Real estate investment trusts make investing in commercial real estate fairly simple, although they don’t come without some drawbacks. REITs are largely illiquid investments and can often take a long time to turn the value of your shares back into cash. Generally, it’s best to start with only a small allocation (2% to 5%) in REITs or REIT funds, and gradually increase exposure over time. How to Invest in REITs.

REITs typically pay dividends to investors on a monthly basis, which can provide a steady income stream. They are required by law to pass at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders each year.

How to Invest in REITs in the UK: A Beginner’s Guide

One of the most significant advantages of REITs is that they offer diversified exposure to various types of properties and geographic regions, lowering the risk you’d face with direct ownership of individual real estate assets. Also, REITs tend to have lower correlations with stocks than other assets, which can help reduce volatility in your overall portfolio.

Investors must consider their own financial goals and risk tolerance before investing in REITs. Investors who are easily deterred by volatility might not feel comfortable putting money into publicly traded REITs, which experience highs and lows alongside the stock market. Investors who want immediate access to their money should avoid REITs that lock up their shares for extended periods of time, such as private or non-traded REITs.

Publicly traded REITs are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, which oversees corporate governance and transparency. You can find information about REITs and their filings at the SEC’s EDGAR system. Private REITs and non-traded REITs may not be regulated, and they might have governance issues or no secondary market for their shares.