Morning Ladies and Gentlemen,

Hope up and nation building.

A small one, kindly. Now that we have new rules governing REITs, how do you see this field in the short term and long term. Specifically,

(i). Approximately when may the first firms take off?

(ii). How safe is one's investment?

(iii). Any projections on returns?

(iv). How will it impact on the profitability of some firms? Such as Suraya Group, etc

Though not very well informed in this area, my early suspicion is that REITs will hit hard some people who were taking advantage of us .... selling houses very expensively because competition was limited (in my understanding).

Good day.

REITs allow for 'pooled' [chama] investments but offer flexibility & more liquidity. Also many REITs hire 'professional' management [In Kenya that doesn't mean much!]

Also REITs are required to pay their investors a big chunk of their income to qualify for the tax subsidy.. Also from UK budget the withholding tax is exempted.. seems a good area to venture in, plus they will be controlled by CMA so management will be closely monitored

Thanks @Funky. Really insightful. Tight controls and monitoring will be required though; if that is done, REITs can help us make money, I think. And then stimulate the economy as a whole by stepping into the housing demand gap, among other things. Any idea when this will be actualised? I hope it doesnt take another 3 years being discussed!