Insight - REITs cautiously optimistic on prospects

Hektar REIT, whose gearing stands at 44.9%, does not intend to borrow more unless it sees “very specific opportunities”.

THE Covid-19 pandemic has brought on a fierce challenge to many real estate investment trusts (REITs), as the income they derive from their commercial real estate has shrunk.

With the unprecedented downturn caused by the pandemic, rentals and occupancy rates at their properties like shopping malls and hotels have taken a beating.