How to Invest in REITs in the Philippines: Beginner-Friendly Guide

To invest in REITs in the Philippines, first, open a trading account with an online broker like COL Financial, BDO Nomura, or First Metro Sec. Next, research the listed REITs, such as AREIT, MREIT, and RCR, and choose one that aligns with your goals. Finally, buy shares through your trading account and start earning passive income through dividends, with the option to reinvest for long-term growth.

Let’s be real for a second — the moment you hear the word investing, your eyes might glaze over. I get it. Numbers, stocks, real estate… it can all sound about as thrilling as watching paint dry.

But wait! Before you yawn yourself into oblivion, let me introduce you to something that might just change your mind: REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts).

Specifically, I’m talking about investing in REITs in the Philippines, where the market is growing faster than your Tita’s collection of succulents.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to invest in REITs in the Philippines. From the basics of what a REIT actually is, to the step-by-step process of how you can start investing, and even a few of my own misadventures while diving into REITs (spoiler: it involves a lot of Googling!).

By the end of this, you’ll have a solid plan to start growing your wealth — and maybe even brag a little during your next family reunion.

What the Heck is a REIT Anyway? 🤔

Alright, let’s break it down. A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is like the Netflix of real estate investing. Instead of buying an entire condo or a commercial building (which, let’s face it, most of us can’t afford), you buy shares in a company that owns and operates income-generating real estate. It’s like owning a slice of a pie without having to bake the whole thing yourself.

When you invest in a REIT, you’re essentially pooling your money with other investors to own pieces of real estate properties such as:

• Malls
• Office buildings
• Hotels
• Warehouses
• Hospitals

And the best part? REITs pay dividends. That means, just by holding onto your shares, you’ll receive a portion of the rental income that these properties generate. It’s like getting rent money without having to deal with leaky faucets or noisy neighbors.

Why Should You Invest in REITs in the Philippines?

The Philippines is currently experiencing a boom in the REIT market. Since the government passed the REIT Act of 2009, more and more companies have been jumping into the game, offering investors like you and me a way to profit from the country’s growing real estate sector.

But why REITs, you ask? Well, here are a few reasons:

1. Easy Entry: You don’t need millions of pesos to start investing. You can buy shares of a REIT for just a few thousand pesos (or even less if you’re lucky).
2. Diversification: REITs give you exposure to a wide range of real estate properties without putting all your eggs in one basket.
3. Passive Income: Because REITs are required to pay out 90% of their income as dividends, you’ll enjoy a steady stream of passive income just by holding onto your shares.
4. Liquid Investment: Unlike buying a real estate property, which can take months (or years!) to sell, you can easily buy and sell REIT shares on the stock market.

My First Time Investing in REITs: A Comedy of Errors 😅

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how you can start investing, I have to confess something. When I first heard about REITs, I thought it was a new type of cryptocurrency (don’t judge me!).

I had visions of some sort of real estate-backed Bitcoin and was ready to throw my money at it. But after doing some research (and, let’s be real, a LOT of Googling), I realized that REITs are a whole different beast.

The first REIT I invested in was AREIT, the first REIT company listed in the Philippines. I bought a few shares, crossed my fingers, and waited. And waited. And waited some more. When I finally did receive my first dividend payment, it was like discovering an extra pack of instant noodles in your pantry — unexpected, but deeply satisfying.

Since then, I’ve become more familiar with the process, and I’m here to make sure your first experience with REITs isn’t as confusing as mine was!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Invest in REITs in the Philippines

Okay, enough about me. Let’s get you started on your REIT journey! Here’s a step-by-step guide to investing in REITs in the Philippines:

Step 1: Open a Trading Account 🏦

First things first, you’ll need a trading account. A trading account is like your gateway to buying and selling stocks on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), and REITs are no different.

Here’s how you can get one:

1. Choose a Broker: There are several online brokers in the Philippines that allow you to trade REITs. Some popular ones include:
   • COL Financial (colfinancial.com)
   • BDO (https://www.bdo.com.ph)
   • First Metro Sec (firstmetrosec.com.ph)
2. Complete the Application: Once you’ve chosen a broker, you’ll need to fill out an application form. This usually involves providing personal information, proof of identity, and proof of address (yep, they need to know you’re a real person and not a bot).
3. Fund Your Account: After your account is approved, you’ll need to fund it. This is where you’ll deposit the money you’ll use to buy REIT shares. You can do this via online banking, over-the-counter deposits, or even GCash (because, let’s be honest, who actually goes to the bank anymore?).

