MSM REITs: Transforming India's real estate investment landscape (2024)

Commercial real estate (CRE) has long been an attractive investment avenue for those seeking to diversify their portfolios and capitalise on the stability and income potential of real property. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have been a game-changer in the global investment landscape, providing investors with a unique proposition to participate in the commercial real estate market. In a bid to catalyse the growth of the real estate sector in India, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has plans to introduce an innovative concept – the MSM REITs.

These MSM REITs, with a reduced minimum asset size of 25 crores, aim to foster a broader range of real estate investments while ensuring transparency, control, and credibility for investors. The minimum ticket size of Rs10 lakhs provides accessibility to retail investors while maintaining a certain level of sophistication.

This article explores the key features and advantages of MSM REITs, comparing them to traditional models and drawing parallels with global small-cap REITs.

Transparency, control and niche targeting

MSM REITs adopt a niche-targeted approach that allows investors to choose specific asset-focused schemes, offering transparency and control that goes beyond traditional blind pool investments. This provides investors with a clear understanding of the modalities and fundamentals of their investments ensuring a level of customisation and transparency that aligns with their evolving preferences.

Mandatory sponsor commitment and credibility

MSM REITs maintain the core structure of traditional REITs, comprising a Trustee, Sponsor/sponsor group, investment manager, and investors as primary stakeholders. Notably, in these MSM REITs, the Investment Manager and Sponsor can be the same entity. The proposed regulations ensure mandatory Sponsor commitment, fostering a 'skin in the game' mindset, and set minimum net worth requirements for the investment manager and sponsor, enhancing overall credibility.

Enhanced liquidity, easy transferability and low volatility

Listing units on stock exchanges introduce fair pricing, robust risk management, guaranteed settlement, high liquidity and easy transferability. Unlike the traditional models in the CRE investing space with long investment horizons, MSM REITs allow investors to exit at a time and price of their own choosing. Despite being a listed product, volatility remains low due to the backing of fairly stable assets.

Standardised regulations, risk mitigation and investor protection

The transition from the earlier models to a more structured approach in MSM REITs is a paradigm shift towards investor protection. Standardised regulations, Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, grievance redressal mechanisms, and the oversight of regulatory bodies collectively fortify investor confidence. The non-permissibility of investing in under-construction assets mitigates the risk of non-completion and disruption in returns. This prudent measure safeguards investors from uncertainties associated with projects still in progress, aligning with the aim of providing secure, stable and predictable returns.

In conclusion, incorporating MSM REITs into an investment portfolio offers investors a unique combination of stability, income generation, and growth potential. Drawing inspiration from global practices, the introduction of MSM REITs in India has the potential to mirror the success of small-cap REITs, single-asset REITs in other markets, such as the United States and the UK. This represents a progressive stride in the Indian real estate investment landscape.

By incorporating transparency, control, credibility, and investor protection, these REITs aim to stimulate further growth in the real estate sector and related segments of the economy. As India embraces this innovative approach, the MSM REITs have the potential to become a catalyst for a more inclusive and vibrant real estate investment ecosystem.

Abhishek Katiyar, VP of Strategic Initiatives at Property Share

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Published: 12 Feb 2024, 11:05 AM IST

MSM REITs: Transforming India's real estate investment landscape (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between REIT and MSM REIT? ›

MSM REIT is different from a regular REIT, just as investing in a REIT is akin to owning units of a MF scheme, while MSM REIT is akin to owning shares of a company. Let's understand the structure of MSM REIT, which is similar to that of a traditional REIT: Trustee. Sponsor/sponsor group.

Are REITs a good investment in India? ›

REITs in India have the potential to generate an annual return of around 14% making them an attractive investment option. Unlike a direct investment in real estate, REITs are traded on stock exchanges, making them a more liquid investment option.

