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A '''real estate investment trust''' ('''REIT''') is a company that owns, and in most cases operates, income-producing [[real estate]]. REITs own many types of commercial real estate, ranging from [[office building|office]] and [[apartment]] buildings to [[warehouse]]s, [[hospital]]s, [[shopping center]]s, [[hotel]]s and [[Forest|timberlands]]. Some REITs engage in financing real estate.
REITs can be [[publicly traded]] on major exchanges, public but non-listed, or private.<ref name="what" /> The two main types of REITs are equity REITs<ref>{{cite web|title=Guide to Equity REITs|url=http://www.reit.com/investing/reit-basics/guide-equity-reits|publisher=reit.com|accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> and mortgage REITs (mREITs).<ref>{{cite web|title=Guide to Mortgage REITs|url=http://www.reit.com/investing/reit-basics/guide-mortgage-reits|publisher=reit.com|accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> In November 2014, equity REITs were recognized as a distinct asset class<ref>{{cite web|title=Real Estate Slated for Eleventh Headline Sector in GICS®|url=http://www.reit.com/news/articles/real-estate-slated-eleventh-headline-sector-gics|publisher=reit.com|accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> in the [[Global Industry Classification Standard]] by S&P Dow Jones Indices and [[MSCI]]. The key statistics to examine the financial position and operation of a REIT are [[net asset value]] (NAV), [[funds from operations]] (FFO), and [[adjusted funds from operations]] (AFFO).
== History ==
===Creation===
REITs were created in the United States after President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] signed Public Law 86-779, sometimes called the Cigar Excise Tax Extension of 1960.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reit.com/timeline/timeline.php |title=REIT 50 Years Timeline |publisher=Reit.com |date= |accessdate=2012-12-18}}</ref><ref>
Section 10(a) of Public Law no. 86-779, 74 Stat. 998, 1003-1008 (Sept. 14, 1960), enacting Internal Revenue Code sections 856, 857 and 858.</ref> The law was enacted to give all investors the opportunity to invest in large-scale, [[Diversification (finance)|diversified]] [[portfolio (finance)|portfolios]] of income-producing real estate in the same way they typically invest in other asset classes – through the purchase and sale of [[liquid security|liquid securities]]. The first REIT was American Realty Trust founded by Thomas J. Broyhill, cousin of Virginia U.S. Congressmen [[Joel Broyhill]] in 1961<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1977/03/22/realty-trust-wins-fraud-action-brought-by-sec/05af5956-a75e-42af-a26b-a9ac548b6105/ |title=Realty Trust Wins Fraud Action Brought by SEC|publisher=Washingtonpost.com |date=1977-04-22}}; {{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/news/digest/1977/dig032177.pdf|title=SEC News Digest|publisher="Securities and Exchange Commission|date=1977-03-21}}</ref> who pushed for the creation under Eisenhower.
Since then, more than 30 countries around the world have established REIT regimes, with more countries in the works. The spread of the REIT approach to real estate investment around the world has also increased awareness and acceptance of investing in global real estate securities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reit.com/Investing/GlobalRealEstateInvesting.aspx |title=Global Real Estate Investing |publisher=Reit.com |date= |accessdate=2012-12-18}}</ref>
A comprehensive index for the REIT and global listed property market is the FTSE EPRA/Nareit Global Real Estate Index Series,<ref>{{cite web|title=Global|url=http://www.reit.com/investing/index-data/real-time-index-returns/enhgeur-ftx|publisher=reit.com|accessdate=22 November 2014}}</ref> which was created jointly in October 2001 by the index provider FTSE Group, [[National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts|Nareit]] and the [[European Public Real Estate Association]] (EPRA).
As of December 2017, the global index included 477 stock exchange listed real estate companies from 35 countries representing an [[equity market|equity]] [[market capitalization]] of about $2 trillion (with approximately 78% of that total from REITs).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ftse.com/Indices/FTSE_EPRA_NAREIT_Global_Real_Estate_Index_Series/index.jsp |title=EPRA/NAREIT Global Real Estate Index Series |publisher=FTSE |date= |accessdate=2012-12-18}}</ref>
===Evolution===
Around the time of their creation in 1960, the first REITs primarily consisted of [[mortgage company|mortgage companies]]. The industry experienced significant expansion in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The growth primarily resulted from the increased use of mREITs in [[land development]] and construction deals. The Tax Reform Act of 1976 authorized REITs to be established as corporations in addition to [[trust (business)|business trusts]].
The [[Tax Reform Act]] of 1986 also impacted REITs. The legislation included new rules designed to prevent taxpayers from using partnerships to shelter their earnings from other sources. Three years later, REITs witnessed significant losses in the stock market.
Retail REIT Taubman Centers Inc. launched the modern era of REITs in 1992 with its creation of the UPREIT. In an UPREIT, the parties of an existing partnership and a REIT become partners in a new “operating partnership.” The REIT typically is the general partner and the majority owner of the operating partnership units, and the partners who contributed properties have the right to exchange their operating partnership units for REIT shares or cash.The industry struggled beginning in 2007 as the global financial crisis kicked in. In response to the global credit crisis, listed REITs responded by [[deleveraging]] (paying off debt) and re-equitizing (selling stock to get cash) their balance sheets. Listed REITs and REOCs raised $37.5 billion in 91 secondary equity offerings, nine IPOs and 37 unsecured debt offerings as investors continued to act favorably to companies strengthening their balance sheets following the credit crisis.
REIT dividends have a 100 percent payout ratio for all income at lower rates. This inhibits internal growth of the REIT and causes investors to not tolerate low or non-existent yields as the interest rates are more sensitive.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://money.usnews.com/investing/real-estate-investments/articles/2018-06-08/what-higher-interest-rates-mean-for-reits|title=What Higher Rates Mean for REITs|publisher=U.S. News & World Report|date=8 June 2018}}</ref> Economic climates characterized by rising interest rates can cause a net negative effect on REIT shares.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcgerstein/2018/07/05/screening-for-high-yielding-high-quality-reits/#430724bb2a07|title=Screening For High-Yielding High-Quality REITs|publisher=Forbes|date=5 July 2018}}</ref> The
[[dividend]]s paid by REITs look less attractive when compared to bonds that have
increasing coupon rates.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://keepingitrealestatewithrosanne.podbean.com/|title=Keeping it Real Estate|publisher=PodBean|date=29 June 2018}}</ref> Also, when investors shy away from REITs, it makes it
difficult for management to raise additional funds to acquire more property.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Looming Rate Rise Weighs on REIT Shares|url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/looming-rate-rise-weighs-on-reit-shares-1448987407|newspaper = Wall Street Journal|access-date = 2015-12-09|issn = 0099-9660|first = Liam|last = Pleven}}</ref>
==Africa==
===Kenya===
The first REIT in [[Kenya]] was approved by the Capital Markets Authority in October 2015. The REIT is issued by Stanlib Kenya under the name Fahari I-Reit scheme.
The REIT scheme will provide unit holders stable cash inflows from the income generating real estate properties.
The unrestricted IPO will be listed on the main investment market segment of the Nairobi Securities Exchange.<ref>Nation Newspaper</ref>
=== Ghana ===
REITs have been in existence in [[Ghana]] since 1994. The [[Home Finance Company]], now [[Home Finance Company|HFC Bank]], established the first REIT in Ghana in August 1994. HFC Bank has been at the forefront of mortgage financing in Ghana since 1993. It has used various collective investment schemes as well as corporate bonds to finance its mortgage lending activities. Collective Investment Schemes, of which REITs are a part, are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Ghana.
=== Nigeria ===
In 2007, the [[Securities and Exchange Commission (Nigeria)|Securities and Exchange Commission]] (SEC) issued the first set of guidelines for the registration and issuance of requirements for the operation of REITs in [[Nigeria]] as detailed in the Investment and Securities Act (ISA). The first REIT, the N50 billion Union Homes Hybrid Real Estate Investment Trust, was launched in September 2008. In November 2015 there were three listed REITS on the [[Nigerian Stock Exchange]]:<ref>http://www.nse.com.ng/DownloadsContent/Daily%20Official%20List%20-%20Equities%20for%2006-11-2015.pdf</ref> Skye Shelter Fund, Union Home and UPDC. A Haldane McCall REIT did not list after failing to reach the minimum 50% subscription in a January 2015 initial public offer amid poor market prospects.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thenationonlineng.net/low-subscription-aborts-haldane-mccalls-n13-reit-ipo/|title=Low subscription aborts Haldane McCall’s N13 Reit IPO|work=The Nation Nigeria}}</ref>
=== South Africa ===
By October 2015 there were 33 South African REITS and three non-South African REITs listed on the [[Johannesburg Stock Exchange]], according to the SA REIT Association,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sareit.com/news-215.php|title=News for SA Reit Association|publisher=}}</ref> which said market capitalization was more than R455 billion.
== Asia ==
===Australia===
{{Main|Australian real estate investment trust}}
The REIT concept was launched in Australia in 1971. General Property Trust was the first [[Australian real estate investment trust]] (LPT) on the Australian stock exchanges (now the [[Australian Securities Exchange]]). REITs which are listed on an exchange were known as Listed Property Trusts (LPTs) until March 2008, distinguishing them from private REITs which are known in Australia as Unlisted Property Trusts. They have since been renamed Australian Real Estate Investment Trusts (A-REITs) in line with international practice.<ref name="autogenerated145">Mahipal Singh, Security Analysis with Investment and Portfolio Management, Isha Books 2011, page 145.</ref>
REITs have shown numerous benefits over direct investment including lower tax rates and increased liquidity. There are now more than 70 A-REITs listed on the ASX, with market capitalization in excess of A$100bn.<ref name="autogenerated145"/>
Australia is also receiving growing recognition as having the world’s largest REITs market
outside the United States. More than 12 percent of global listed property trusts can be found on the ASX.<ref>Baljeez Hbk, “Reits & remf”, http://www.slideshare.net/baljeez_hbk/reits-remf-real-estate, retrieved 28 January 2013</ref>
=== Hong Kong ===
REITs have been in existence in [[Hong Kong]] since 2005, when [[The Link REIT]] was launched by the [[Hong Kong Housing Authority]] on behalf of the Government. Since 2005, there have been 7 REIT listings as at July 2007, most of which, including [[Henderson Land Development#Sunlight REIT|Sunlight REIT]] have not enjoyed success because of low yield. Except for The Link and [[Regal Hotels International#REIT|Regal Real Estate Investment Trust]], share prices of all but one are significantly below [[initial public offering]] (IPO) price. Hong Kong issuers' use of financial engineering ([[interest rate swap]]s) to improve initial yields has also been cited as having reduced investors' interest<ref>Tim LeeMaster & Yvonne Liu, "Swire considers Festival Walk reit", Page B1, [[South China Morning Post]], July 12, 2007</ref>
As of July 2012 there are nine REITs listed with a total market capitalization of approximately €15 billion which amounts to almost 2% of the total global REIT market capitalization. Two out of the nine listed REITs are also included in the [[EPRA index]], an index published by the [[European Public Real Estate Association]] (EPRA). The current top five REITs in Hong Kong are The Link REIT with a total market capitalization of €8 billion, [[Hui Xian REIT]] with a total market capitalization of €2.3 billion, [[Champion REIT]] with a total market capitalization of €1.8 billion, [[Fortune REIT]] with a total market capitalization of €1 billion and Real Estate with a total market capitalization of €700 million.<ref>{{cite web|last=So|first=KK|title=Global REIT Survey 2012: Hong Kong|url=http://www.epra.com/regulation-and-reporting/taxation/epra-newsletter-nov200913/|work=Global REIT Survey|publisher=European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA)|accessdate=2013-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517162229/http://www.epra.com/regulation-and-reporting/taxation/epra-newsletter-nov200913/|archive-date=2013-05-17|dead-url=yes|df=}}</ref>
=== India ===
{{Main|Business Trust in India}}
As of August 2014, [[India]] approved creation of real estate investment trusts in the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Worldwide Wisdom|url=http://www.reit.com/news/reit-magazine/september-october-2014/worldwide-wisdom|publisher=reit.com|accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> Indian REITs (country specific/generic version I-REITs) will help individual investors enjoy the benefits of owning an interest in the securitised real estate market. The greatest benefit will be that of fast and easy liquidation of investments in the real estate market unlike the traditional way of disposing of real estate. The government and [[Securities and Exchange Board of India]] through various notifications is in the process of making it easier to invest in real estate in India directly and indirectly through foreign direct investment, through listed real estate companies and mutual funds. In the budget of 2014, finance minister Arun Jaitley has introduced a law for setting up of REITs.<ref>{{cite news|title=Arun Jaitley's Budget 2014-15 promises big push to real estate|url=http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/arun-jaitley-union-budget-2014-15-big-push-to-real-estate/1/208032.html}}</ref>
===China===
China is one of countries that motivated and interested to approve creation of real estate investment trusts.
