Reits - where to from here?

Commercial property is taking a battering and uncertainty is rife, but there are some positive developments for Reits

At first glance, the idea of buying into a company that is required by law to distribute 90% of net taxable rental profit to shareholders is a compelling one for the private investor. More so when the investment can also be sheltered inside a tax-free wrapper such as an Isa or Sipp. But a sea change has occurred in the Reits (real estate investment trust) sector during the past couple of years, as the global credit crunch has tightened its grip and negatively impacted the commercial property market. While Phones4U founder and billionaire tycoon John Caudwell may have very publicly calle...