What are Real Estate Mutual Funds?

Real estate mutual funds are a type of fund that helps you invest in securities provided by real estate businesses. Essentially, REMFs allow investment in properties directly or indirectly through Real Estate Investment Trusts, otherwise known as REITs.

People who cannot invest directly in real estate can diversify their portfolios by investing small sums in real estate mutual funds in India, thereby anticipating a positive Return on Investment (ROI) as professionals manage these funds. It is significant to remember that factors affecting the real estate market, interest rates, and the supply and demand for homes and businesses, among other things, affect the returns on these assets. 

Benefits of Investing in Real Estate Mutual Funds

Real estate mutual funds are ideal for investors with a limited investment budget. Selecting and managing investments do not need your attention because experts and professionals help handle the finances. Furthermore, these funds make a good investment for portfolio diversification. So, let’s discuss the advantages of investing in real estate funds:

Flexibility

Real Estate Mutual Fund provides flexibility to investors depending on the amount they want to invest and their long-term financial goals. People from all walks of life can invest in REIT dividends as there is a small cap on minimum investment.

Alternative to buying a property

Real Estate Mutual Funds are an excellent substitute for purchasing an investment property. Rather than investing in a physical asset, you can opt for REIT mutual funds to invest across a basket of real estate companies and assets. Besides, as experts handle REIT dividends, one can seek their expertise to know the viability of a particular investment before taking the plunge.

Portfolio diversification and stability

When investing in real estate, you may risk money because the drop in neighbourhood prices can yield unfavourable results. However, because Real Estate Mutual Funds invest in a broad portfolio of assets across geographies, it reduces the volatility. 

Real Estate Mutual Funds also balance out the high-risk investments in the portfolio. Although real estate prices often fluctuate, this does not significantly affect real estate funds in the long run.

Liquidity

Real estate is not a liquid investment. Buying and selling real estate can sometimes result in low liquidity due to the challenges of reselling a property. However, investing in real estate mutual funds can help gain higher returns as the investor can liquidate the funds whenever the prices rise. Especially during inflation, when there is an increase in property prices and rents, this results in a hike in the value of real estate mutual fund units, thus benefitting the investor.

Risks associated with Real Estate Mutual Funds

In contrast to other investment options, real estate mutual funds also involve some disadvantages, including interest rate risk and lack of control.

No certainty of profits

Real estate values change according to supply and demand in the market. When the markets are performing well, the real estate funds will generate massive profits. However, in the event of a downturn, the funds’ returns could be lower. Therefore, investing in real estate means there is no certainty that you will attain maximum returns.

Lack of control

The fact that the investors do not have total control over their money is a drawback of this kind of investment. They often do not have a choice to decide how or in which business their money should be invested. Investors who own shares of a corporation have a voice in this situation, however, investors in real estate funds do not.

REMFs can be tricky since these are sector funds and are subject to market risks, interest rate risks, availability and demand for space, etc., just like other investments. Therefore, before investing in real estate mutual funds, it is essential to be aware of any potential risks involved. Real estate investments are suitable for investors well-versed in the real estate sector and the economy.