=== Japan ===
[[Japan]] is one of a handful of countries in Asia with REIT legislation (other countries/markets include Hong Kong, [[#Singapore|Singapore]], [[#Malaysia|Malaysia]], [[Taiwan]] and [[Korea]]), which permitted their establishment in December 2001. J-REIT securities are traded on the [[Tokyo Stock Exchange]], and most service providers of the J-REITs are Japanese real estate companies, Japanese conglomerates and foreign [[investment bank]]s. {{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}
Since the burst of the [[real estate bubble]] in 1990, property prices in Japan have seen steady drops through 2004, with some signs of price stabilization and possibly price increase in 2005 and 2006. Some see J-REITs as a way to increase investment in the real estate market, although notable increases in asset values have not yet been realized.{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}
A J-REIT (a listed real estate investment trust) is strictly regulated under the Law concerning Investment Trusts and Investment Companies (LITIC) and established as an investment company under the LITIC.
In addition to REITs, Japanese law also provides for a parallel system of [[special purpose company (Japan)|special purpose companies]] which can be used for the securitization of particular properties on the private placement basis. REIT shares targeted in 2016 accounted for 7 percent of the United States market, which were subsequently sold for less than half of the initial value at $31 billion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://therealdeal.com/2018/10/31/japan-based-reits-have-dumped-over-half-their-us-stocks-report/|title=Japan-based REITs have dumped over half their US stocks: report|publisher=The Real Deal|date=31 October 2018}}</ref>
=== Malaysia ===
The Bursa Malaysia has 18 REIT listed with five Islamic REITS (shariah compliant – according to Islamic investment compliance).
=== Pakistan ===
The [[Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan]] is in the process of implementing a REIT regulatory framework that will allow full foreign ownership, free movement of capital and unrestricted repatriation of profits. It will curb speculation in Pakistani real estate markets and gives access to small investors who want to diversify into real estate. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan is proposing a regulatory framework similar to that of Singapore and Hong Kong.{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan expected that about six REITs would be licensed within the first year, mainly large asset management companies. Pakistan has seen an outflow of investments by foreign real estate development companies, mostly based in Malaysia and Dubai.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/|title=Breaking News, World News & Multimedia|author=|date=|website=nytimes.com|accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref>
SECP has issued licenses to four parties namely, Arif Habib REIT Management Company, AKD REIT Management Company, Eden Developers REIT Management Company and SB Global REIT Management Company.
=== Philippines ===
REITs in the [[Philippines]] have been available to the public after the Real Estate Investment Trust Act of 2009 (RA 9856) passed into law on December 17, 2009. Its Implementing Rules and Regulations were approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission in May 2010. However, it failed to attract investors due to its restrictive tax policies and high friction cost.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Nordberg|first1=Antton|title=The Future of REIT in the Philippines|url=http://kmcmaggroup.com/blog/2015/3/4/the-future-of-reit-in-the-philippines/|website=KMC MAG Group. Inc.|accessdate=11 May 2015}}</ref>
=== Singapore ===
Commonly referred to as S-REITs, there are 31 REITs listed on the [[Singapore Exchange]], with the latest REIT, Cromwell European REIT, listed on 30 November 2017. The first one to be set up being CapitaMall Trust<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capitamall.com/|title=CapitaLand Mall Trust :: Home|author=|date=|website=www.capitamall.com|accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref> in July 2002. They represent a range of property sectors including retail, office, industrial, hospitality and residential. S-REITs hold a variety of properties in countries including Japan, China, Indonesia and Hong Kong, in addition to local properties.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reitdata.com/|title=SGX REIT Data|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asiaone.com/Business/My+Money/Building+Your+Nest+Egg/Investments+And+Savings/Story/A1Story20071002-28043.html|title=Business|author=|date=|website=asiaone.com|accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref> In recent years, foreign assets listing on the Singapore Exchange has grown to overtake those traditional listing with local assets.
S-REITs are regulated as Collective Investment Schemes under the [[Monetary Authority of Singapore|Monetary Authority of Singapore's]] Code on Collective Investment Schemes,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mas.gov.sg/resource/legislation_guidelines/securities_futures/sub_legislation/Revised_Code_(30_Sep_2011_final).pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303121203/http://www.mas.gov.sg/resource/legislation_guidelines/securities_futures/sub_legislation/Revised_Code_(30_Sep_2011_final).pdf|dead-url=yes|archive-date=3 March 2012|title=MAS: Code of Collective Investment Schemes|author=|date=|website=mas.gov.sg|accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref> or alternatively as Business Trusts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mas.gov.sg/resource/legislation_guidelines/securities_futures/sub_legislation/SFA_BusinessTrusts_No2.pdf|title=Gov.sg|author=|date=|website=mas.gov.sg|accessdate=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320101537/http://www.mas.gov.sg/resource/legislation_guidelines/securities_futures/sub_legislation/SFA_BusinessTrusts_No2.pdf|archive-date=20 March 2012|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Some of the regulations that S-REITs have to adhere to includes:<ref>{{cite web|title=Rules of REIT|url=http://www.investormonkey.com/2013/07/guide-rules-of-reit/|accessdate=27 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828161024/http://www.investormonkey.com/2013/07/guide-rules-of-reit/|archive-date=28 August 2013|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* Maximum [[gearing ratio]] of 35%
* Annual valuation of its properties
* Restriction to certain types of investments the S-REITs can make
* Distribution of at least 90% of its taxable income
S-REITs benefit from tax advantaged status where the tax is payable only at the investor level and not at the REITs level. In addition to REITs, there are ten Business Trusts ("BTs") (similar to REITs but may hold assets that are not conventional and are not subjected to stringent rules as compared to SREITs), and six Stapled Instruments (composed of a stapled Business Trust Unit and a REIT unit), which are listed on the Singapore Exchange. The total market capitalisation of the listed Trust on Singapore Exchange approximate SGD 100 billion (as at 30 Nov 17).
===Thailand===
The [[List of financial regulatory authorities by country#S-T|Securities and Exchange Commission]] created regulations to establish REITs as an investment vehicle in late 2012, opening the doors for the first REITs to be listed in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=REITs in Thailand|url=http://www.bakermckenzie.com/FCThailandREITSJun13/|accessdate=21 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422232851/http://www.bakermckenzie.com/FCThailandREITSJun13/|archive-date=22 April 2014|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
=== United Arab Emirates ===
The REIT legislation was introduced by [[Dubai International Financial Centre]] (DIFC) to promote the
development of REIT’s in the UAE by passing The Investment Trust Law No.5 that went into effect
on August 6, 2006.{{citation needed|date=December 2011}} This restricts all 'true' REIT structures to be domiciled within the DIFC. The first REIT license to be issued will be backed by Dubai Islamic Bank with a REIT named 'Emirates REIT' headed up by the dot com entrepreneur, Sylvain Vieujot.{{Citation needed|date=September 2012}}
The issue is that DIFC domiciled REITs cannot acquire non-Freezone assets within the Emirate of Dubai. The only federally approved Freezone within the UAE is the DIFC itself so therefore any properties outside this zone are purchasable by local Gulf (GCC) passport holders only. However, through a collaboration with local authorities, Emirates REIT has been able to establish a platform enabling it to purchase properties anywhere in Dubai given a minimum of 51% of local ownership of its shares. This allows the company to diversify its portfolio with an efficient revenue generating mix of properties in the prime locations of Dubai. Emirates REIT is the first REIT established within the United Arab Emirates. It is also the first REIT listed on NASDAQ Dubai and one of the five Shari'a compliant REIT in the world with a focus on Income-producing assets.
Emirates REIT has a portfolio of over USD 575.3 million consisting of a total of seven properties primarily focus on commercial and office space as of Dec 2014. It has had substantial growth over the last four years.
