Against popular belief that REITs are only existent in the United States and Few other countries, REIT is also obtainable in Nigeria.

REIT is an acronym for REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST. It is a corporation, trust or association that acts as an investment agent specializing in real estate and real estate mortgages. In 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued the first set of guidelines for the registration and issuance of requirements for the operation of REITs in Nigeria as detailed in the Investment and Securities Act (ISA). The first REIT, the N50 billion Union Homes Hybrid Real Estate Investment Trust, was launched in September 2008.

what we as investors gains from REITs

-Liquidity of REIT Shares: REIT shares are bought and sold on a stock exchange. By contrast, buying and selling property directly involves higher expenses and requires a great deal of effort.

-Property management without the headaches: REITs allow the average investor to own commercial real estate. The investor also enjoys the benefits of experienced property management without the headaches.

-Investment returns through appreciation: Though you won't experience the magnitude of price rises of equity stocks in a good market, REITs have historically performed well due to the steady long-term appreciation of commercial real estate.

-REIT share prices enjoy lower volatility than equity stocks. They also have a low correlation to the performance of other asset classes.

-REITs must pay out at least 90 percent of their income as dividends.

-REITs help diversify a real estate portfolio. Money pooled from many investors allows the trust to purchase more buildings than an individual would be able to buy alone. If you buy real estate on your own, you may lock up all your money in one building. A REIT gives you a piece of many different properties; that way, one underperforming building won’t ruin your portfolio.

-REITs are more liquid than typical real estate investments. Instead of selling the property to cash out, you simply sell your shares.

- and soo many other benefits

If you consider yourself a 'sharp' investor, why not cash-in into this trend? Remember, it pays to be wise.

Consult your stock-broker for more info.

@poster I'm interested in knowing d minimum amount for dis REITs, I don't have a stockbroke yet so please could u help me wit this Info.