What is a primary feature of real estate investment trusts (REITs)?

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are companies that own or finance income-producing real estate across a range of property sectors. One of their primary features is their ability to provide diversification in the real estate sector. By pooling capital from multiple investors, REITs allow individuals to invest in a diversified portfolio of real estate assets without requiring substantial capital. This diversification reduces the specific risk associated with investing in a single property and allows investors to gain exposure to different types of real estate markets, such as commercial, industrial, and residential properties.

This structure offers investors the opportunity for steady income through dividends, derived from rents and property sales, while also participating in the potential appreciation of the real estate market. Thus, one of the key advantages of investing in REITs is the ability to spread risk across various properties and geographical areas, which is beneficial for both individual and institutional investors.