Property Share has received a Small and Medium Real Estate Investment Trust (SM REIT) license from SEBI, marking a major milestone for fractional ownership in India. Registered as Property Share Investment Trust (PSIT), the platform will manage investments under new SM REIT regulations, targeting properties valued between INR 50 crore and INR 500 crore. This move follows SEBI's March 2024 regulations aimed at enhancing transparency and attracting smaller investors. Co-founder Kunal Moktan expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming IPO launch of the first SM REIT scheme, promising greater accessibility and liquidity in the Indian real estate market.
Property Share, a platform that allows fractional ownership in real estate, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving a Small and Medium Real Estate Investment Trust (SM REIT) license from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). This approval comes under the newly established SM REIT regulations, which were put into place to enhance regulations for fractional ownership platforms in India.
The license is registered under the name Property Share Investment Trust (PSIT), with Property Share taking on the role of investment manager. Kunal Moktan, one of the co-founders of Property Share, expressed enthusiasm for the development, indicating a positive outlook for future operations. Moktan mentioned that they are eager to continue working closely with SEBI on launching the IPO for the first SM REIT scheme in the coming weeks.
This step marks a pivotal moment for fractional ownership in real estate in India. In March 2024, SEBI introduced regulations specifically targeted at fractional ownership platforms, effectively placing them under the broader Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) framework. SM REITs cater to properties valued between INR 50 crore and INR 500 crore, providing a regulated avenue for investors interested in smaller real estate projects. This regulatory clarity aims to increase investor confidence and encourage more individuals to participate in real estate investments, which have traditionally been seen as accessible only to wealthier investors.
The introduction of SM REITs is expected to transform the Indian real estate investment landscape by allowing smaller investors to engage in a market that has long been dominated by larger players. With SEBI overseeing the framework, investors can anticipate a degree of security and transparency that may have been lacking in previous fractional ownership models. The units of these REIT schemes will also be listed on stock exchanges, providing liquidity options for investors who wish to buy or sell their shares more easily.
Prior to receiving the SM REIT license, Property Share had already made significant strides in the investment sector. In June 2022, the company successfully raised INR 347 crore in a Series B funding round, led by WestBridge Capital. This injection of capital not only strengthened its financial position but also positioned the company to expand its offerings and reach more investors.
The arrival of SM REITs highlights an emerging trend in the Indian investment space, where technology and regulation are converging to create new opportunities. As the real estate market begins to recover from previous downturns, the implementation of such regulatory measures is expected to attract a broader range of investors-from individuals looking to diversify their portfolios to institutions seeking stabilised assets.
In summary, the SM REIT license awarded to Property Share represents a significant advance for fractional ownership in India's real estate market. By operating under the new regulatory framework established by SEBI, Property Share and similar platforms can promote investment in real estate that is safe, transparent, and accessible. As they prepare to launch the first SM REIT scheme, the company is set to lead a shift in how everyday investors can engage with the real estate market, providing opportunities that were once viewed as out of reach. This development not only reflects a growing confidence in the sector but also signals a new chapter in India's investment landscape, where fractional ownership could play a crucial role in democratizing real estate access for many.