Real estate investment trusts remain bankers' best friends amid record fundraising

SINGAPORE (EDGEPROP) - Real estate investment trusts raised $6.4 billion this year, excluding two REIT mergers that were completed and two acquisitions by Mapletree North Asia Commercial Trust (MNACT) and BHG Retail REIT that need unitholder approval. Dasin Retail Trust and Ascendas India Trust, which are property trusts structured as business trusts, raised a further $220 million. As business trusts, Dasin Retail Trust and A-iTrust can also develop property. REITs can take on development only under certain conditions.

During the year, 17 REITs raised equity, some more than once. Manulife US REIT came to market in April with a placement, then again in September with a placement and preferential equity fundraising, where existing unitholders are offered units based on their pro rata stakes.