If you’re thinking about property investing but aren’t ready to buy a house or commercial unit just yet, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) could be the perfect alternative for you. REITs let you invest in property and earn regular income — just like owning rental real estate — but without the high upfront costs, mortgage obligations, or management hassles that come with buying physical property.

construction near blocks of flats in city
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What Are REITs?

A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is a company listed on Bursa Malaysia that owns and manages a portfolio of income-producing properties — such as shopping malls, offices, warehouses, hospitals, hotels, and more. As a unit-holder (investor), you share in the rental income (usually via quarterly or semi-annual dividends) the REIT earns.

REITs are especially attractive because:

  • Low Barrier to Entry – You can start investing with much less capital than buying property directly.
  • Liquidity – REIT units are traded on Bursa Malaysia just like stocks.
  • Diversification – You get exposure to multiple properties and sectors, reducing risk.
  • Passive Income – Rental earnings are distributed as dividends regularly.

List of REITs Available on Bursa Malaysia

Here’s a list of the REITs currently listed on Bursa Malaysia that Malaysian investors can buy on platforms like moomoo Malaysia, stockbrokers, or trading apps:

REIT NameTicker / Stock CodeFocus / Properties
Amanah Harta Tanah PNBAHP (4952)Retail, office
Al-`Aqar Healthcare REITALAQAR (5116)Healthcare, hospitals, nursing college
Al-Salam REITALSREIT (5269)Retail, office, industrial
AmFirst REITAMFIRST (5120)Office, retail, hotel
AmanahRaya REITARREIT (5127)Mixed (industrial, office, retail, hotel)
Atrium REITATRIUM (5130)Industrial, warehouse, office
Axis REITAXREIT (5106)Industrial, office, retail
Al-Hadharah Boustead REITBSDREIT (5124)Plantation & palm products facility REIT
CapitaMalls Malaysia TrustCMMT (5180)Retail malls
Hektar REITHEKTAR (5121)Retail malls
IGB REITIGBREIT (5227)Large retail malls (e.g., Mid Valley)
KLCC REITKLCC (5235)Iconic retail & office (PETRONAS Twin Towers assets)
Pavilion REITPAVREIT (5212)Retail and office properties
SENTRAL REITSENTRAL (5123)Mixed commercial properties
YTL Hospitality REITYTLREIT (5109)Retail & hospitality
Sunway REITSUNREIT (5176)Mixed (retail, hotel, office, industrial)
Tower REITTWRREIT (5111)Office & commercial
UOA REITUOAREIT (5110)Office & retail
IGB REITIGB REIT (5227)Shopping center (Midvalley)

💡 Note: The exact number and composition of listed REITs can change over time with new listings or corporate changes — always check Bursa Malaysia or your trading platform for the latest.

Why Consider Investing in REITs Before Buying Property?

1. Affordable Start

Getting into property traditionally requires a big down payment and long-term debt. REITs allow you to participate in commercial property returns with far smaller amounts — often from just a few hundred ringgit depending on the share price.

2. Stable Dividends

REITs are required to distribute a large majority of their rental income to investors. That means regular income — often quarterly or semi-annual — just like earning rent.

3. Diversification

Rather than tying up all your money in a single home or shoplot, REITs let you spread risk across multiple properties and sectors like retail, industrial, offices, and healthcare.

4. Liquidity

Unlike selling a house (which can take months), you can sell your REIT units quickly on Bursa Malaysia when the market is open.

How to Start Investing in REITs in Malaysia?

You can invest in these REITs just like you would in stocks:

  1. Open a CDS account through a Malaysian broker or online trading app such as moomoo Malaysia.
  2. Fund your account with capital you’re comfortable risking.
  3. Search for the REIT ticker (e.g., “KLCC”, “IGBREIT”, “SUNREIT”).
  4. Buy units and hold them for long-term dividends and potential price appreciation.

Final Thoughts

REITs are a powerful way for property-minded investors — especially those not yet ready to buy a house — to gain exposure to Malaysia’s real estate market while earning passive income through dividend distributions. They’re liquid, diversified, and accessible, making them a great stepping stone toward larger property goals.

If you’re curious, log in to moomoo Malaysia now and look up “REIT” to explore the latest options! (Tip: moomoo usually lists all Malaysian REITs with yield, dividend history, and performance data.)

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