SECP Talk Series: REITs can help bring property into formal economy

At an SECP Talk Series session, speakers argued that regulated REITs could channel property investment through capital markets and support infrastructure funding. They said sector expansion would require credible asset pricing, effective oversight and less complicated tax treatment. Commissioner Imtiaz Haider also proposed considering REITs for public assets and projects such as motorways, bridges, energy parks and logistics hubs.

Pakistan had 29 registered REIT schemes by March 2026, holding Rs173.1 billion in total funds in December 2025, according to figures presented at the event. Muhammad Ejaz cited Dolmen City REIT and Globe Residency REIT as domestic examples, reporting Dolmen City REIT’s market value at Rs86.88 billion on September 30, 2026, and occupancy above 97 percent at both properties. Speakers also noted that performance and liquidity are not assured, and called for independent valuations, trustee supervision, clear disclosures and investor education.