=== Saudi Arabia ===
Commonly referred to as Real Estate Investment Fund, the regulations were launched in July 2006 by the [[Saudi Capital Market Authority]], The regulation did not allow the funds to be traded in the stock market and force all funds to be structured by a licensed Investment companies by CMA with a presence of a real estate developer and some other key persons.<ref>http://cma.gov.sa/Ar/Documents/lahiya%20sanadeek%20(aqaree).pdf</ref>
==Europe==
Over the past few years{{when|date=May 2018}} new REIT regimes have been introduced{{by whom|date=May 2018}} in [[Europe]] to meet the growing demand from investors for tax-efficient real-estate investment vehicles; existing REIT regimes in Europe have also been improved.<ref>[http://www.cmslegal.com/Hubbard.FileSystem/files/Publication/bf4c2378-2174-465d-b67b-1bb0894e06e4/Presentation/PublicationAttachment/8eb361c4-d141-4640-9972-1beb8990c4f5/CMS1306-REITs-LoRes-0221-yp.pdf REITs: a comparative approach throughout Europe], ''CMS Legal''</ref>{{failed verification|date=May 2018}} In Europe, the top-performing REIT and the largest publicly-traded real-estate company is [[Unibail-Rodamco]] SE.<ref>Stephen Wilmot, [http://www.investorschronicle.co.uk/2012/06/26/tips-and-ideas/share-tips/tips-of-the-week/unibail-rodamco-europe-s-top-reit-GncxmQ2XYkhzyo0mwPZZ4O/article.html Unibail-Rodamco: Europe's top Reit], ''Investors Chronicle'', 28 June 2012</ref><ref>Simon Packard, [http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-14/unibail-rodamco-to-enter-german-market-in-perella-weinberg-deal?category=%2Fnews%2Fgermany%2F Unibail-Rodamco to Enter Germany in Perella Weinberg Deal], ''Bloomberg'', 14 June 2012</ref>
=== Belgium ===
Bernheim Comofi (now [[AG Real Estate]]) introduced [[Belgium|Belgian]] REITs in 1995 with the constitution of [[Befimmo]]. Others REITs in Belgium include [[Cofinimmo]] and Ascensio.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.tijd.be/algemeen/algemeen/Bernheim_Comofi_richt_vastgoedbevak_op_van_10_miljard_fr.5165942-534.art|title= Bernheim Comofi richt vastgoedbevak op van 10 miljard fr.|work= Tijd.be}}</ref>
=== Bulgaria ===
REITs were introduced in [[Bulgaria]] in 2004 with the Special Purpose Investment Companies Act. They are pass-through entities for corporate income tax purposes (i.e., they are not subject to corporate income-tax), but are subject to numerous restrictions.<ref>{{cite web | title= Real Estate Investments in Bulgaria | url= http://tax.uk.ey.com/NR/rdonlyres/egcdkrifqz33z36rqxhsdzf3ndwjg4wg4nqhvruw5hyjr5n5x3shfe3cpts5xklscwrwtkfmiln4kvgkzrgkqbpudoc/International+Alert+13.pdf | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110710212646/http://tax.uk.ey.com/NR/rdonlyres/egcdkrifqz33z36rqxhsdzf3ndwjg4wg4nqhvruw5hyjr5n5x3shfe3cpts5xklscwrwtkfmiln4kvgkzrgkqbpudoc/International+Alert+13.pdf | dead-url= yes | archive-date= 2011-07-10 | accessdate= 2008-01-01 }}</ref>
=== Finland ===
[[Finland|Finnish]] REITs were established in 2010, when the Finnish parliament passed "the tax exemption law" (Laki eräiden asuntojen vuokraustoimintaa harjoittavien osakeyhtiöiden verohuojennuksesta, 299/2009).<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/2009/20090299 |title= FINLEX ® - Ajantasainen lainsäädäntö: 24.4.2009/299 |publisher= Finlex.fi |date= |accessdate= 2012-12-18}}</ref> Together with the "Law on Real Estate Funds" (Kiinteistörahastolaki, 1173/1997)<ref>Kiinteistörahastolaki; http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/1997/19971173</ref> it enables the existence of tax-efficient residential REITs.
''Qualifications''
* REITs have to be established as public listed companies (julkinen osakeyhtiö, Oyj) for this specific purpose. When the REIT is established the minimum equity is 5M€ and it has to be distributed over five separate investors.
* Minimum holding period: five years.
* At least 80% of its assets have to be invested in residential real-estate.
* At least 80% of the REIT's gross revenues must come from residential rental income.
* At least 90% of the REIT's taxable income, excluding unrealised capital gains, has to be distributed to its [[shareholder]]s through [[dividend]]s.
* The corporation is income-tax-exempt, but the shareholders will have to pay individual income tax on the dividends.
* The largest individual shareholder may own less than 10% of company shares (maximum 30% till the end of 2013).
{{As of | 2018}} Orava Residential REIT is the only REIT in Finland.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.nasdaqomxnordic.com/news/listings/main-market/2013/orava|title= Orava - NASDAQ OMX NORDIC|publisher= }}</ref>
=== France ===
The French acronyms for REIT are ''SIIC'' or "SCPI" (which are two different kinds of real-estate trust). In [[France]], [[Unibail-Rodamco]] is the largest SIIC.<ref>[http://www.advisorprespectives.com/commentaries/coehn_122311.php European Investment Commentary Cohen & Steers]{{dead link|date= April 2018 |bot= InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted= yes }}, November 2011</ref> [[Gecina]] is the second-largest publicly traded property company in France, with the third-highest asset value among European REITs.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.nareit.com/portfoliomag/05special/p61.shtml|title= Gecina largest office space in France}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-28/gecina-reports-first-half-profit-as-french-company-s-properties-gain-value.html|title= Gecina Reports First-Half Profit as French Company's Properties Gain Value|date= 2010-07-28}}</ref>
=== Germany ===
[[Germany]] planned to introduce German REITs (short, G-REITs) in order to create a new type of real estate [[investment vehicle]]. The Government feared that failing to introduce REITs in Germany would result in a significant loss of investment capital to other countries.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}} Nonetheless there still is political resistance to these plans, especially from the [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|Social Democratic Party]]. <!-- As of June 2006 the [[Federal Minister of Finance (Germany)|ministry of finance]] has announced that they still plan to introduce G-REITs in 2007. The legal details seem to adopt much of UK-REITs regulations (taxation, [[Public company|public]] listing, etc.), as far as it is possible to tell yet.{{Citation needed|date= January 2010}} -- Out of date information--->
A law concerning G-REITs was enacted 1 June 2007, effective [[Ex post facto law|retroactively]] to 1 January 2007:<ref>{{cite web | author = Alan O'Sullivan | title= G-Reit news for German property | url= http://www.citywire.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?VersionID=92737 | date = 1 June 2007 | publisher= citywire.co.uk | accessdate= 2007-06-30 }}{{dead link|date=June 2018|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
* REITs have to be established as corporations - "REIT-AG" or "REIT-[[Aktiengesellschaft]]".
* At least 75% of its assets have to be invested in real estate.
* At least 75% of the G-REIT's gross revenues must be real-estate related.
* At least 90% of the REIT's taxable income has to be distributed to its [[shareholder]]s through [[dividend]]s.
* The corporation is income-tax-exempt, but the shareholders will have to pay individual income tax on the dividends.
* Some restrictions apply on establishing residential REITs
The German public real-estate sector accounts for 0.21% of the total global REIT market capitalization. Three out of the four G-REITS are represented in the [[EPRA index]], an index managed by the [[European Public Real Estate Association]] (EPRA).<ref>{{cite web|last= Hackemann|first= Tim|title= Global REIT Survey 2012: Germany|url= http://www.epra.com/regulation-and-reporting/taxation/epra-newsletter-nov20092/|work= Global REIT Survey 2012|publisher= European Public Real Estate Association|accessdate= 20 February 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130517172150/http://www.epra.com/regulation-and-reporting/taxation/epra-newsletter-nov20092/|archive-date= 17 May 2013|dead-url= yes|df= dmy-all}}</ref>
===Ireland===
The 2013 Finance Act contained provisions for creating REIT structures in [[Ireland]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Real Estate Investment Trusts introduced in Ireland|url= http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/Real-Estate-Investment-Trusts-introduced-in-Ireland/$FILE/Real-Estate-Investment-Trusts-introduced-in-Ireland.pdf|publisher= EY REIT Alert|accessdate= 19 April 2014}}</ref>
===Spain===
SOCIMI (Sociedad cotizada de Capital Inmobiliario)
=== United Kingdom ===
{{See also|English land law|Corporation Tax Act 2010}}
The legislation laying out the rules for REITs in the [[United Kingdom]] was enacted in the [[Finance Act 2006]] (now see the [[Corporation Tax Act 2010]] sections 518 to 609) and came into effect in January 2007 when nine UK property-companies converted to REIT status, including five [[FTSE 100 members]] at that time: [[British Land]], [[Hammerson]], [[Land Securities]], [[Liberty International]] and [[Slough Estates]] (now known as "SEGRO"). The other four companies were [[Brixton plc|Brixton]] (now known as "SEGRO"), [[Great Portland Estates]], [[Primary Health Properties]] and [[Workspace Group]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.shareworld.co.uk/index.php/articles/reits-real-estate-investment-trusts/|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100910043337/http://www.shareworld.co.uk/index.php/articles/reits-real-estate-investment-trusts/|dead-url= yes|archive-date= 10 September 2010|title= REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)|publisher= ShareWorld|accessdate= 5 February 2012}}</ref>
British REITs have to distribute 90% of their income to investors. They must be a close-ended [[investment trust]] and be UK-resident and publicly listed on a [[stock exchange]] recognised by the [[Financial Services Authority]].{{Citation needed|date= January 2010}} The EPRA in Brussels each year publishes a breakdown of the UK REIT structure requirements.<ref>{{cite web|last= Rowe|first= Rosalind|title= Global REIT Survey 2012: UK|url= http://www.epra.com/regulation-and-reporting/taxation/epra-newsletter-nov200911/|work= Global REIT Survey 2012|publisher= European Public Real Estate Association|accessdate= 19 April 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130517172347/http://www.epra.com/regulation-and-reporting/taxation/epra-newsletter-nov200911/|archive-date= 17 May 2013|dead-url= yes|df= dmy-all}}</ref>
To support the introduction of REITs in the UK, several commercial property and financial-services companies formed the REITs and Quoted Property Group. Other key bodies involved include the [[London Stock Exchange]] the [[British Property Federation]] and Reita. The Reita campaign was launched on 16 August 2006 by the REITs and Quoted Property Group in order to provide a source of information on REITs, quoted property and related investment-funds. Reita aims to raise awareness and understanding of REITs and of investment in quoted property companies. It does this primarily through its portal [<noinclude>http://www.reita.org</noinclude> www.reita.org], providing knowledge, education and tools for financial advisers and investors.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.bpf.org.uk/en/reita/index.php#1 |title= Reita - UK REITs - Real Estate Investment Trust and property investment portal |publisher= Bpf.org.uk |date= |accessdate= 2012-12-18}}</ref>
Doug Naismith, managing director of European Personal Investments for Fidelity International, said{{when|date=May 2018}}: "As existing markets expand and REIT-like structures are introduced in more countries, we expect to see the overall market grow by some ten percent per annum over the next five years, taking the market to $1 trillion by 2010."<ref>{{cite web |url= http://olympiacapitalresearch.com/REITs.html |title= Archived copy |accessdate= 2012-04-04 |deadurl= yes |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110930002144/http://olympiacapitalresearch.com/REITs.html |archivedate= 2011-09-30 |df= }}</ref>
The Finance Act 2012 brought five main changes to the REIT regime in the UK:
# the abolition of the 2% entry charge to join the regime - this should make REITs more attractive due to reduced costs
# relaxation of the listing requirements - REITs can now be AIM quoted<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk/uk-reits/|title= UK REITS SapphireCapitalPartners.co.uk|author= |date= |website= sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk|accessdate= 15 March 2018}}{{dead link|date= April 2018 |bot= InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted= yes }}</ref> (the London Stock Exchange’s international market for smaller growing companies) – making a listing more attractive due to reduced costs and greater flexibility
# a REIT now has a three-year grace period before having to comply with close company rules (a close company is a company under the control of five or fewer investors)
# a REIT will not be considered to be a close company if it can be made close by the inclusion of institutional investors (authorised unit trusts, OEICs, pension schemes, insurance companies and bodies which are sovereign immune) - this makes REITs attractive investment trusts{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}
# the interest cover test of 1.25 times finance costs is not as onerous
Boyd Carson of Sapphire Capital Partners LLP commented that "the most important of these advantages is the ability for REITs to be listed on the AIM and the abolition of the 2% entry charge to the regime is also a significant step forward."<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk/uk-reits/|title= Sapphire Capital Partners LLP|author= |date= |website= sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk|accessdate= 15 March 2018}}{{dead link|date= April 2018 |bot= InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
