What is a real estate investment trust (REIT)?

A real estate investment trust (REIT) is fundamentally a company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate. This structure allows individual investors to earn a share of the income produced through commercial real estate ownership without actually having to buy, manage, or finance any properties themselves. REITs provide a way for investors to access income-generating properties, which are typically high in value and require significant capital to acquire directly.

By pooling capital from multiple investors, REITs can invest in diversified real estate portfolios, which may include various property types such as residential apartments, shopping malls, office buildings, and industrial sites. Generally, REITs are required to distribute a significant portion of their taxable income as dividends to shareholders, making them an appealing option for income-seeking investors.

In contrast, the other options presented do not accurately reflect the definition or function of a REIT. For example, managing zoning laws and local real estate policies pertains to government or regulatory roles, while a specific type of mortgage for investment properties refers to financing mechanisms rather than investment companies. Similarly, a government fund for public housing projects would focus on public sector initiatives rather than the private investment vehicle that a REIT represents.