or Umbrella Partnership Real Estate Investment Trust is a type of investment structure that allows property owners to donate their real estate to a REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) in exchange for an interest in the REIT.
The REIT then leases the property back to the owner, who continues operating it as before.

Benefits:
This arrangement allows the property owner to receive the benefits of owning real estate, such as the ability to use the property as collateral for loans, while diversifying their investments by holding an interest in the REIT.
It can also provide tax benefits, as the property owner may be able to claim a charitable deduction for the value of the donated property.

What is a UPREIT transaction?

The typical UPREIT transaction has three stages:

Property Donation > Leaseback contract > Property Management

Now that you have a basic understanding of what REITs are and how many are available in the market, we will discuss the types of REITs and how to invest in them in other articles.

Frequently Asked Questions About REITs

Is a REIT a good investment?

REITs can be a good investment for those looking to diversify their portfolios with real estate while gaining access to dividends. They offer liquidity compared to owning physical properties and are typically less volatile than stocks. However, like all investments, they carry certain risks, and their performance can be affected by various factors, including market conditions, interest rates, and the management quality of the REIT.

Do REITs pay monthly dividends?

While most REITs traditionally pay dividends quarterly, several REITs pay monthly dividends. This can be particularly attractive for investors seeking regular income distributions, such as retirees. The frequency of dividend payments can be confirmed by checking the REIT’s investor relations website.

What is the most profitable REIT?

The profitability of a REIT can vary widely based on its asset types, management, and market conditions. Historically, some sectors, like healthcare REITs and industrial REITs, have shown strong performance. However, performing due diligence and considering current market trends is crucial before investing. Looking at past dividend yields, growth patterns, and future potential can also guide investors toward the most profitable REITs.

What is the downside of REITs?

REITs are sensitive to changes in interest rates, which can affect their borrowing costs and reduce profitability. They may also exhibit market volatility, and their requirement to distribute most of their income as dividends can limit growth potential. Additionally, dividends from REITs are taxed as ordinary income, which could lead to higher taxes for some investors compared to capital gains on other types of investments.

Final Thoughts

While REITs offer a practical means for individual investors to access the real estate market and receive regular income distributions, they are not without challenges. Potential investors should weigh the sensitivity of REITs to interest rate fluctuations, their market volatility, and the tax implications of dividend income. The limited growth potential due to profit distribution requirements should also be considered. Understanding these factors will help investors make informed decisions that align with their financial goals and risk tolerance.

 
 
 

Free Consultation