==North America==
=== Canada ===
{{See also|List of REITs in Canada}}
[[Canada|Canadian]] REITs were established in 1993. They are required to be configured as [[Investment trust|trusts]] and are not taxed if they distribute their net [[taxable income]] to shareholders. REITs have been excluded from the income trust tax legislation passed in the [[2007 Canadian federal budget|2007 budget]] by the Conservative government. Many Canadian REITs have [[limited liability]].<ref>{{cite web | author= Mark Rothschild | title=Spotlight on North America/Canada | url=http://www.nareit.com/portfoliomag/05special/p73.shtml | date= November–December 2005 | publisher=Reit.com | accessdate=2006-10-17}}</ref> On December 16, 2010, the Department of Finance proposed amendments to the rules defining “Qualifying REITs” for Canadian tax purposes. As a result, “Qualifying REITs” are exempt from the new entity-level, “specified investment flow-through” (SIFT) tax that all publicly traded income trusts and partnerships are paying as of January 1, 2011.<ref>{{cite web | author=David Dittman | title=REIT Investing, Canadian Style | url=http://www.investingdaily.com/ce/18204/reit-investing-canadian-style.html | publisher=InvestingDaily.com | accessdate=2011-01-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120073136/http://www.investingdaily.com/ce/18204/reit-investing-canadian-style.html | archive-date=2011-01-20 | dead-url=yes | df= }}</ref>
=== Mexico ===
[[Mexico]] has passed legislation to allow for the equivalent of REITs, known as FIBRAs<ref>{{cite web|title=Fibras Get Their Footing|url=http://www.reit.com/news/reit-magazine/september-october-2014/fibras-get-their-footing|publisher=reit.com|accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> (Fideicomiso de Infraestructura y Bienes Raíces),<ref name=wsj-Mexico/> to be traded in the Mexican Stock Exchange. Like REITs legislation in other countries, companies must qualify as a FIBRA by complying with the following rules:<ref name=rules>{{cite web | author=Luis F. Moreno Trevino, Julio Planas Vidal| title=The Infrastructure and Real Estate Trust in Mexico (FIBRA) | url=https://www.haynesboone.com/infrastructure-real-estate-trust-mexico-fibra/| publisher=Haynes and Boone| accessdate=2013-05-27}}</ref>
* at least 70% of assets must be invested in financing or owning of real estate assets, with the remaining amount invested in government-issued securities or debt-instrument mutual funds.<ref name=rules/>
* Acquired or developed real estate assets must be income generating and held for at least four years.<ref name=rules/>
* If shares, known as Certificados de Participación Inmobiliarios or CPIs, are issued privately, there must be more than 10 unrelated investors in the FIBRA.<ref name=rules/>
* The FIBRA must distribute 95% of annual profits to investors.<ref name=rules/>
The first Mexican REIT was launched in 2011 and is called FIBRA UNO.<ref>{{cite web | author=| title=Mexican REIT FIBRA Uno Raises $300M | url=http://www.institutionalinvestor.com/Article/2790918/Research/4197/Overview.html?ArticleId=2790918#.UaPmDytAQa4| publisher=Institutional Investor| accessdate=2013-05-27}}</ref>
According to the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'', Mexican REITs debuted in March 2011 "after government regulatory changes made the structure possible. Fibras offered investors an easy way to own Mexican real estate and pick up an attractive dividend at the same time. Like U.S. REITs, Fibras avoid paying corporate taxes as long as they distribute at least 95% of their income to shareholders as dividends."<ref name=wsj-Mexico>{{Citation
| last1 =Morrissey
| first1 =Janet
| last2 =Grant
| first2 =Peter
| date =November 10, 2016
| title =A Young Mexican REIT Market Evolves
| publisher =[[Wall Street Journal]]
| publication-place =New York City
| url =https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-young-mexican-reit-market-evolves-1478009286
| accessdate =February 1, 2017
}}</ref>
=== United States ===
==== History ====
The law providing for REITs was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1960.<ref>{{cite web|title=REIT Industry Timeline|url=http://www.reit.com/investing/reit-basics/reit-industry-timeline#0|publisher=reit.com|accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> The law was intended to provide a real estate investment structure similar to the one that [[mutual fund]]s provide for investment in stocks.<ref name="FindLaw.com">{{cite web | url = http://library.findlaw.com/1998/Aug/1/126264.html | title= UPREITs, Down-REITs And Other REIT Vehicles: Should You Go Along For The Ride?
| publisher = FindLaw.com }}</ref> REITs are strong income vehicles because, to avoid incurring liability for U.S. federal income tax, REITs generally must pay out an amount equal to at least 90 percent of their [[taxable income]] in the form of [[dividend]]s to [[shareholder]]s.<ref name="what">{{cite web|title=What is a REIT?|url=http://www.reit.com/investing/reit-basics/what-reit|publisher=reit.com|accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref>
From 2008 to 2011, REITs faced challenges from both a slowing [[United States economy]] and the [[late-2000s financial crisis]], which depressed share values by 40 to 70 percent in some cases.
For the five-year period ending Dec. 31, 2017, all stock exchange listed REITs posted total returns of 60.29%, with compound annual total returns of 9.90%. Stock exchange listed equity REITs had total returns of 59.85% during that same period, with compound annual total returns of 9.83%. The S&P 500 had total returns of 108.14% during that same period, with compound annual total returns of 15.79%. There are more than 200 public REITs listed on exchanges in the United States.
==== Legislation ====
Under [[Income tax in the United States|U.S. Federal income tax law]], an REIT is "any corporation, trust or association that acts as an investment agent specializing in real estate and real estate mortgages" under [[Internal Revenue Code]] section 856.<ref name="U.S. Master Tax Guide 2326, page 681">CCH 2008 U.S. Master Tax Guide, paragr. 2326, page 681.</ref> The rules for federal income taxation of REITs are found primarily in Part II (sections 856 through 859) of Subchapter M of Chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code. Because a REIT is entitled to deduct dividends paid to its owners (commonly referred to as shareholders), a REIT may avoid incurring all or part of its liabilities for U.S. federal income tax. To qualify as a REIT, an organization makes an "election" to do so by filing a Form 1120-REIT with the [[Internal Revenue Service]], and by meeting certain other requirements. The purpose of this designation is to reduce or eliminate [[corporate tax]], thus avoiding [[double taxation]] of owner income. In return, REITs are required to distribute at least 90% of their taxable income into the hands of investors. A REIT is a company that owns, and in most cases, operates income-producing real estate. REITs own many types of commercial real estate, ranging from office and apartment buildings to warehouses, hospitals, shopping centers, hotels and even timberlands. Some REITs also engage in financing real estate. The REIT structure was designed to provide a real estate investment structure similar to the structure [[mutual fund]]s provide for investment in stocks.<ref name="FindLaw.com"/>
==== Structure ====
{{See also|List of public REITs in the United States}}
In the United States, a REIT is a company that owns, and in most cases operates, income-producing real estate. Some REITs finance real estate. To be a REIT, a company must distribute at least 90 percent of its taxable income to shareholders annually in the form of dividends.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/answers/reits.htm|publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission|title=Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)|accessdate=16 March 2012}}</ref>
To qualify as a REIT under U.S. tax rules, a company must:
* Be structured as a corporation, trust, or association<ref>Internal Revenue Code Sect. 856(a)</ref>
* Be managed by a board of directors or trustees<ref>Internal Revenue Code Sect. 856(a)(1)</ref>
* Have [[transferable share]]s or transferable [[certificates of interest]]<ref>Internal Revenue Code Sect. 856(a)(2)</ref>
* Otherwise be taxable as a domestic corporation<ref>Internal Revenue Code Sect. 856(a)(3)</ref>
* Not be a financial institution or an insurance company<ref>''See'' Internal Revenue Code Sect. 856(a)(4). ''See also'' Internal Revenue Code Sect. 582(c)(2) (defining financial institutions for these purposes); Internal Revenue Code Sect. 801 ''et. seq.'' (defining insurance companies for these purposes).</ref>
* Be jointly owned by 100 persons or more<ref>Internal Revenue Code Sect. 856(a)(5).</ref>
* Have 95 percent of its income derived from dividends, interest, and property income<ref>Internal Revenue Code Sect. 856(c)(2)</ref>
* Pay dividends of at least 90% of the REIT's taxable income<ref>Internal Revenue Code sect. 857(a)</ref>
* Have no more than 50% of the shares held by five or fewer individuals during the last half of each taxable year (5/50 rule)<ref>Internal Revenue Code sections 856(h)(1) and 542(a)(2)</ref>
* Have at least 75% of its total assets invested in real estate<ref>Internal Revenue Code sect. 856(c)(4)</ref>
* Derive at least 75% of its gross income from rents or mortgage interest<ref>Internal Revenue Code sect 856(c)(4)</ref>
* Have no more than 25% of its assets invested in [[taxable REIT subsidiaries]].<ref>Internal Revenue Code sect. 856(c)(4)(B)(ii)</ref>
Because of their access to corporate-level debt and equity that typical real estate owners cannot access, REITs have a favorable capital structure. They are able to use this capital to finance tenant improvement costs and leasing commissions that less capitalized owners cannot afford.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}
==South America==
=== Brazil ===
REITs were introduced in [[Brazil]] in 1993 by the law 8668/93 and initially ruled by the instruction 205/94 and, nowadays, by instruction 472/08 from CVM (Comissão de Valores Mobiliários - which is the Brazilian equivalent of SEC). Locally they are described as "FII"s or "Fundos de Investimento Imobiliário". FII's dividends have been free of taxes for personal investors (not companies) since 2006, but only for the funds which have at least 50 investors and that are publicly traded in the stock market. FIIs, referred to as “REIT” to correspond with the similar investment vehicle in the US, have been used either to own and operate independent property investments, associated with a single property or part property, or to own several real properties (multiple properties) funded through the capital markets.{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}
== See also ==
* [[Australian real estate investment trust]]
* [[Closed-end fund]]
* [[EPRA index]]
* [[Income trust]]
* [[Investment trust]]
* [[Mutual fund]]
* [[Real estate investing]]
* [[Real estate mortgage investment conduit]] (REMIC)
* [[Royalty trust]]
* [[Stock market]]
* [[Taxable REIT subsidiaries]]
== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Real estate investment trusts}}
<!-- Do NOT put spam links here or you WILL be blocked. -->
* [http://www.reit.com/REIT101/REITDirectory/SearchableDirectory.aspx List of U.S. REITs]
* [http://www.reit.com NAREIT - National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts]
* {{dmoz|Business/Investing/Real_Estate/Real_Estate_Investment_Trusts/|Real Estate Investment Trusts}}
* [http://www.epra.com EPRA - European Public Real Estate Association]
{{investment management}}
{{Real estate}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Real estate investment trusts| ]]
REITs can be [[publicly traded]] on major exchanges, public but non-listed, or private.<ref name="what" /> The two main types of REITs are equity REITs<ref>{{cite web|title=Guide to Equity REITs|url=http://www.reit.com/investing/reit-basics/guide-equity-reits|publisher=reit.com|accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> and mortgage REITs (mREITs).<ref>{{cite web|title=Guide to Mortgage REITs|url=http://www.reit.com/investing/reit-basics/guide-mortgage-reits|publisher=reit.com|accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> In November 2014, equity REITs were recognized as a distinct asset class<ref>{{cite web|title=Real Estate Slated for Eleventh Headline Sector in GICS®|url=http://www.reit.com/news/articles/real-estate-slated-eleventh-headline-sector-gics|publisher=reit.com|accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> in the [[Global Industry Classification Standard]] by S&P Dow Jones Indices and [[MSCI]]. The key statistics to examine the financial position and operation of a REIT are [[net asset value]] (NAV), [[funds from operations]] (FFO), and [[adjusted funds from operations]] (AFFO).