Step 2: Research the Available REITs 🔍

Now that you’ve got your trading account all set up, it’s time to do some research. Not all REITs are created equal, so it’s important to find one that suits your investment goals.

Here are the current REITs listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (as of 2024):

1. AREIT, Inc. – The first REIT to be listed in the Philippines, backed by Ayala Land.
2. DDMPR (DoubleDragon Meridian Park) – Focuses on office and commercial properties.
3. Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) – Another office-centric REIT, this one is backed by the Filinvest Group.
4. MREIT, Inc. – Backed by Megaworld, one of the biggest property developers in the country.
5. RL Commercial REIT (RCR) – The largest REIT in terms of asset size, backed by Robinsons Land.

Take a good look at their dividend yields, the types of properties they own, and their growth potential. You can usually find this information on their company websites or through your broker’s research section.

Step 3: Buy Your First REIT Shares 🛒

Once you’ve done your research and decided which REIT to invest in, it’s time for the fun part — buying shares!

1. Log in to your Trading Account: This is where you’ll place your order to buy REIT shares.
2. Look for the Stock Symbol: Each REIT has a unique stock symbol (e.g., AREIT’s symbol is AREIT). Make sure you’re buying the correct one!
3. Place a Buy Order: You’ll need to decide how many shares you want to buy and at what price. If you’re not sure what price to set, you can just place a market order, which means your broker will buy the shares at the current market price.
4. Confirm Your Order: Once you’ve placed your order, all you have to do is wait for it to be executed. If everything goes smoothly, you’ll see the REIT shares in your portfolio.

🎉 Congratulations, you’re now a proud REIT investor! 🎉

How Much Can You Expect to Earn from REITs in the Philippines? 💸

Ah yes, the million-peso question: How much can you actually earn from REITs? The answer depends on the dividend yield of the REIT you invest in. The dividend yield is the percentage of your investment that you’ll receive in dividends each year.

For example, if a REIT has a dividend yield of 5% and you invest ₱100,000, you can expect to earn ₱5,000 in dividends per year. Not bad, right?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect from some of the current REITs in the Philippines:

• AREIT: Dividend yield of around 4-5%.
• DDMPR: Dividend yield of around 6-7%.
• MREIT: Dividend yield of around 5-6%.
• RCR: Dividend yield of around 5-6%.

Remember, these are just estimates. The actual amount you’ll earn will depend on the performance of the REIT and the overall market conditions.

REITs vs. Direct Real Estate Investment: Which One is Better for You? 🤷‍♂️

At this point, you might be wondering: Why bother with REITs when I could just buy a condo and rent it out myself?

That’s a fair question! Both REITs and direct real estate investment have their pros and cons, so let’s break it down:

REITs

• Pros:
  • Lower initial investment required.
  • No need to manage properties or tenants.
  • Easy to buy and sell on the stock market.
  • Diversified exposure to different types of real estate.
• Cons:
  • Dividends can fluctuate depending on market conditions.
  • You have less control over the properties.

Direct Real Estate Investment:

• Pros
  • You have full control over the property.
  • Potential for price appreciation over time.
  • You can earn rental income directly.
• Cons:
  • Requires a large upfront investment.
  • Managing tenants and properties can be time-consuming and stressful.
  • Real estate can be difficult to sell quickly.

In the end, the best option for you depends on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and how much time you’re willing to commit to managing properties.

Tips for REIT Investing Success 🔑

Before I wrap this up, here are a few tips to help you succeed in your REIT investing journey:

1. Diversify: Don’t put all your money into just one REIT. Spread your investment across different REITs to minimize risk.
2. Reinvest Your Dividends: Instead of spending your dividends, consider reinvesting them to buy more shares. This can help you grow your wealth over time.
3. Stay Updated: Keep an eye on the performance of your REITs and any news that could impact the real estate market (e.g., changes in interest rates or government policies).
4. Be Patient: Like any types of investments, REITs take time to grow. Don’t panic if the value of your shares fluctuates in the short term.

Final Thoughts: Should You Invest in REITs in the Philippines?

In a word? Yes. If you’re looking for a way to invest in real estate without the hassle of buying, managing, and selling properties, REITs are a fantastic option. The Philippine REIT market is still relatively young, which means there’s plenty of room for growth. Plus, with the potential for steady dividend income and the ability to diversify your investment, it’s a great way to build wealth over time.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there, open a trading account, and start your REIT investing journey today. Who knows? In a few years, you might just find yourself sipping piña coladas on the beach, funded entirely by your REIT dividends.

Happy investing, and may your dividends be plentiful!

Frequently-Asked Questions