Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) was estimated at US$2.3 Trillion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$2.7 Trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.5% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) market.

Global Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Are Real Estate Investment Trusts Reshaping Institutional and Retail Investment Strategies?

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have become a cornerstone of diversified investment portfolios, offering exposure to income-generating real estate assets without the complexities of direct property ownership. Structured to allow investors to purchase shares in professionally managed property portfolios-ranging from office buildings and data centers to healthcare facilities and residential complexes-REITs provide stable cash flows through dividend distributions and capital appreciation. The appeal lies in liquidity, transparency, and regulatory oversight, making REITs an accessible and tax-efficient vehicle for both retail and institutional investors.

The REIT model has gained momentum globally as investors seek yield alternatives in a low-interest rate and inflation-sensitive environment. Publicly traded REITs offer daily liquidity similar to equities, while private and non-traded REITs cater to long-term investors with risk-adjusted yield expectations. Regulatory support in markets like the U.S., Singapore, Canada, Australia, and more recently India and parts of Europe, has strengthened the REIT ecosystem through legal clarity, listing frameworks, and tax incentives. As real estate evolves to include digital infrastructure, ESG-compliant buildings, and hybrid workspaces, REITs offer dynamic access to a broad spectrum of asset classes beyond traditional office and retail.

Which Property Sectors and Investor Types Are Driving REIT Market Activity?

The REIT market encompasses diverse property sectors, each aligned with macroeconomic trends, consumer behavior, and demographic shifts. While traditional REIT segments include office spaces, residential apartments, retail malls, and hospitality, the highest growth in recent years has been observed in specialized segments such as data centers, logistics and warehousing, self-storage, and healthcare real estate. The explosive growth of e-commerce has bolstered demand for last-mile delivery hubs and fulfillment centers, making logistics REITs particularly attractive. Similarly, aging populations and rising healthcare spending are fueling the expansion of healthcare REITs, which invest in hospitals, senior living communities, and medical office buildings.

From an investor standpoint, REITs are attracting a mix of institutional fund managers, pension funds, sovereign wealth entities, and retail investors. Institutional investors often use REITs for yield generation and real asset exposure within diversified portfolios. Retail investors, on the other hand, are accessing REITs through ETFs, mutual funds, and fractional share platforms. The emergence of real estate crowdfunding and digital brokerage platforms is also democratizing REIT access among younger and tech-savvy investors. Meanwhile, ESG-focused investors are gravitating toward green REITs that prioritize energy-efficient buildings, sustainability disclosures, and social impact investments.

How Are Technology, Regulation, and ESG Trends Shaping REIT Strategies?

Technology is playing a central role in REIT market evolution, from asset management and tenant engagement to investor reporting and ESG tracking. PropTech solutions such as IoT-based building monitoring, AI-driven occupancy analytics, and digital lease management are improving asset efficiency and tenant retention. REITs are increasingly investing in smart buildings that reduce energy consumption and enhance user experience, aligning with green building certifications and ESG frameworks. Cloud platforms and investor dashboards are also enhancing transparency and compliance, particularly for publicly traded REITs that face stringent disclosure requirements.

On the regulatory front, REIT regimes are being expanded and harmonized across jurisdictions, encouraging cross-border capital flows. In India, for instance, REITs are becoming a mainstream investment route with the success of commercial REIT listings, while in Europe, REIT frameworks are being fine-tuned to include logistics and life sciences assets. ESG criteria are becoming central to REIT investment mandates, with metrics on carbon footprint, governance transparency, and tenant satisfaction now forming part of investor evaluations. Green bonds and sustainability-linked loans are also being adopted by REITs to finance energy-efficient developments, strengthening their capital market positioning in the face of climate-aware capital allocation trends.

What Factors Are Driving the Growth of the Global REIT Market?

The growth in the global REIT market is driven by several key factors including investor demand for yield, real asset diversification, and the evolving nature of built infrastructure. As interest rates and inflationary pressures fluctuate, REITs provide a compelling hedge through rental income-linked returns and inflation-indexed leases. Global urbanization, digital infrastructure expansion, and demographic shifts are expanding the investable universe for REITs, particularly in emerging markets where formal REIT frameworks are gaining traction. Institutional capital is increasingly favoring listed and private REITs as a scalable vehicle for global real estate exposure with reduced operational overhead.

Retail participation is also surging, aided by digital trading platforms, financial literacy programs, and REIT integration into retirement and savings products. REITs' consistent dividend payout structure aligns well with income-seeking investors, especially in aging societies. Regulatory liberalization, cross-border REIT listings, and capital market innovations are enhancing liquidity and investor confidence across the board. As real estate investment transitions toward platform models, digital integration, and ESG-led stewardship, REITs are expected to remain a preferred and adaptive conduit for real estate capital across global financial ecosystems.

Scope Of Study:

The report analyzes the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments: Type (Industrial Type, Commercial Type, Residential Type); Application (Warehouses & Communication Centers Application, Self-Storage Facilities & Data Centers Application, Other Applications)

Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Industrial Type segment, which is expected to reach US$1.8 Trillion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 3.0%. The Commercial Type segment is also set to grow at 1.4% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $638.2 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 4.7% CAGR to reach $519.5 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Alexandria Real Estate Equities, American Tower Corporation, AvalonBay Communities, Inc., Boston Properties, Inc., Brookfield Asset Management and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 41 companies featured in this Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) market report include:

• Alexandria Real Estate Equities
• American Tower Corporation
• AvalonBay Communities, Inc.
• Boston Properties, Inc.
• Brookfield Asset Management
• Crown Castle International
• Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
• Equity Residential
• Equinix, Inc.
• Goodman Group
• Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
• Invitation Homes Inc.
• Link REIT (The Link Management Ltd.)
• National Retail Properties, Inc.
• Prologis, Inc.
• Public Storage
• Realty Income Corporation
• Simon Property Group, Inc.
• VICI Properties Inc.
• Welltower Inc.

This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts as of June 2025 into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:

• Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
• Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes segmentation by product, technology, type, material, distribution channel, application, and end-use, with historical analysis since 2015.
• Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
• Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
• Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025, competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
• Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.
• Complimentary Update: Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with finalized tariff impacts, new trade agreement effects, revised projections, and expanded country-level coverage.