== History ==
===Creation===
REITs were created in the United States after President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] signed Public Law 86-779, sometimes called the Cigar Excise Tax Extension of 1960.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reit.com/timeline/timeline.php |title=REIT 50 Years Timeline |publisher=Reit.com |date= |accessdate=2012-12-18}}</ref><ref>
Section 10(a) of Public Law no. 86-779, 74 Stat. 998, 1003-1008 (Sept. 14, 1960), enacting Internal Revenue Code sections 856, 857 and 858.</ref> The law was enacted to give all investors the opportunity to invest in large-scale, [[Diversification (finance)|diversified]] [[portfolio (finance)|portfolios]] of income-producing real estate in the same way they typically invest in other asset classes – through the purchase and sale of [[liquid security|liquid securities]]. The first REIT was American Realty Trust founded by Thomas J. Broyhill, cousin of Virginia U.S. Congressmen [[Joel Broyhill]] in 1961<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1977/03/22/realty-trust-wins-fraud-action-brought-by-sec/05af5956-a75e-42af-a26b-a9ac548b6105/ |title=Realty Trust Wins Fraud Action Brought by SEC|publisher=Washingtonpost.com |date=1977-04-22}}; {{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/news/digest/1977/dig032177.pdf|title=SEC News Digest|publisher="Securities and Exchange Commission|date=1977-03-21}}</ref> who pushed for the creation under Eisenhower.
Since then, more than 30 countries around the world have established REIT regimes, with more countries in the works. The spread of the REIT approach to real estate investment around the world has also increased awareness and acceptance of investing in global real estate securities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reit.com/Investing/GlobalRealEstateInvesting.aspx |title=Global Real Estate Investing |publisher=Reit.com |date= |accessdate=2012-12-18}}</ref>
A comprehensive index for the REIT and global listed property market is the FTSE EPRA/Nareit Global Real Estate Index Series,<ref>{{cite web|title=Global|url=http://www.reit.com/investing/index-data/real-time-index-returns/enhgeur-ftx|publisher=reit.com|accessdate=22 November 2014}}</ref> which was created jointly in October 2001 by the index provider FTSE Group, [[National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts|Nareit]] and the [[European Public Real Estate Association]] (EPRA).
As of December 2017, the global index included 477 stock exchange listed real estate companies from 35 countries representing an [[equity market|equity]] [[market capitalization]] of about $2 trillion (with approximately 78% of that total from REITs).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ftse.com/Indices/FTSE_EPRA_NAREIT_Global_Real_Estate_Index_Series/index.jsp |title=EPRA/NAREIT Global Real Estate Index Series |publisher=FTSE |date= |accessdate=2012-12-18}}</ref>
===Evolution===
Around the time of their creation in 1960, the first REITs primarily consisted of [[mortgage company|mortgage companies]]. The industry experienced significant expansion in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The growth primarily resulted from the increased use of mREITs in [[land development]] and construction deals. The Tax Reform Act of 1976 authorized REITs to be established as corporations in addition to [[trust (business)|business trusts]].
The [[Tax Reform Act]] of 1986 also impacted REITs. The legislation included new rules designed to prevent taxpayers from using partnerships to shelter their earnings from other sources. Three years later, REITs witnessed significant losses in the stock market.
Retail REIT Taubman Centers Inc. launched the modern era of REITs in 1992 with its creation of the UPREIT. In an UPREIT, the parties of an existing partnership and a REIT become partners in a new “operating partnership.” The REIT typically is the general partner and the majority owner of the operating partnership units, and the partners who contributed properties have the right to exchange their operating partnership units for REIT shares or cash.The industry struggled beginning in 2007 as the global financial crisis kicked in. In response to the global credit crisis, listed REITs responded by [[deleveraging]] (paying off debt) and re-equitizing (selling stock to get cash) their balance sheets. Listed REITs and REOCs raised $37.5 billion in 91 secondary equity offerings, nine IPOs and 37 unsecured debt offerings as investors continued to act favorably to companies strengthening their balance sheets following the credit crisis.
REIT dividends have a 100 percent payout ratio for all income at lower rates. This inhibits internal growth of the REIT and causes investors to not tolerate low or non-existent yields as the interest rates are more sensitive.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://money.usnews.com/investing/real-estate-investments/articles/2018-06-08/what-higher-interest-rates-mean-for-reits|title=What Higher Rates Mean for REITs|publisher=U.S. News & World Report|date=8 June 2018}}</ref> Economic climates characterized by rising interest rates can cause a net negative effect on REIT shares.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcgerstein/2018/07/05/screening-for-high-yielding-high-quality-reits/#430724bb2a07|title=Screening For High-Yielding High-Quality REITs|publisher=Forbes|date=5 July 2018}}</ref> The
[[dividend]]s paid by REITs look less attractive when compared to bonds that have
increasing coupon rates.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://keepingitrealestatewithrosanne.podbean.com/|title=Keeping it Real Estate|publisher=PodBean|date=29 June 2018}}</ref> Also, when investors shy away from REITs, it makes it
difficult for management to raise additional funds to acquire more property.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Looming Rate Rise Weighs on REIT Shares|url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/looming-rate-rise-weighs-on-reit-shares-1448987407|newspaper = Wall Street Journal|access-date = 2015-12-09|issn = 0099-9660|first = Liam|last = Pleven}}</ref>
==Africa==
===Kenya===
The first REIT in [[Kenya]] was approved by the Capital Markets Authority in October 2015. The REIT is issued by Stanlib Kenya under the name Fahari I-Reit scheme.
The REIT scheme will provide unit holders stable cash inflows from the income generating real estate properties.
The unrestricted IPO will be listed on the main investment market segment of the Nairobi Securities Exchange.<ref>Nation Newspaper</ref>
=== Ghana ===
REITs have been in existence in [[Ghana]] since 1994. The [[Home Finance Company]], now [[Home Finance Company|HFC Bank]], established the first REIT in Ghana in August 1994. HFC Bank has been at the forefront of mortgage financing in Ghana since 1993. It has used various collective investment schemes as well as corporate bonds to finance its mortgage lending activities. Collective Investment Schemes, of which REITs are a part, are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Ghana.
=== Nigeria ===
In 2007, the [[Securities and Exchange Commission (Nigeria)|Securities and Exchange Commission]] (SEC) issued the first set of guidelines for the registration and issuance of requirements for the operation of REITs in [[Nigeria]] as detailed in the Investment and Securities Act (ISA). The first REIT, the N50 billion Union Homes Hybrid Real Estate Investment Trust, was launched in September 2008. In November 2015 there were three listed REITS on the [[Nigerian Stock Exchange]]:<ref>http://www.nse.com.ng/DownloadsContent/Daily%20Official%20List%20-%20Equities%20for%2006-11-2015.pdf</ref> Skye Shelter Fund, Union Home and UPDC. A Haldane McCall REIT did not list after failing to reach the minimum 50% subscription in a January 2015 initial public offer amid poor market prospects.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thenationonlineng.net/low-subscription-aborts-haldane-mccalls-n13-reit-ipo/|title=Low subscription aborts Haldane McCall’s N13 Reit IPO|work=The Nation Nigeria}}</ref>
=== South Africa ===
By October 2015 there were 33 South African REITS and three non-South African REITs listed on the [[Johannesburg Stock Exchange]], according to the SA REIT Association,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sareit.com/news-215.php|title=News for SA Reit Association|publisher=}}</ref> which said market capitalization was more than R455 billion.
== Asia ==
===Australia===
{{Main|Australian real estate investment trust}}
The REIT concept was launched in Australia in 1971. General Property Trust was the first [[Australian real estate investment trust]] (LPT) on the Australian stock exchanges (now the [[Australian Securities Exchange]]). REITs which are listed on an exchange were known as Listed Property Trusts (LPTs) until March 2008, distinguishing them from private REITs which are known in Australia as Unlisted Property Trusts. They have since been renamed Australian Real Estate Investment Trusts (A-REITs) in line with international practice.<ref name="autogenerated145">Mahipal Singh, Security Analysis with Investment and Portfolio Management, Isha Books 2011, page 145.</ref>
REITs have shown numerous benefits over direct investment including lower tax rates and increased liquidity. There are now more than 70 A-REITs listed on the ASX, with market capitalization in excess of A$100bn.<ref name="autogenerated145"/>
Australia is also receiving growing recognition as having the world’s largest REITs market
outside the United States. More than 12 percent of global listed property trusts can be found on the ASX.<ref>Baljeez Hbk, “Reits & remf”, http://www.slideshare.net/baljeez_hbk/reits-remf-real-estate, retrieved 28 January 2013</ref>
=== Hong Kong ===
REITs have been in existence in [[Hong Kong]] since 2005, when [[The Link REIT]] was launched by the [[Hong Kong Housing Authority]] on behalf of the Government. Since 2005, there have been 7 REIT listings as at July 2007, most of which, including [[Henderson Land Development#Sunlight REIT|Sunlight REIT]] have not enjoyed success because of low yield. Except for The Link and [[Regal Hotels International#REIT|Regal Real Estate Investment Trust]], share prices of all but one are significantly below [[initial public offering]] (IPO) price. Hong Kong issuers' use of financial engineering ([[interest rate swap]]s) to improve initial yields has also been cited as having reduced investors' interest<ref>Tim LeeMaster & Yvonne Liu, "Swire considers Festival Walk reit", Page B1, [[South China Morning Post]], July 12, 2007</ref>
As of July 2012 there are nine REITs listed with a total market capitalization of approximately €15 billion which amounts to almost 2% of the total global REIT market capitalization. Two out of the nine listed REITs are also included in the [[EPRA index]], an index published by the [[European Public Real Estate Association]] (EPRA). The current top five REITs in Hong Kong are The Link REIT with a total market capitalization of €8 billion, [[Hui Xian REIT]] with a total market capitalization of €2.3 billion, [[Champion REIT]] with a total market capitalization of €1.8 billion, [[Fortune REIT]] with a total market capitalization of €1 billion and Real Estate with a total market capitalization of €700 million.<ref>{{cite web|last=So|first=KK|title=Global REIT Survey 2012: Hong Kong|url=http://www.epra.com/regulation-and-reporting/taxation/epra-newsletter-nov200913/|work=Global REIT Survey|publisher=European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA)|accessdate=2013-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517162229/http://www.epra.com/regulation-and-reporting/taxation/epra-newsletter-nov200913/|archive-date=2013-05-17|dead-url=yes|df=}}</ref>
=== India ===
{{Main|Business Trust in India}}
As of August 2014, [[India]] approved creation of real estate investment trusts in the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Worldwide Wisdom|url=http://www.reit.com/news/reit-magazine/september-october-2014/worldwide-wisdom|publisher=reit.com|accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> Indian REITs (country specific/generic version I-REITs) will help individual investors enjoy the benefits of owning an interest in the securitised real estate market. The greatest benefit will be that of fast and easy liquidation of investments in the real estate market unlike the traditional way of disposing of real estate. The government and [[Securities and Exchange Board of India]] through various notifications is in the process of making it easier to invest in real estate in India directly and indirectly through foreign direct investment, through listed real estate companies and mutual funds. In the budget of 2014, finance minister Arun Jaitley has introduced a law for setting up of REITs.<ref>{{cite news|title=Arun Jaitley's Budget 2014-15 promises big push to real estate|url=http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/arun-jaitley-union-budget-2014-15-big-push-to-real-estate/1/208032.html}}</ref>
===China===
China is one of countries that motivated and interested to approve creation of real estate investment trusts.
