Five publicly listed Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) collectively distributed Rs 24.5 billion (bn) to more than 380,000 unitholders in the third quarter of the current financial year. The REITs are Brookfield India Real Estate Trust, Embassy Office Parks REIT, Knowledge Realty Trust, Mindspace Business Parks REIT and Nexus Select Trust and the information was published by the Indian REITs Association (IRA).

Together they manage a portfolio of about 185 million (mn) square feet of Grade A office and retail space across India. The listed REIT market reported gross assets under management of Rs 2.5 trillion (tn) as of the quarter, signalling the sector's scale. These metrics reflect increasing institutional ownership of high quality commercial property.

Since inception the five REITs have cumulatively distributed Rs 291 billion (bn) to unitholders, underscoring the appeal of listed property vehicles as income generating investments. Quarterly payouts contributed to investor returns and provided an alternative yield source within capital markets.

The chairperson of the IRA said the sector continues to show strong and stable performance driven by demand for quality office and retail assets in key cities. He noted that improving occupancy and rental growth, together with healthy leasing, have supported cash flows. Recent regulatory proposals to allow banks to lend directly to REITs and to establish dedicated REITs for central public sector enterprises are expected to improve access to long term capital.

The Indian REITs Association is a non profit industry body formed with support from the Securities and Exchange Board of India and the Ministry of Finance to advance the REIT sector. Founding members include Brookfield India Real Estate Trust, Embassy Office Parks REIT, Mindspace Business Parks REIT and Nexus Select Trust, with Knowledge Realty Trust joining as the fifth member.