In Q1 FY24, India's four major REITs - Brookfield India, Embassy Office Parks, Mindspace Business Parks, and Nexus Select Trust - distributed INR 1,371 crore to unit holders, reflecting the sector's growing strength. With assets exceeding INR 1.4 lakh crore, these REITs have returned over INR 18,000 crore to more than 2,45,000 investors since inception. Recent regulatory changes, such as the reduced holding period for long-term capital gains, have boosted investor interest. As urbanisation and infrastructure development continue, Indian REITs are poised for sustained growth, offering stable returns and diversification.
In the first quarter of the fiscal year, four major real estate investment trusts (REITs) in India distributed a total of INR 1,371 crore to their unit holders. This significant payout illustrates the growing strength of the Indian REIT market, which now manages assets valued over INR 1,40,000 crore. The REITs benefiting from this positive trend are Brookfield India Real Estate Trust, Embassy Office Parks REIT, Mindspace Business Parks REIT, and Nexus Select Trust.
According to data from the Indian REITs Association, these four REITs have collectively returned over INR 18,000 crore to their unit holders since their inception five years ago. This translates to over 2,45,000 individual investors receiving regular income from these investment vehicles, showcasing their appeal in providing stable returns. The growth of the REIT market reflects the increasing acceptance of this investment model in India, which has gained traction among both institutional and retail investors.
The portfolio of these REITs encompasses about 122 million square feet of Grade A office and retail space across India's major cities. Embassy Office Parks REIT and Mindspace Business Parks REIT primarily focus on high-quality office spaces, catering to the rising demand from companies seeking modern workspaces. On the other hand, Nexus Select Trust, with its rental-yielding retail properties, capitalises on the retail sector's recovery post-pandemic.
A recent regulatory change has also contributed to the attractiveness of REITs. In the latest Union Budget, the government reduced the holding period for long-term capital gains on business trusts-including both REITs and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs)-from 36 months to only 12 months. This change is expected to encourage more investors to explore REITs as a viable option in their portfolios, enhancing overall market liquidity.
The potential growth of the Indian REIT market is also linked to the ongoing expansion of urban spaces and infrastructure development. As cities grow, the demand for quality office and retail spaces is set to increase. With favourable economic conditions and investments in infrastructure projects, the outlook for REITs appears promising. Additionally, with increasing foreign investments in Indian real estate, these trusts are well-positioned to benefit from heightened interest in the sector.
In conclusion, the recent performance of Indian REITs highlights a robust and evolving investment landscape. The significant payouts to unit holders, coupled with regulatory support, make REITs a compelling choice for both new and seasoned investors. As more people recognise the benefits of investing in real estate through these funds, the future of Indian REITs looks bright, promising sustainable returns and a diversified investment portfolio.