Private real estate vs. public REITs
How private real estate investments differ from publicly traded REITs on liquidity, volatility, access, and fees.
There are two broad ways to invest in real estate: publicly traded REITs (real estate investment trusts) that trade on stock exchanges, and private real estate held directly or through private funds and syndications.
Liquidity and volatility
Public REITs are liquid - you can buy and sell shares any trading day - but their prices move with the stock market and can be volatile in the short term. Private real estate is illiquid and held for years, but its value is tied to the underlying property rather than daily market sentiment.
Access and minimums
Public REITs are open to anyone with a brokerage account. Private real estate has historically been limited to accredited or institutional investors, often with higher minimums, in exchange for more direct, targeted exposure to specific assets or strategies.
Which fits
Neither is strictly better. Investors who prioritize liquidity may prefer REITs; those seeking targeted, less market-correlated exposure and who can hold for years may consider private real estate as one part of a diversified plan.
This material is for educational purposes only and is not investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. It is not an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any security. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. Target returns are illustrative and not guaranteed.
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