Real estate investment trusts, or REITs, have grown in size and prominence since the first REIT listed on our shores back in 2002.
The sector started with just two REITs back in 2002 – Ascendas REIT (SGX: A17U) and CapitaLand Mall Trust (SGX: C38U), or CMT.
Over time, the REITs sector has grown by leaps and bounds.
At the end of 2019, REITs, together with stapled and property trusts, contributed 24% to day-to-day turnover in the Singapore market and comprised 12% of Singapore’s stock market capitalisation.
There were 43 listed REITs and property trusts at end-2019.
If we add the two that were listed in 2020, Elite Commercial REIT (SGX: MXNU) and United Hampshire US REIT (SGX: ODBU), this means there are now 45 REITs on the local bourse.
Investors now have a wide selection of REITs to choose from, ranging from hospitality and commercial REITs to niche ones such as a data centre REIT and outlet mall REIT....