The REIT sector appears to be seeing some light at the end of the tunnel as inflation eases and interest rates start to decline. The US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a full percentage point last year that should help to ease borrowing costs for REITs. Income investors are on the lookout for defensive REITs that can stand strong despite these headwinds. Diversified REITs, meaning those that own two or more property sub-classes, are in a better position as they are exposed to more than one property type. Here are four diversified REITs sporting dividend yields of 5.2% or higher.

OUE REIT (SGX: TS0U)

OUE REIT owns a portfolio of six office, hospitality, and retail assets located in Singapore. The REIT’s total assets under management (AUM) stood at S$5.8 billion as of 31 December 2024. Revenue for 2024 rose 3.7% year on year to S$295.5 million but net property income (NPI) dipped by 0.4% year on year to S$234 million....