=== Japan ===
[[Japan]] is one of a handful of countries in Asia with REIT legislation (other countries/markets include Hong Kong, [[#Singapore|Singapore]], [[#Malaysia|Malaysia]], [[Taiwan]] and [[Korea]]), which permitted their establishment in December 2001. J-REIT securities are traded on the [[Tokyo Stock Exchange]], and most service providers of the J-REITs are Japanese real estate companies, Japanese conglomerates and foreign [[investment bank]]s. {{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}
Since the burst of the [[real estate bubble]] in 1990, property prices in Japan have seen steady drops through 2004, with some signs of price stabilization and possibly price increase in 2005 and 2006. Some see J-REITs as a way to increase investment in the real estate market, although notable increases in asset values have not yet been realized.{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}
A J-REIT (a listed real estate investment trust) is strictly regulated under the Law concerning Investment Trusts and Investment Companies (LITIC) and established as an investment company under the LITIC.
In addition to REITs, Japanese law also provides for a parallel system of [[special purpose company (Japan)|special purpose companies]] which can be used for the securitization of particular properties on the private placement basis. REIT shares targeted in 2016 accounted for 7 percent of the United States market, which were subsequently sold for less than half of the initial value at $31 billion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://therealdeal.com/2018/10/31/japan-based-reits-have-dumped-over-half-their-us-stocks-report/|title=Japan-based REITs have dumped over half their US stocks: report|publisher=The Real Deal|date=31 October 2018}}</ref>
=== Malaysia ===
The Bursa Malaysia has 18 REIT listed with five Islamic REITS (shariah compliant – according to Islamic investment compliance).
=== Pakistan ===
The [[Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan]] is in the process of implementing a REIT regulatory framework that will allow full foreign ownership, free movement of capital and unrestricted repatriation of profits. It will curb speculation in Pakistani real estate markets and gives access to small investors who want to diversify into real estate. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan is proposing a regulatory framework similar to that of Singapore and Hong Kong.{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan expected that about six REITs would be licensed within the first year, mainly large asset management companies. Pakistan has seen an outflow of investments by foreign real estate development companies, mostly based in Malaysia and Dubai.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/|title=Breaking News, World News & Multimedia|author=|date=|website=nytimes.com|accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref>
SECP has issued licenses to four parties namely, Arif Habib REIT Management Company, AKD REIT Management Company, Eden Developers REIT Management Company and SB Global REIT Management Company.
=== Philippines ===
REITs in the [[Philippines]] have been available to the public after the Real Estate Investment Trust Act of 2009 (RA 9856) passed into law on December 17, 2009. Its Implementing Rules and Regulations were approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission in May 2010. However, it failed to attract investors due to its restrictive tax policies and high friction cost.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Nordberg|first1=Antton|title=The Future of REIT in the Philippines|url=http://kmcmaggroup.com/blog/2015/3/4/the-future-of-reit-in-the-philippines/|website=KMC MAG Group. Inc.|accessdate=11 May 2015}}</ref>
=== Singapore ===
Commonly referred to as S-REITs, there are 31 REITs listed on the [[Singapore Exchange]], with the latest REIT, Cromwell European REIT, listed on 30 November 2017. The first one to be set up being CapitaMall Trust<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capitamall.com/|title=CapitaLand Mall Trust :: Home|author=|date=|website=www.capitamall.com|accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref> in July 2002. They represent a range of property sectors including retail, office, industrial, hospitality and residential. S-REITs hold a variety of properties in countries including Japan, China, Indonesia and Hong Kong, in addition to local properties.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reitdata.com/|title=SGX REIT Data|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asiaone.com/Business/My+Money/Building+Your+Nest+Egg/Investments+And+Savings/Story/A1Story20071002-28043.html|title=Business|author=|date=|website=asiaone.com|accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref> In recent years, foreign assets listing on the Singapore Exchange has grown to overtake those traditional listing with local assets.
S-REITs are regulated as Collective Investment Schemes under the [[Monetary Authority of Singapore|Monetary Authority of Singapore's]] Code on Collective Investment Schemes,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mas.gov.sg/resource/legislation_guidelines/securities_futures/sub_legislation/Revised_Code_(30_Sep_2011_final).pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303121203/http://www.mas.gov.sg/resource/legislation_guidelines/securities_futures/sub_legislation/Revised_Code_(30_Sep_2011_final).pdf|dead-url=yes|archive-date=3 March 2012|title=MAS: Code of Collective Investment Schemes|author=|date=|website=mas.gov.sg|accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref> or alternatively as Business Trusts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mas.gov.sg/resource/legislation_guidelines/securities_futures/sub_legislation/SFA_BusinessTrusts_No2.pdf|title=Gov.sg|author=|date=|website=mas.gov.sg|accessdate=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320101537/http://www.mas.gov.sg/resource/legislation_guidelines/securities_futures/sub_legislation/SFA_BusinessTrusts_No2.pdf|archive-date=20 March 2012|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Some of the regulations that S-REITs have to adhere to includes:<ref>{{cite web|title=Rules of REIT|url=http://www.investormonkey.com/2013/07/guide-rules-of-reit/|accessdate=27 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828161024/http://www.investormonkey.com/2013/07/guide-rules-of-reit/|archive-date=28 August 2013|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* Maximum [[gearing ratio]] of 35%
* Annual valuation of its properties
* Restriction to certain types of investments the S-REITs can make
* Distribution of at least 90% of its taxable income
S-REITs benefit from tax advantaged status where the tax is payable only at the investor level and not at the REITs level. In addition to REITs, there are ten Business Trusts ("BTs") (similar to REITs but may hold assets that are not conventional and are not subjected to stringent rules as compared to SREITs), and six Stapled Instruments (composed of a stapled Business Trust Unit and a REIT unit), which are listed on the Singapore Exchange. The total market capitalisation of the listed Trust on Singapore Exchange approximate SGD 100 billion (as at 30 Nov 17).
===Thailand===
The [[List of financial regulatory authorities by country#S-T|Securities and Exchange Commission]] created regulations to establish REITs as an investment vehicle in late 2012, opening the doors for the first REITs to be listed in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=REITs in Thailand|url=http://www.bakermckenzie.com/FCThailandREITSJun13/|accessdate=21 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422232851/http://www.bakermckenzie.com/FCThailandREITSJun13/|archive-date=22 April 2014|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
=== United Arab Emirates ===
The REIT legislation was introduced by [[Dubai International Financial Centre]] (DIFC) to promote the
development of REIT’s in the UAE by passing The Investment Trust Law No.5 that went into effect
on August 6, 2006.{{citation needed|date=December 2011}} This restricts all 'true' REIT structures to be domiciled within the DIFC. The first REIT license to be issued will be backed by Dubai Islamic Bank with a REIT named 'Emirates REIT' headed up by the dot com entrepreneur, Sylvain Vieujot.{{Citation needed|date=September 2012}}
The issue is that DIFC domiciled REITs cannot acquire non-Freezone assets within the Emirate of Dubai. The only federally approved Freezone within the UAE is the DIFC itself so therefore any properties outside this zone are purchasable by local Gulf (GCC) passport holders only. However, through a collaboration with local authorities, Emirates REIT has been able to establish a platform enabling it to purchase properties anywhere in Dubai given a minimum of 51% of local ownership of its shares. This allows the company to diversify its portfolio with an efficient revenue generating mix of properties in the prime locations of Dubai. Emirates REIT is the first REIT established within the United Arab Emirates. It is also the first REIT listed on NASDAQ Dubai and one of the five Shari'a compliant REIT in the world with a focus on Income-producing assets.
Emirates REIT has a portfolio of over USD 575.3 million consisting of a total of seven properties primarily focus on commercial and office space as of Dec 2014. It has had substantial growth over the last four years.
