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Publicly Traded Funds

Explore how publicly traded funds like REITs and ETFs offer accessible real estate investing in Canada without owning physical property.

Publicly Traded Funds

May 22, 2025


What is a Publicly Traded Fund?

Publicly traded funds are investment vehicles like Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) that can be bought and sold on public stock exchanges.

Why Do Publicly Traded Funds Matter in Real Estate

In Canadian real estate, publicly traded funds—particularly REITs—offer a way to invest in property markets without owning physical property. These funds pool investor money and invest in portfolios of income-generating assets.


Key benefits include:
  • Liquidity: shares can be traded daily on the stock market
  • Diversification: exposure to different property types and regions
  • Accessibility: lower entry cost compared to buying real estate
  • Regular income through dividends

Publicly traded real estate funds may invest in:
  • Apartment buildings
  • Shopping centres and retail plazas
  • Office towers or industrial parks
  • Healthcare, storage, or infrastructure assets


Investors should evaluate fund performance, management fees, and underlying assets. While these funds offer passive exposure to real estate, they are still subject to market volatility.


Understanding publicly traded funds gives investors a flexible alternative to direct property ownership with lower barriers to entry.

Example of a Publicly Traded Fund in Action

An investor buys shares in a Canadian REIT that owns commercial properties across Ontario, receiving monthly dividends based on tenant rental income.

Key Takeaways

  • Invest in real estate via the stock market.
  • Offers diversification and liquidity.
  • Includes REITs and ETFs.
  • Generates dividend income.
  • Subject to market risks like any equity.

Related Terms

Additional Terms

Rent Control

Rent control refers to government regulations that limit how much landlords can increase rent for residential tenants each year.. more

Receivership

Receivership is a legal process where a court or secured creditor appoints a receiver to take control of a borrower’s assets, such as property or. more

REALTOR

A REALTOR is a licensed real estate professional who is a member of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and adheres to its Code of Ethics and. more

Property Use History

Property use history refers to the documented past uses, functions, and occupancy of a property, which may affect environmental risk, zoning, or. more

Property Management

Property management is the oversight and administration of real estate assets on behalf of the owner, covering leasing, maintenance, financial. more

Property Maintenance

Property maintenance refers to the ongoing upkeep, repair, and management of a building or land to preserve its safety, functionality, and appearance.. more

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