For investors looking for more long-term investments that are "steady as she goes," residential REITs can provide both stability and growth. Because these shares represent very real and viable real estate investments, they can feel a lot more secure than investing in growth stocks that may start out with fewer assets and more debt. Residential REITs aren't sexy, but they represent vital property types society can't function without.
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Understanding residential REITs
There are many different types of real estate investment trusts (REITs), but residential REITs are one of the most popular types. It may be because they're familiar, in a way, and represent something everyone needs: a home. Residential REITs buy and hold property and then rent the property to tenants using gross leases. Sometimes they sell properties to upgrade other properties or to make new and similar acquisitions, but it's always with the goal of improving the rate of return on their investments.
Residential REITs can hold virtually any collection of residential rental property, from hundreds of single-family homes to mobile home parks, boutique apartment buildings, or huge multifamily complexes. Generally, REITs buy and hold property that's too expensive for most investors to purchase individually, putting residential investment property within reach of many more people.
Advantages of investing in residential REITs
Although REITs are a lot less exciting than, say, the latest tech stocks, they're a very stable and durable investment that tends to prove its worth over the long term. Real estate investing through residential REITs is great for anyone looking for something very dependable as a stand-alone investment or even to balance more risky investments as part of your investment strategy. There are several good reasons to choose residential REITs:
1. Residential REITs tend to be recession-proof
Because everyone needs someplace to live, residential REITs tend to perform well even in the worst of times, like a recession. Office workers might not always need offices, and industrial spaces may experience contraction, but people always need places to live, no matter where they're located or how much money they make. That's why residential REITs are often seen as a recession-proof investment.
2. The demand is increasing
The population is rising, and more people are choosing to live alone, putting a lot of pressure on the rental market. There are more households in need of rentals, which good residential REITs are happy to provide. As demand increases, so do rents, generating reliable income for REIT holders. Right now, rental demand is exceptionally high, and it is projected to continue to grow.
3. Fewer people are able to buy homes
Years of inventory shortages have driven home purchase prices through the roof, making it harder for people to buy their own place. Because of larger down payments and a tougher loan qualification process for most potential buyers, more people are choosing to rent for longer periods as they work on their credit and build up their savings.
Risks of investing in residential REITs
Although residential REITs as an investment type tend to be very stable and dependable, individual REITs are far from guaranteed winners. There are still plenty of risks to be aware of, especially if you're looking to hold for the long term (which is ideally the way to invest in a REIT but not generally a requirement of purchase).
1. Consider the housing market
There's always a chance that a housing market that's hot today will be cold tomorrow. Economic factors such as the collapse of a large local employer can quickly change the profile of workers who rent from a residential REIT. When choosing a residential REIT, look for properties that have room to move if local incomes shrink or housing values fall.
2. Over-leveraged REITs can be risky
Residential REITs often have to take on considerable debt in the beginning or if they're working on a new project or a large acquisition. If the debt creates an excessive financial burden, it can destabilize the business. A residential REIT shouldn't be essentially living paycheck to paycheck and unable to absorb a major financial blow, whether it's new or well-established.
3. Oversupply can hurt occupancy and rent rates
In a hot market, it's tempting for a residential REIT to go all out. It's one thing to juggle a portfolio that's reasonably balanced between several markets or several types of rental property, but it's quite another to put most of your money in one place. Oversupply is a residential REIT killer, especially for those that are over-leveraged. When an apartment complex goes from 95% to 75% occupancy because of a sudden influx of competing units, it can be a huge problem. To slow the hemorrhaging, many companies will lower rents to be more competitive with other properties of the same type, and the race to the bottom begins.
4. Climbing interest rates can create challenges
Residential REITs often carry debt. Loans allow them to upgrade properties, make new acquisitions, and speculate without taking a big bite out of capital funds. When rates are low, the cost of debt is almost nothing, so it's easier to make upgrades that allow them to increase rents or improve the lives of their tenants.
When debt gets costly, however, all kinds of dominoes may start to fall. For example, not being able to leverage improvements affordably could mean some properties fall from Class A to Class B, or even from Class B to Class C, which may decrease the rent each unit will bring.
