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Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

Explore how Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) work in Canada, and how they offer accessible, diversified, and income-generating exposure to real estate markets.

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

May 22, 2025


What is a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)?

A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is a company that owns, manages, or finances income-producing real estate and allows investors to buy shares in its portfolio.

Why Do Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Matter in Real Estate

In Canada, REITs are traded on major stock exchanges and provide investors with a way to earn income from real estate without owning property directly.


Key features of REITs include:
  • Diversification across properties and sectors (residential, commercial, industrial)
  • Regular income via dividends
  • Liquidity through publicly traded shares
  • Passive real estate exposure without landlord duties


REITs are attractive to investors seeking steady income and portfolio diversification. They must distribute a significant portion of their taxable income as dividends, making them popular among income-focused investors.


Understanding REITs is essential for those looking to invest in real estate markets indirectly, whether for long-term growth or cash flow.

Example of a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) in Action

An investor purchases shares in a Canadian REIT that owns shopping centers and receives quarterly dividend payments based on rental income.

Key Takeaways

  • Own shares in income-generating real estate.
  • Offers diversification and liquidity.
  • Generates income through dividends.
  • Good for passive investors.
  • Traded on stock exchanges like TSX.

Related Terms

  • Real Estate Investing
  • Dividend Stocks
  • Publicly Traded Funds
  • Passive Income
  • Property Portfolio

Additional Terms

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Mortgagee in Possession

A mortgagee in possession is a lender who takes control of a property after borrower default, but before foreclosure or power of sale. The lender. more

Lease Surrender Agreement

A lease surrender agreement is a negotiated contract between a landlord and tenant that ends a lease before its scheduled expiration. Terms may. more

Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure refers to natural or engineered systems that manage stormwater, reduce heat, and improve sustainability in developments.. more

Escrow Holdback

An escrow holdback is a portion of funds withheld at closing and held in escrow until specific conditions are met, such as completion of repairs,. more

Underused Housing Tax

The Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is a federal annual 1% tax on the value of vacant or underused residential property owned by non-resident,. more

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