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India’s REITs Outperformed Nifty 50 as Market Expanded
REITs let people invest in buildings that earn money from rent.
A new report says Indian REITs performed better than the Nifty 50 during the year ending June 2026.
The four REITs studied all made positive total returns, while the Nifty 50 lost 5.2%.
Mindspace Business Parks REIT had the highest return at 24.3%.
REITs also paid investors income through distributions.
The size of India’s listed REIT property portfolio grew substantially.
Most office REITs still had high occupancy, meaning many spaces were being used.
New rules and REIT indices may make these investments easier for more people to access.
The report says REITs could diversify portfolios that are heavily invested in equity funds.
India’s listed REIT market reached $17.7 billion by March 31, 2026, becoming Asia’s fourth-largest by valuation.
Four Indian REITs with a full year of trading history posted positive returns, while the Nifty 50 declined 5.2% over the year to June 2026.
Mindspace Business Parks REIT led with a 24.3% total return, followed by Nexus Select Trust at 23.2%.
The operational portfolio of listed Indian REITs grew nearly 66%, from 107.5 million square feet in June 2025 to about 178 million square feet in June 2026.
A November 2025 Securities and Exchange Board of India circular classified REITs as equity for regulatory purposes from early 2026, potentially widening investor access.
- Who
- Indian listed REITs, equity investors, the Nifty 50, and Cushman & Wakefield.
- What
- India’s REIT market expanded and its listed REITs outperformed the Nifty 50 over the reported period.
- Where
- India, within the broader Asian REIT market.
- When
- The performance comparison covers the 12 months to June 2026; market values are stated as of March 31, 2026.
- Why
- REITs may diversify portfolios concentrated in equity funds by providing exposure to income-generating real estate, while regulatory changes have broadened their potential investor base.
Key facts
- India REIT market value
- $17.7 billion as of March 31, 2026, making it Asia’s fourth-largest REIT market by valuation.
- Nifty 50 performance
- A 5.2% net decline over the 12 months to June 2026.
- Top REIT return
- Mindspace Business Parks REIT delivered a 24.3% total return.
- Other REIT returns
- Nexus Select Trust returned 23.2%, Embassy Office Parks REIT 19%, and Brookfield India REIT 11.9%.
- Portfolio growth
- Listed REITs’ operational portfolio rose from 107.5 million square feet in June 2025 to about 178 million square feet in June 2026.
- Office occupancy
- Office REIT occupancy ranged from about 90% to 99% at the end of June 2026.
- Regulatory change
- A November 2025 Securities and Exchange Board of India circular treated REITs as equity for regulatory purposes from the beginning of 2026.
Quotes
Cushman & Wakefield report
Research report tracking Asian REIT markets
“this reflects the tight market conditions that prevail in India’s Grade A office market and also demonstrates the high preference amongst occupiers for institutional quality assets.”
livemint.com
“The last 6-9 months have been encouraging for REITs from the policy perspective, thereby providing encouragement for more investors to look at REITs favorably”
livemint.com
Sources
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