Guess what! Investing in real estate just became simpler

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's Budget 2014 allows retail investors in India to have an affordable, liquid and convenient way to invest in real estate.

Market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India, SEBI, had planned to introduce REITs -- or real estate investment trusts -- way back in 2008. Market conditions, however, forced the regulator to shelve those plans.

Now it is back in the limelight thanks to the Budget. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley suggested that REITs be set up in accordance with the regulations of SEBI. He also granted a tax pass-through status, which means that the trust will be able to pass on the tax liability to investors.

REITs are listed entities that distribute most of their income to shareholders as dividends.

They are registered as trusts with SEBI.

They raise money through initial offers and then list their units on stock exchanges.

REITs will be allowed to raise additional funds through follow-on offers. SEBI had proposed the minimum size of assets under management at Rs 1,000 crore. The minimum investment size would be pegged at a few lakh.

REITs abroad invest in leased offices, retail assets, warehouses, hospitals, supermarkets and so on and so forth. SEBI had proposed the following for Indian REITs.

At least 90 per cent of the value of REIT assets should be in ready properties generating revenue

REITs will have to distribute at least 90 per cent of their net distributable income after tax to investors

Vacant and agricultural lands are not to be invested in

The investments must only be in Indian real estate

The assets held by REITs will have to be valued periodically and the NAV declared at least twice a year

The REITs should be so designed that they offer a real estate investment structure similar to the one mutual funds provide for investment in equity.

In India, it will help individual investors enjoy the benefits of owning real estate without spending humungous amounts of money. Fast and easy liquidation is also a benefit, a big hindrance to investing in real estate.

Note: This picture is used only for representational purpose

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