About REIT

Types of Properties REITs Can Own in Pakistan

• Residential
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Warehousing and Agriculture
• Healthcare
• Transport and Communication
• Power
• Energy
• Telecommunication
• Water and Sanitation
• Social, Cultural and Commercial
• Mining
• Hospitality

How Do REITs Make Money in Pakistan?

REITs in Pakistan generate returns for investors through rental income, property development profits, and capital appreciation. Rental REITs earn income by leasing properties, while Developmental REITs generate profits by developing and selling real estate projects. Investors can benefit through dividend distributions and potential appreciation in the market value of their REIT units listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).

How Do REITs Make Money in Pakistan?

A REIT Management Company (RMC) is a SECP-licensed Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) that manages a REIT scheme on behalf of its unit holders. The RMC structures and launches the scheme, conducts due diligence, and appoints valuers, auditors, consultants and property managers. It makes acquisition, financing and leasing decisions, and oversees construction in developmental REITs. It also ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, timely reporting and disclosures, and owes a fiduciary duty to unit holders.

Role of the Trustee?

Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited (CDC), or a company registered as trustee with the SECP, acts as the custodian of the rights of unitholders. All REIT assets, including Real Estate and Bank Accounts, are held on behalf of unitholders.

REIT Transparency and Oversight Framework?

REITs offer greater transparency and investor protection compared to traditional property investments through a robust governance and regulatory framework, including trustee-held property ownership and control over funds, SECP regulatory oversight, external audits, independent valuations, credit ratings, and public disclosures on PSX.

Why Invest in REITs in Pakistan?

• Start small. Buy REIT units instead of a whole property.
• Regular income. At least 90% of profits are paid out.
• Easy to sell. Listed units trade on the PSX.
• Professionally managed. You don’t deal with legal documentation, tenants, builders or maintenance.
• Transparent. REITs publish audited accounts and follow SECP and PSX rules.
• Diversification. REIT units exhibit low market sensitivity, offering relative stability and diversification benefits.
• Halal investment options. Shariah-compliant REITs are available.

How to Invest in REITs in Pakistan

Buy listed units on PSX. Open an account with a PSX-registered broker and buy DCR, GRR, SRR, or NNAR.

Join a public offering.  Watch out for our upcoming Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). AHDRML has a diversified pipeline of REIT schemes planned for listing on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).

Invest as an accredited investor. Institutions and high-net-worth individuals can join private placements before listing.

Try PropertyShare: Own a share of an apartment in 100 sq. ft. units, pay in installments, and earn rental income once it is rented.

PropertyShare is a standalone AHDRML product. It is not a listed REIT unit and is not traded on the stock exchange.

Not sure where to start? Email reit@arifhabibdolmenreit.com or call +92-21-38280986.

How Have REITs Performed in Pakistan?

Pakistan’s REIT sector continues to demonstrate encouraging financial performance. Dolmen City REIT (DCR), South Asia’s first listed rental REIT, achieved FY2026 rental income of PKR 6.45 billion, reflecting 11.5% annual growth, maintained approximately 99% occupancy, and distributed PKR 2.58 per unit in dividends. It subsequently declared an interim dividend of PKR 0.66 per unit for FY2027. Meanwhile, Globe Residency REIT (GRR), Pakistan’s first listed developmental REIT, recorded FY2026 total income of PKR 4.86 billion, representing approximately 80% year-on-year growth, and distributed a final cash dividend of PKR 4.00 per unit. These achievements highlight the growing potential of Pakistan’s REIT sector to generate income and deliver value to investors.

REITs vs Other Real Estate Investments in Pakistan

	Buying property directly	Buying plots or files	Buying REIT units
Money needed	Very high	Medium to high	Price of one unit (DCR is under PKR 40)
Easy to sell?	No, can take months	No	Yes, on PSX any trading day
Paperwork	Often informal	Varies	Regulated by SECP, audited
Who manages it?	You	Nobody	Professional manager
Income	Rent, if any	Mostly resale profit	At least 90% of profits paid out

REIT FAQs

What is REIT?

A REIT is a fund that owns property and distributes its income to investors. The investors buy units and earn a share of the profits.

What are the benefits of investing in REITs? 

REITs offer investors access to professionally managed real estate, opportunities for income generation and capital appreciation, portfolio diversification, and liquidity through stock exchange trading.

Is REIT the same as buying property?

Yes, but the only difference is you own units in a regulated fund which then invests in property. That means a smaller investment, no property management, and easier selling.

Are REITs in Pakistan Shariah-compliant?

Many are. Dolmen City REIT was Pakistan’s first listed Shariah-compliant rental REIT. Check each REIT’s Shariah status before investing.

Where can I buy REIT units in Pakistan?

On the Pakistan Stock Exchange, through any registered broker.

What is the minimum investment?

You can get started with just one unit, and the price of a unit depends on which REIT you choose.

Who regulates REITs in Pakistan?

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

Are REIT returns guaranteed?

No. Unit prices and dividends can go up or down. Read each scheme’s offering documents and speak to a financial adviser before investing.