What are REITs? Why Invest in Retail REITs?

​Retail Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have become a popular way for investors to tap into the potential of income-generating properties without the need to directly own or manage real estate.

​In Malaysia, some of the top shopping malls, like Pavilion KL, Mid Valley Megamall, and Sunway Pyramid Mall, are part of major retail REITs. These REITs offer investors an opportunity to earn a share of the income produced by these high-traffic properties.

What are Retail REITs?

​What are REITs?
REITs are funds or trusts that own and manage income-producing real estate such as malls, hospitals, offices, and hotels. The main appeal of REITs is that they are required to distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders as dividends, which translates to attractive yields for investors. This makes REITs a stable and potentially profitable investment, especially for those looking to diversify their portfolios without directly buying property.

Why Invest in Retail REITs?

1. Consistent Income with Attractive Yields
   Retail REITs typically offer steady income distributions, with the added benefit of tax advantages. Some of the top REITs in Malaysia, like PAVREIT and IGBREIT, offer distribution yields of over 6% and 5%, respectively, as seen in the image. These yields are higher than many traditional fixed-income investments, providing a competitive return for investors.
2. Exposure to Premium Shopping Malls
   When you invest in retail REITs, you're essentially investing in some of Malaysia's most iconic shopping destinations. For instance, PAVREIT manages top-tier properties like Pavilion KL and Pavilion Bukit Jalil, while IGBREIT oversees Mid Valley Megamall and The Gardens Mall. These properties are located in high-traffic urban areas, making them lucrative assets that generate significant rental income.
3. Diversification and Lower Risk
   By investing in a REIT, you gain exposure to a diversified portfolio of real estate without the risks of owning and managing property directly. Retail REITs typically spread their investments across multiple properties, reducing the impact of any one property underperforming.
4. Growth Potential
   As consumer spending and the retail sector recover post-pandemic, retail REITs stand to benefit from higher occupancy rates and rental increases. For instance, IGBREIT posted an impressive 23.12% YTD return as of September 2024, indicating robust growth prospects for investors.

What are REITs?

Popular Retail Reits in Malaysia

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How to Start Investing in REITs with M+ Global?

This app allows you to access Malaysia’s top REITs and make informed investment decisions with just a few taps. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Download the M+ Global App: Available on both iOS and Android platforms, the app provides you with easy access to a wide range of stocks, including REITs.
2. Sign Up Using Invitation Code: UBZQ
3. Browse Top Retail REITs: Gain access to information about top retail REITs like PAVREIT, IGBREIT, and more. The app offers comprehensive data on share prices, YTD returns, and distribution yields.
4. Track Your Investments: M+ Global app also offers real-time tracking of your REIT investments, allowing you to stay updated with market trends and make timely decisions.