Categories: Real Estate

A Guide on How to Invest In REITs in India

REITs are a strategic investment choice for investors looking to diversify their portfolios and earn a stable income. Just like mutual funds, REITs operate under the strict oversight of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), ensuring a high level of transparency and investor protection. By pooling funds from various investors, REITs afford the chance to gain income from valuable, appreciating real estate assets without the direct challenges of ownership and management. This regulatory environment, governed by SEBI, creates a secure framework for investors to explore the potential of real estate investment without the typical hurdles associated with direct property investment. Here, we break down how to invest in REITs in India to equip you with the necessary information to explore this avenue of investment. 

What are the Basic Requirements for an Individual to Start Investing in REITs?

Before we get into the mechanics of how to invest in a Real Estate Investment Trust, let’s understand the prerequisites:

  1. PAN or Adhaar Card

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) card or Adhaar Card is mandatory for engaging in all financial transactions. 

  1. DEMAT Account

A Demat account is required to hold and trade the REIT units in dematerialized (digital) form.

  1. Bank Account

 A functioning savings or current bank account is required to manage the flow of funds to and from your trading account.

These requirements are necessary for you to complete the KYC process. This can usually be completed with the brokerage firm through which you open your DEMAT account. 

How to invest in a Real Estate Investment Trust in India?

The process of investing in REITs is straightforward and can offer substantial benefits. Here is a step-by-step breakdown to get started: 

  1. Choose a brokerage firm

Select a reputable brokerage firm or an investment platform that allows REIT investments.

  1. Transfer your funds

Transfer the funds you wish to trade into your trading account. The amount you invest should be based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.

  1. Do your research

Analyze the different REITs based on their asset type (commercial, retail, mixed-use, hospitality, etc.), performance history, dividend yield, and risk factors.

  1. Purchase units

After selecting a suitable REIT, you can purchase units like you would buy stocks. This can be done through your brokerage firm’s trading platform.

  1. Monitor and manage your investment:

Keep track of performance and dividends. Reinvest dividends or plan out your income according to the distributions.

What is the appropriate allocation to REITs?

While understanding how do you buy REITs is important, you should also understand that the allocation of REITs in your investment portfolio hinges on several factors. This includes your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. While REITs are a great opportunity to earn income and diversify your portfolio, the ideal allocation varies from investor to investor. Here’s what you should consider:

  1. Access your financial goals

It is essential to have full clarity on what you aim to achieve through a REIT investment, whether building wealth in the long run, generating regular income, or both. 

  1. Understand your risk tolerance

Like any other investment, REITs come with their share of risks, including market volatility and sector-specific risks. The level of your risk tolerance should determine how much or how little you decide to invest. 

  1. Benefits of diversification

Given the relatively low correlation of REITs with other asset classes, they can be an excellent tool to diversify your portfolio. By allocating a portion of your portfolio to REITs, you can help reduce overall risk and smooth out returns over time.

  1. Industry Recommendations

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, financial advisors often recommend allocating between 5% to 15% of your portfolio to REITs. Investing within this range can balance the unique risk and benefits associated with REIT investing.

  1. Regular review and adjustments

The appropriate allocation to REITs is not a static number; it should evolve with your life stage, financial goals, and economic conditions. Regularly review and adjust your REIT allocation in consultation with your financial advisor to ensure it remains aligned with your objectives.

Timing your REIT investment

As the real estate market rises and falls, so do the opportunities within REIT investments. Once you’ve understood how to invest in a Real Estate Investment Trust and are contemplating when to jump into making the investment, start with a financial self-assessment and aim for a period where your investment aligns with a stable or growing real estate market. Committing to REITs during a time that resonates with your investment goals and appetite for risk is just as crucial as the investment itself. With the right timing and a strategic approach, REITs can become a valuable component in your portfolio’s landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who can invest in REIT?

Any investor who meets regulatory guidelines and possesses a Demat account can partake in REIT investments. This encompassing approach allows various types of investors, ranging from individuals to institutions, to explore the income potential within the real estate sector through REITs.

  1. Is REIT a good investment?

Whether REITs are suitable investments will depend on personal investment priorities, particularly regarding liquidity. Their structure allows for easier entry and exit compared to traditional real estate investments, which could be a decisive advantage. Moreover, the benefits of Real Estate Investment Trusts, such as regular income streams and diversification, might align well with certain investment portfolios.

  1. Do REITs pay monthly dividends?

Some REITs may offer the advantage of monthly dividends, although quarterly payouts are the norm. The frequency of these distributions can vary, so it’s prudent for investors to research and select a REIT that fits their income needs and expectations.

  1. How to buy REITs directly in India?

Learning how to invest in REITs in India is an easy process. To make your purchase, you need to follow the following steps:

  • Ensure you have a functional Demat account through a brokerage.
  • Comply with the necessary KYC requirements.
  • Deposit the amount you wish to invest into your brokerage account.
  • Look into the available REITs listed on Indian stock exchanges, such as BSE or NSE.
  • Place an order for your chosen REIT units, similar to buying shares.
Ethan

Ethan is the founder, owner, and CEO of EntrepreneursBreak, a leading online resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners. With over a decade of experience in business and entrepreneurship, Ethan is passionate about helping others achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

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