What are the top 10 REITs in India? ›

Best real estate stocks in India (2024)
NameMarket Cap (Rs. in cr.)Close Price (Rs.)
Coral India Finance and Housing Ltd213.0052.85
Nesco Ltd5,954.57845.10
Oberoi Realty Ltd48,877.231,344.25
Ajmera Realty & Infra India Ltd2,592.88730.70
6 more rows
Feb 29, 2024

Are REITs profitable? ›

Real estate investment trusts, or REITs, are a great way to invest in the real estate sector while diversifying your options. Real estate investments can be an excellent way to earn returns, generate cash flow, hedge against inflation and diversify an investment portfolio.

What is the highest paying REIT? ›

The market's highest-yielding REITs
Company (ticker symbol)SectorDividend yield
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust (KREF)Mortgage14.0%
Two Harbors Investment (TWO)Mortgage14.0%
Ares Commercial Real Estate (ACRE)Mortgage13.8%
Brandywine Realty Trust (BDN)Office13.6%
7 more rows
Feb 28, 2024

What is MSM REITs? ›

MSM REITs offer investors the opportunity to invest in commercial real estate with property-specific focus. Investors can assess asset quality based on location, lease structure, and demand/supply dynamics. Diversification across asset classes and geographies is recommended to mitigate risks.

Why not to invest in REITs India? ›

REITs and mutual funds have a few common genes. They collect money from investors and buy income-producing assets. But unlike the stocks owned by equity-oriented mutual funds , the properties bought by REITs are not tradable as easily as stocks. So, they may not be as liquid.

Are REITs tax free India? ›

Sale of REITs

Capital gains made on sale of Indian REITs is subject to STCG tax if held for less than one year at the rate of 15%. Investments held over one year are subject to LTCG tax at the rate of 20% in excess of Rs. 1 lakh.

Why REITs are not performing well in India? ›

There are a few factors contributing to the decline in Indian REITs. The rising interest rates are one reason. The cost of borrowing money rises as interest rates rise, making it more difficult for REITs to finance their operations. REITs' share prices may fall as a result of this, which may result in lower income.

Which REIT gives best dividend in India? ›

The best REITs in India, based on dividend yield, occupancy rate, and loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, are: Brookfield REIT: With an 8.5% dividend yield and 92% occupancy rate, Brookfield REIT stands out for its tax-free distribution of 75%.

What are the 3 REITs in India? ›

Prices are also influenced by the performance of the REIT. At present, there are 3 options of REITs in India–Embassy Office Parks REIT, Mindspace Business Park REIT, and Brookfield India Real Estate Trust.

What REIT does Warren Buffett buy? ›

While real estate has never been a big part of Buffett's investing strategy, Berkshire Hathaway has owned shares of STORE Capital, a REIT focused on single-tenant operational real estate.

What is bad income for REITs? ›

For purposes of the REIT income tests, a non-qualified hedge will produce income that is included in the denominator, but not the numerator. This is generally referred to as “bad” REIT income because it reduces the fraction and makes it more difficult to meet the tests.

What is the average return of REITs in India? ›

According to a report by Edelweiss, Indian REITs offer an average yield of 7-8% compared to 5-6% for residential properties, and 2-3% for government securities. Moreover, as REITs are required to distribute at least 90% of their income to investors as dividends, investors can receive a regular stream of income.

What are the two primary types of REITs? ›

The two main types of REITs are equity REITs and mortgage REITs, commonly known as mREITs. Equity REITs generate income through the collection of rent on, and from sales of, the properties they own for the long-term. mREITs invest in mortgages or mortgage securities tied to commercial and/or residential properties.

What is the difference between a REIT and a MBS? ›

Mortgage REITs (or mREITs) invest in residential and commercial mortgages. These REITs loan money for mortgages, or purchase existing mortgages or mortgage-backed securities (MBS). While equity REITs typically generate revenue through rents, mortgage REITs earn income from the interest on their debt investments.

Is a master limited partnership the same as a REIT? ›

REITs tend to utilize higher leverage than MLPs due to the high financing costs of accumulating real estate inventory while at the same time meeting the 90% distribution criteria. At the same time, MLPs exhibit a relatively stable long-term fee-based income structure that leads to lower borrowing requirements.

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