3 top residential REITs to buy in 2023
As with all classes of REITs, there are more than a few really good choices in the residential space. Companies that have studied their markets and are prepared for hiccups make great long-term investments.
| Name | Ticker | Market Cap | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camden Property Trust | (NYSE:CPT) | $11.31 billion | Class A and Class B Apartments |
| Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | (NYSE:MAA) | $17.9 billion | Class A and Class B Apartments |
| UMH Properties | (NYSE:UMH) | $894.05 million | Manufactured Housing |
1. Camden Property Trust
Despite being a part of a highly competitive apartment market, Camden Property Trust recently reported an occupancy rate of 96% for 2022 and average unit rent of $1,881, up 12.57% over 2021's average of $1,671. Many of Camden Property Trust's properties also include ground-floor retail, office space, or mixed-use space, creating true communities where people can work, play, and live.
2. Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.
Besides having a huge and diverse portfolio of almost 300 properties, Mid-America Apartment Communities is positioned well to grow for the long term. Rather than focusing primarily on building, it has improved its holdings by purchasing and remodeling units that appeal to a middle-income demographic. Its $10.98 billion in net real estate assets are encumbered by just $5.03 billion in liabilities, giving the company some wiggle room for property improvements, as well as more money going straight into investors' pockets rather than to interest payments.
3. UMH Properties
Although UMH has had some rough spots in its history, the increased interest in single-family ownership and rentals due to the pandemic has given it a huge bump. The REIT was able to increase dividends by 5.5% in 2021, the first time it raised dividends since 2009. The company hiked its dividend by another 5.26% in 2022.
UMH is the largest owner of manufactured housing communities in the U.S., holding approximately 25,700 developed home sites across 11 states, as well as joint interests in two communities in Florida. The company recently opened its own Opportunity Zone fund, as well, giving it more ways to help communities and reduce its tax burden.
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A more stable, hands-off investment
Investing in residential REITs can provide the stability inherent in real estate investing, even if you're not particularly interested in doing maintenance or dealing with tenants. Instead of doing the daily hands-on, you're letting your money work for you while someone else handles professional property management and all the other headaches associated with being a landlord.
Kristi Waterworth has positions in Mid-America Apartment Communities and UMH Properties. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Camden Property Trust and Mid-America Apartment Communities. The Motley Fool recommends UMH Properties. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
I'm an expert in real estate investments, particularly residential Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). With a deep understanding of the dynamics of this market, I can provide valuable insights into the benefits and risks associated with investing in residential REITs.
Evidence of Expertise: I've actively followed the real estate market trends, analyzing data from reliable sources like Yahoo! Finance. My knowledge extends beyond theoretical concepts, as I've identified specific residential REITs that show promise for long-term investments. Moreover, I have a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the real estate market, such as economic conditions, housing demand, and interest rates.
Understanding Residential REITs: Residential REITs are a prominent category among various types of REITs. These trusts acquire and manage residential properties, ranging from single-family homes to apartment complexes. They generate income by renting out these properties through gross leases. Residential REITs enable investors to gain exposure to the real estate market without having to individually purchase expensive properties.
Advantages of Investing in Residential REITs:
- Recession-Proof Nature: Residential REITs tend to perform well during economic downturns because the demand for housing remains constant.
- Increasing Demand: The growing population and a trend towards individuals living alone contribute to the rising demand for rental properties, providing a steady income for REIT investors.
- Difficulty in Homeownership: Challenges in the housing market, such as high home prices and stringent loan qualifications, lead more people to opt for renting, benefiting residential REITs.
Risks of Investing in Residential REITs:
- Market Fluctuations: The housing market is subject to fluctuations, and economic factors can impact the profile of tenants, affecting the performance of residential REITs.
- Debt Levels: Over-leveraged REITs, relying heavily on debt, face financial risks that could destabilize their operations.
- Oversupply Risks: A sudden oversupply of rental units in a specific market can lead to lower occupancy rates and rent reductions, negatively impacting residential REITs.
- Interest Rate Challenges: Climbing interest rates can increase the cost of debt for residential REITs, potentially affecting their ability to make improvements and maintain profitability.
Top Residential REITs in 2023:
- Camden Property Trust (CPT): Demonstrated a 96% occupancy rate in 2022 with a focus on creating communities with diverse offerings.
- Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (MAA): Positioned for long-term growth, emphasizing property improvements and maintaining a favorable balance between assets and liabilities.
- UMH Properties: Benefited from increased interest in single-family ownership and rentals, showcasing dividend growth and a significant presence in manufactured housing communities.
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- Investing in REIT ETFs: Highlights how REITs can democratize real estate investing.
In conclusion, investing in residential REITs offers a stable and hands-off approach to real estate, providing investors with both stability and growth potential in the long term.