=== Saudi Arabia ===
Commonly referred to as Real Estate Investment Fund, the regulations were launched in July 2006 by the [[Saudi Capital Market Authority]], The regulation did not allow the funds to be traded in the stock market and force all funds to be structured by a licensed Investment companies by CMA with a presence of a real estate developer and some other key persons.<ref>http://cma.gov.sa/Ar/Documents/lahiya%20sanadeek%20(aqaree).pdf</ref>
==Europe==
Over the past few years{{when|date=May 2018}} new REIT regimes have been introduced{{by whom|date=May 2018}} in [[Europe]] to meet the growing demand from investors for tax-efficient real-estate investment vehicles; existing REIT regimes in Europe have also been improved.<ref>[http://www.cmslegal.com/Hubbard.FileSystem/files/Publication/bf4c2378-2174-465d-b67b-1bb0894e06e4/Presentation/PublicationAttachment/8eb361c4-d141-4640-9972-1beb8990c4f5/CMS1306-REITs-LoRes-0221-yp.pdf REITs: a comparative approach throughout Europe], ''CMS Legal''</ref>{{failed verification|date=May 2018}} In Europe, the top-performing REIT and the largest publicly-traded real-estate company is [[Unibail-Rodamco]] SE.<ref>Stephen Wilmot, [http://www.investorschronicle.co.uk/2012/06/26/tips-and-ideas/share-tips/tips-of-the-week/unibail-rodamco-europe-s-top-reit-GncxmQ2XYkhzyo0mwPZZ4O/article.html Unibail-Rodamco: Europe's top Reit], ''Investors Chronicle'', 28 June 2012</ref><ref>Simon Packard, [http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-14/unibail-rodamco-to-enter-german-market-in-perella-weinberg-deal?category=%2Fnews%2Fgermany%2F Unibail-Rodamco to Enter Germany in Perella Weinberg Deal], ''Bloomberg'', 14 June 2012</ref>
=== Belgium ===
Bernheim Comofi (now [[AG Real Estate]]) introduced [[Belgium|Belgian]] REITs in 1995 with the constitution of [[Befimmo]]. Others REITs in Belgium include [[Cofinimmo]] and Ascensio.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.tijd.be/algemeen/algemeen/Bernheim_Comofi_richt_vastgoedbevak_op_van_10_miljard_fr.5165942-534.art|title= Bernheim Comofi richt vastgoedbevak op van 10 miljard fr.|work= Tijd.be}}</ref>
=== Bulgaria ===
REITs were introduced in [[Bulgaria]] in 2004 with the Special Purpose Investment Companies Act. They are pass-through entities for corporate income tax purposes (i.e., they are not subject to corporate income-tax), but are subject to numerous restrictions.<ref>{{cite web | title= Real Estate Investments in Bulgaria | url= http://tax.uk.ey.com/NR/rdonlyres/egcdkrifqz33z36rqxhsdzf3ndwjg4wg4nqhvruw5hyjr5n5x3shfe3cpts5xklscwrwtkfmiln4kvgkzrgkqbpudoc/International+Alert+13.pdf | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110710212646/http://tax.uk.ey.com/NR/rdonlyres/egcdkrifqz33z36rqxhsdzf3ndwjg4wg4nqhvruw5hyjr5n5x3shfe3cpts5xklscwrwtkfmiln4kvgkzrgkqbpudoc/International+Alert+13.pdf | dead-url= yes | archive-date= 2011-07-10 | accessdate= 2008-01-01 }}</ref>
=== Finland ===
[[Finland|Finnish]] REITs were established in 2010, when the Finnish parliament passed "the tax exemption law" (Laki eräiden asuntojen vuokraustoimintaa harjoittavien osakeyhtiöiden verohuojennuksesta, 299/2009).<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/2009/20090299 |title= FINLEX ® - Ajantasainen lainsäädäntö: 24.4.2009/299 |publisher= Finlex.fi |date= |accessdate= 2012-12-18}}</ref> Together with the "Law on Real Estate Funds" (Kiinteistörahastolaki, 1173/1997)<ref>Kiinteistörahastolaki; http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/1997/19971173</ref> it enables the existence of tax-efficient residential REITs.
''Qualifications''
* REITs have to be established as public listed companies (julkinen osakeyhtiö, Oyj) for this specific purpose. When the REIT is established the minimum equity is 5M€ and it has to be distributed over five separate investors.
* Minimum holding period: five years.
* At least 80% of its assets have to be invested in residential real-estate.
* At least 80% of the REIT's gross revenues must come from residential rental income.
* At least 90% of the REIT's taxable income, excluding unrealised capital gains, has to be distributed to its [[shareholder]]s through [[dividend]]s.
* The corporation is income-tax-exempt, but the shareholders will have to pay individual income tax on the dividends.
* The largest individual shareholder may own less than 10% of company shares (maximum 30% till the end of 2013).
{{As of | 2018}} Orava Residential REIT is the only REIT in Finland.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.nasdaqomxnordic.com/news/listings/main-market/2013/orava|title= Orava - NASDAQ OMX NORDIC|publisher= }}</ref>
=== France ===
The French acronyms for REIT are ''SIIC'' or "SCPI" (which are two different kinds of real-estate trust). In [[France]], [[Unibail-Rodamco]] is the largest SIIC.<ref>[http://www.advisorprespectives.com/commentaries/coehn_122311.php European Investment Commentary Cohen & Steers]{{dead link|date= April 2018 |bot= InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted= yes }}, November 2011</ref> [[Gecina]] is the second-largest publicly traded property company in France, with the third-highest asset value among European REITs.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.nareit.com/portfoliomag/05special/p61.shtml|title= Gecina largest office space in France}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-28/gecina-reports-first-half-profit-as-french-company-s-properties-gain-value.html|title= Gecina Reports First-Half Profit as French Company's Properties Gain Value|date= 2010-07-28}}</ref>
=== Germany ===
[[Germany]] planned to introduce German REITs (short, G-REITs) in order to create a new type of real estate [[investment vehicle]]. The Government feared that failing to introduce REITs in Germany would result in a significant loss of investment capital to other countries.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}} Nonetheless there still is political resistance to these plans, especially from the [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|Social Democratic Party]]. <!-- As of June 2006 the [[Federal Minister of Finance (Germany)|ministry of finance]] has announced that they still plan to introduce G-REITs in 2007. The legal details seem to adopt much of UK-REITs regulations (taxation, [[Public company|public]] listing, etc.), as far as it is possible to tell yet.{{Citation needed|date= January 2010}} -- Out of date information--->
A law concerning G-REITs was enacted 1 June 2007, effective [[Ex post facto law|retroactively]] to 1 January 2007:<ref>{{cite web | author = Alan O'Sullivan | title= G-Reit news for German property | url= http://www.citywire.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?VersionID=92737 | date = 1 June 2007 | publisher= citywire.co.uk | accessdate= 2007-06-30 }}{{dead link|date=June 2018|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
* REITs have to be established as corporations - "REIT-AG" or "REIT-[[Aktiengesellschaft]]".
* At least 75% of its assets have to be invested in real estate.
* At least 75% of the G-REIT's gross revenues must be real-estate related.
* At least 90% of the REIT's taxable income has to be distributed to its [[shareholder]]s through [[dividend]]s.
* The corporation is income-tax-exempt, but the shareholders will have to pay individual income tax on the dividends.
* Some restrictions apply on establishing residential REITs
The German public real-estate sector accounts for 0.21% of the total global REIT market capitalization. Three out of the four G-REITS are represented in the [[EPRA index]], an index managed by the [[European Public Real Estate Association]] (EPRA).<ref>{{cite web|last= Hackemann|first= Tim|title= Global REIT Survey 2012: Germany|url= http://www.epra.com/regulation-and-reporting/taxation/epra-newsletter-nov20092/|work= Global REIT Survey 2012|publisher= European Public Real Estate Association|accessdate= 20 February 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130517172150/http://www.epra.com/regulation-and-reporting/taxation/epra-newsletter-nov20092/|archive-date= 17 May 2013|dead-url= yes|df= dmy-all}}</ref>
===Ireland===
The 2013 Finance Act contained provisions for creating REIT structures in [[Ireland]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Real Estate Investment Trusts introduced in Ireland|url= http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/Real-Estate-Investment-Trusts-introduced-in-Ireland/$FILE/Real-Estate-Investment-Trusts-introduced-in-Ireland.pdf|publisher= EY REIT Alert|accessdate= 19 April 2014}}</ref>
===Spain===
SOCIMI (Sociedad cotizada de Capital Inmobiliario)
=== United Kingdom ===
{{See also|English land law|Corporation Tax Act 2010}}
The legislation laying out the rules for REITs in the [[United Kingdom]] was enacted in the [[Finance Act 2006]] (now see the [[Corporation Tax Act 2010]] sections 518 to 609) and came into effect in January 2007 when nine UK property-companies converted to REIT status, including five [[FTSE 100 members]] at that time: [[British Land]], [[Hammerson]], [[Land Securities]], [[Liberty International]] and [[Slough Estates]] (now known as "SEGRO"). The other four companies were [[Brixton plc|Brixton]] (now known as "SEGRO"), [[Great Portland Estates]], [[Primary Health Properties]] and [[Workspace Group]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.shareworld.co.uk/index.php/articles/reits-real-estate-investment-trusts/|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100910043337/http://www.shareworld.co.uk/index.php/articles/reits-real-estate-investment-trusts/|dead-url= yes|archive-date= 10 September 2010|title= REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)|publisher= ShareWorld|accessdate= 5 February 2012}}</ref>
British REITs have to distribute 90% of their income to investors. They must be a close-ended [[investment trust]] and be UK-resident and publicly listed on a [[stock exchange]] recognised by the [[Financial Services Authority]].{{Citation needed|date= January 2010}} The EPRA in Brussels each year publishes a breakdown of the UK REIT structure requirements.<ref>{{cite web|last= Rowe|first= Rosalind|title= Global REIT Survey 2012: UK|url= http://www.epra.com/regulation-and-reporting/taxation/epra-newsletter-nov200911/|work= Global REIT Survey 2012|publisher= European Public Real Estate Association|accessdate= 19 April 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130517172347/http://www.epra.com/regulation-and-reporting/taxation/epra-newsletter-nov200911/|archive-date= 17 May 2013|dead-url= yes|df= dmy-all}}</ref>
To support the introduction of REITs in the UK, several commercial property and financial-services companies formed the REITs and Quoted Property Group. Other key bodies involved include the [[London Stock Exchange]] the [[British Property Federation]] and Reita. The Reita campaign was launched on 16 August 2006 by the REITs and Quoted Property Group in order to provide a source of information on REITs, quoted property and related investment-funds. Reita aims to raise awareness and understanding of REITs and of investment in quoted property companies. It does this primarily through its portal [<noinclude>http://www.reita.org</noinclude> www.reita.org], providing knowledge, education and tools for financial advisers and investors.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.bpf.org.uk/en/reita/index.php#1 |title= Reita - UK REITs - Real Estate Investment Trust and property investment portal |publisher= Bpf.org.uk |date= |accessdate= 2012-12-18}}</ref>
Doug Naismith, managing director of European Personal Investments for Fidelity International, said{{when|date=May 2018}}: "As existing markets expand and REIT-like structures are introduced in more countries, we expect to see the overall market grow by some ten percent per annum over the next five years, taking the market to $1 trillion by 2010."<ref>{{cite web |url= http://olympiacapitalresearch.com/REITs.html |title= Archived copy |accessdate= 2012-04-04 |deadurl= yes |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110930002144/http://olympiacapitalresearch.com/REITs.html |archivedate= 2011-09-30 |df= }}</ref>
The Finance Act 2012 brought five main changes to the REIT regime in the UK:
# the abolition of the 2% entry charge to join the regime - this should make REITs more attractive due to reduced costs
# relaxation of the listing requirements - REITs can now be AIM quoted<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk/uk-reits/|title= UK REITS SapphireCapitalPartners.co.uk|author= |date= |website= sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk|accessdate= 15 March 2018}}{{dead link|date= April 2018 |bot= InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted= yes }}</ref> (the London Stock Exchange’s international market for smaller growing companies) – making a listing more attractive due to reduced costs and greater flexibility
# a REIT now has a three-year grace period before having to comply with close company rules (a close company is a company under the control of five or fewer investors)
# a REIT will not be considered to be a close company if it can be made close by the inclusion of institutional investors (authorised unit trusts, OEICs, pension schemes, insurance companies and bodies which are sovereign immune) - this makes REITs attractive investment trusts{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}
# the interest cover test of 1.25 times finance costs is not as onerous
Boyd Carson of Sapphire Capital Partners LLP commented that "the most important of these advantages is the ability for REITs to be listed on the AIM and the abolition of the 2% entry charge to the regime is also a significant step forward."<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk/uk-reits/|title= Sapphire Capital Partners LLP|author= |date= |website= sapphirecapitalpartners.co.uk|accessdate= 15 March 2018}}{{dead link|date= April 2018 |bot= InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
==North America==
=== Canada ===
{{See also|List of REITs in Canada}}
[[Canada|Canadian]] REITs were established in 1993. They are required to be configured as [[Investment trust|trusts]] and are not taxed if they distribute their net [[taxable income]] to shareholders. REITs have been excluded from the income trust tax legislation passed in the [[2007 Canadian federal budget|2007 budget]] by the Conservative government. Many Canadian REITs have [[limited liability]].<ref>{{cite web | author= Mark Rothschild | title=Spotlight on North America/Canada | url=http://www.nareit.com/portfoliomag/05special/p73.shtml | date= November–December 2005 | publisher=Reit.com | accessdate=2006-10-17}}</ref> On December 16, 2010, the Department of Finance proposed amendments to the rules defining “Qualifying REITs” for Canadian tax purposes. As a result, “Qualifying REITs” are exempt from the new entity-level, “specified investment flow-through” (SIFT) tax that all publicly traded income trusts and partnerships are paying as of January 1, 2011.<ref>{{cite web | author=David Dittman | title=REIT Investing, Canadian Style | url=http://www.investingdaily.com/ce/18204/reit-investing-canadian-style.html | publisher=InvestingDaily.com | accessdate=2011-01-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120073136/http://www.investingdaily.com/ce/18204/reit-investing-canadian-style.html | archive-date=2011-01-20 | dead-url=yes | df= }}</ref>
=== Mexico ===
[[Mexico]] has passed legislation to allow for the equivalent of REITs, known as FIBRAs<ref>{{cite web|title=Fibras Get Their Footing|url=http://www.reit.com/news/reit-magazine/september-october-2014/fibras-get-their-footing|publisher=reit.com|accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> (Fideicomiso de Infraestructura y Bienes Raíces),<ref name=wsj-Mexico/> to be traded in the Mexican Stock Exchange. Like REITs legislation in other countries, companies must qualify as a FIBRA by complying with the following rules:<ref name=rules>{{cite web | author=Luis F. Moreno Trevino, Julio Planas Vidal| title=The Infrastructure and Real Estate Trust in Mexico (FIBRA) | url=https://www.haynesboone.com/infrastructure-real-estate-trust-mexico-fibra/| publisher=Haynes and Boone| accessdate=2013-05-27}}</ref>
* at least 70% of assets must be invested in financing or owning of real estate assets, with the remaining amount invested in government-issued securities or debt-instrument mutual funds.<ref name=rules/>
* Acquired or developed real estate assets must be income generating and held for at least four years.<ref name=rules/>
* If shares, known as Certificados de Participación Inmobiliarios or CPIs, are issued privately, there must be more than 10 unrelated investors in the FIBRA.<ref name=rules/>
* The FIBRA must distribute 95% of annual profits to investors.<ref name=rules/>
The first Mexican REIT was launched in 2011 and is called FIBRA UNO.<ref>{{cite web | author=| title=Mexican REIT FIBRA Uno Raises $300M | url=http://www.institutionalinvestor.com/Article/2790918/Research/4197/Overview.html?ArticleId=2790918#.UaPmDytAQa4| publisher=Institutional Investor| accessdate=2013-05-27}}</ref>
According to the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'', Mexican REITs debuted in March 2011 "after government regulatory changes made the structure possible. Fibras offered investors an easy way to own Mexican real estate and pick up an attractive dividend at the same time. Like U.S. REITs, Fibras avoid paying corporate taxes as long as they distribute at least 95% of their income to shareholders as dividends."<ref name=wsj-Mexico>{{Citation
| last1 =Morrissey
| first1 =Janet
| last2 =Grant
| first2 =Peter
| date =November 10, 2016
| title =A Young Mexican REIT Market Evolves
| publisher =[[Wall Street Journal]]
| publication-place =New York City
| url =https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-young-mexican-reit-market-evolves-1478009286
| accessdate =February 1, 2017
}}</ref>
=== United States ===
==== History ====
The law providing for REITs was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1960.<ref>{{cite web|title=REIT Industry Timeline|url=http://www.reit.com/investing/reit-basics/reit-industry-timeline#0|publisher=reit.com|accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> The law was intended to provide a real estate investment structure similar to the one that [[mutual fund]]s provide for investment in stocks.<ref name="FindLaw.com">{{cite web | url = http://library.findlaw.com/1998/Aug/1/126264.html | title= UPREITs, Down-REITs And Other REIT Vehicles: Should You Go Along For The Ride?
| publisher = FindLaw.com }}</ref> REITs are strong income vehicles because, to avoid incurring liability for U.S. federal income tax, REITs generally must pay out an amount equal to at least 90 percent of their [[taxable income]] in the form of [[dividend]]s to [[shareholder]]s.<ref name="what">{{cite web|title=What is a REIT?|url=http://www.reit.com/investing/reit-basics/what-reit|publisher=reit.com|accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref>
From 2008 to 2011, REITs faced challenges from both a slowing [[United States economy]] and the [[late-2000s financial crisis]], which depressed share values by 40 to 70 percent in some cases.
For the five-year period ending Dec. 31, 2017, all stock exchange listed REITs posted total returns of 60.29%, with compound annual total returns of 9.90%. Stock exchange listed equity REITs had total returns of 59.85% during that same period, with compound annual total returns of 9.83%. The S&P 500 had total returns of 108.14% during that same period, with compound annual total returns of 15.79%. There are more than 200 public REITs listed on exchanges in the United States.
==== Legislation ====
Under [[Income tax in the United States|U.S. Federal income tax law]], an REIT is "any corporation, trust or association that acts as an investment agent specializing in real estate and real estate mortgages" under [[Internal Revenue Code]] section 856.<ref name="U.S. Master Tax Guide 2326, page 681">CCH 2008 U.S. Master Tax Guide, paragr. 2326, page 681.</ref> The rules for federal income taxation of REITs are found primarily in Part II (sections 856 through 859) of Subchapter M of Chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code. Because a REIT is entitled to deduct dividends paid to its owners (commonly referred to as shareholders), a REIT may avoid incurring all or part of its liabilities for U.S. federal income tax. To qualify as a REIT, an organization makes an "election" to do so by filing a Form 1120-REIT with the [[Internal Revenue Service]], and by meeting certain other requirements. The purpose of this designation is to reduce or eliminate [[corporate tax]], thus avoiding [[double taxation]] of owner income. In return, REITs are required to distribute at least 90% of their taxable income into the hands of investors. A REIT is a company that owns, and in most cases, operates income-producing real estate. REITs own many types of commercial real estate, ranging from office and apartment buildings to warehouses, hospitals, shopping centers, hotels and even timberlands. Some REITs also engage in financing real estate. The REIT structure was designed to provide a real estate investment structure similar to the structure [[mutual fund]]s provide for investment in stocks.<ref name="FindLaw.com"/>
==== Structure ====
{{See also|List of public REITs in the United States}}
In the United States, a REIT is a company that owns, and in most cases operates, income-producing real estate. Some REITs finance real estate. To be a REIT, a company must distribute at least 90 percent of its taxable income to shareholders annually in the form of dividends.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/answers/reits.htm|publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission|title=Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)|accessdate=16 March 2012}}</ref>
To qualify as a REIT under U.S. tax rules, a company must:
* Be structured as a corporation, trust, or association<ref>Internal Revenue Code Sect. 856(a)</ref>
* Be managed by a board of directors or trustees<ref>Internal Revenue Code Sect. 856(a)(1)</ref>
* Have [[transferable share]]s or transferable [[certificates of interest]]<ref>Internal Revenue Code Sect. 856(a)(2)</ref>
* Otherwise be taxable as a domestic corporation<ref>Internal Revenue Code Sect. 856(a)(3)</ref>
* Not be a financial institution or an insurance company<ref>''See'' Internal Revenue Code Sect. 856(a)(4). ''See also'' Internal Revenue Code Sect. 582(c)(2) (defining financial institutions for these purposes); Internal Revenue Code Sect. 801 ''et. seq.'' (defining insurance companies for these purposes).</ref>
* Be jointly owned by 100 persons or more<ref>Internal Revenue Code Sect. 856(a)(5).</ref>
* Have 95 percent of its income derived from dividends, interest, and property income<ref>Internal Revenue Code Sect. 856(c)(2)</ref>
* Pay dividends of at least 90% of the REIT's taxable income<ref>Internal Revenue Code sect. 857(a)</ref>
* Have no more than 50% of the shares held by five or fewer individuals during the last half of each taxable year (5/50 rule)<ref>Internal Revenue Code sections 856(h)(1) and 542(a)(2)</ref>
* Have at least 75% of its total assets invested in real estate<ref>Internal Revenue Code sect. 856(c)(4)</ref>
* Derive at least 75% of its gross income from rents or mortgage interest<ref>Internal Revenue Code sect 856(c)(4)</ref>
* Have no more than 25% of its assets invested in [[taxable REIT subsidiaries]].<ref>Internal Revenue Code sect. 856(c)(4)(B)(ii)</ref>
Because of their access to corporate-level debt and equity that typical real estate owners cannot access, REITs have a favorable capital structure. They are able to use this capital to finance tenant improvement costs and leasing commissions that less capitalized owners cannot afford.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}
==South America==
=== Brazil ===
REITs were introduced in [[Brazil]] in 1993 by the law 8668/93 and initially ruled by the instruction 205/94 and, nowadays, by instruction 472/08 from CVM (Comissão de Valores Mobiliários - which is the Brazilian equivalent of SEC). Locally they are described as "FII"s or "Fundos de Investimento Imobiliário". FII's dividends have been free of taxes for personal investors (not companies) since 2006, but only for the funds which have at least 50 investors and that are publicly traded in the stock market. FIIs, referred to as “REIT” to correspond with the similar investment vehicle in the US, have been used either to own and operate independent property investments, associated with a single property or part property, or to own several real properties (multiple properties) funded through the capital markets.{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}
== See also ==
* [[Australian real estate investment trust]]
* [[Closed-end fund]]
* [[EPRA index]]
* [[Income trust]]
* [[Investment trust]]
* [[Mutual fund]]
* [[Real estate investing]]
* [[Real estate mortgage investment conduit]] (REMIC)
* [[Royalty trust]]
* [[Stock market]]
* [[Taxable REIT subsidiaries]]
== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Real estate investment trusts}}
<!-- Do NOT put spam links here or you WILL be blocked. -->
* [http://www.reit.com/REIT101/REITDirectory/SearchableDirectory.aspx List of U.S. REITs]
* [http://www.reit.com NAREIT - National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts]
* {{dmoz|Business/Investing/Real_Estate/Real_Estate_Investment_Trusts/|Real Estate Investment Trusts}}
* [http://www.epra.com EPRA - European Public Real Estate Association]
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[[Category:Real estate investment trusts| ]]
