Buy Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) with CMC Invest

Investing in REITs (Singapore or globally) provides you with an accessible way to generate passive income from real estate without the burden of being a landlord, as they are legally required to distribute a significant portion of their income to investors. REITs investing also offer portfolio diversification and are highly liquid, allowing for easy buying and selling via our CMC Invest platform.
Why invest in REITs

Steady Income Stream

REITs are known for regular dividend payouts, which can be appealing for passive income seekers.

Liquidity

Unlike physical real estate, REIT units are traded on stock exchanges, so you can buy and sell them easily.

Inflation Hedge

Rental income and property values often rise in tandem with inflation, helping to preserve purchasing power.

Diversification Without Huge Capital

Gain exposure to multiple property sectors and geographies without needing millions to buy a building.

Potential for Capital Growth

REIT prices can rise over time if property values and rental income grow.

Suitable for Different Investor Types

REITs attract dividend investors seeking stable income, long-term investors looking for growth, and beginners who want an accessible entry point into real estate.

Buying REITs on Local or Global Exchanges

How to get started on investing?
1
Apply for an accountApply online and wait for your account to be verified
2
Fund your accountDeposit seamlessly via bank transfer
3
Find and investAccess a wide range of REITs in retail, office and residential sectors globally

What Are REITs and How Do They Work?

A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is a company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate. Think of it as a way for everyday investors to own a slice of large-scale property assets, such as shopping malls, office buildings, hotels, logistics hubs, and even data centres, without having to buy an entire building.Pooling Investor Funds
  • REITs collect money from multiple investors.
Owning & Managing Assets
  • This money is used to acquire and manage properties.
Generating Rental Income
  • The tenants’ rent becomes revenue for the REIT.
Paying Out Dividends
  • By law, REITs are required to distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders, making them attractive to income-seeking investors.
In short, when you buy REIT units, you’re buying into a portfolio of properties — and earning a share of the rental income.Learn more about REITs

Why Trade with CMC Invest?

Invest in global shares seamlessly
  • Access to 15 international markets, including the US, UK, HK, and more
  • Feature-rich trading platforms for both desktop and mobile
  • Simple order tickets with advanced trading capabilities
  • Professional charting tools with technical indicators and drawing functions
  • Singapore-based support team available via live chat
Start investing smarter today with CMC Invest — your gateway to global markets, powerful tools, and dedicated local support.
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Have a question for us?

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How do REITs generate income?

REITs earn income primarily from rent collected on their properties. They are required by law to distribute at least 90% of taxable income to shareholders as dividends, making them attractive for regular income. They can also profit from capital appreciation if property values increase.

Are REIT dividends guaranteed?

No, dividends are not guaranteed. They depend on the REIT's rental income, occupancy rates, and operational costs. While many REITs have stable distributions, economic downturns or poor property performance can reduce dividends.

Which types of REITs exist in Singapore?

Common Singapore REIT sectors include:

  • Retail REITs (shopping malls)

  • Industrial REITs (warehouses, logistics)

  • Office REITs (commercial buildings)

  • Hospitality REITs (hotels)

  • Healthcare REITs (hospitals, nursing homes)

  • Data Centre REITs (server and data storage facilities)

Each sector reacts differently to economic cycles, so diversification is key.

How do I buy REITs?

You can buy REITs by opening a trading account with a licensed stockbroker such as CMC Invest. Once your account is funded, search for REITs listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX), review their details, and place a buy order during market hours, just like purchasing regular shares.

What are the risks of investing in REITs?

Key risks include:

  • Interest rate risk: Higher rates may reduce REIT attractiveness.

  • Property market risk: Falling property values can affect NAV and dividends.

  • Occupancy risk: Low tenant occupancy reduces rental income.

  • Economic cycles: Sectors like retail or hospitality may be affected by economic slowdowns.

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