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



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

Egress Window

An egress window is a window that meets building code requirements for emergency escape and rescue, typically required in basement bedrooms or. more

CRA

CRA stands for the Canada Revenue Agency, the federal body responsible for tax administration, compliance, and enforcement in Canada, including taxes. more

Common Elements

Common elements refer to shared spaces and systems in a condominium development that are jointly owned and maintained by all unit owners through the. more

Commercial Lease

A commercial lease is a legally binding agreement between a landlord and a tenant for the rental of property used for business purposes, such as. more

CCAA

The Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) is a federal law that allows large insolvent corporations in Canada to restructure their debt and. more

Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act

The Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA) is a federal law in Canada that governs the legal process for personal and business bankruptcies,. more

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