The Singapore REITs market has generally been profitable for its investors, but with the new measures amid this economic crisis, are they still safe to invest in?
In Singapore, real estate investment trusts (REITs) are leveraged property instruments which are mandated to distribute 90% of their income back to investors in the form of dividends. Because of this, they are generally viewed as attractive and stable income instruments, appealing very much so to the income investor who relies on these dividends as a form of passive income. And for the savvy investor who is able to pick the best of REITs, they stand to be rewarded in the form of both capital gains (in share price) and dividends.
However, in April 2020, the regulations governing REITs have been amended to help support them through the challenging business environment in the near term. These changes include:
Gearing limit has been raised to 50% Enhanced Share...