Pakistan’s real estate investment landscape has seen further expansion with the securities regulator approving three new Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) schemes this month, bringing the national total to twenty-eight amidst a continued push for rapid sector development and stricter governance.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) confirmed today the registration of two Rental REIT Schemes and one Investment-Based REIT Scheme in January 2026, operating under the revised Real Estate Investment Trust Regulations, 2022.
Rental REITs are structured to pool investor funds for investment into rental-yielding properties, while Investment-Based REITs are designed to generate capital gains from real estate transactions. Following the recent approvals, these schemes are eligible to raise capital from Accredited Investors, including financial institutions, corporations, insurance companies, and high net-worth individuals.
A key stipulation of the amended regulations is the mandatory public listing of these new schemes. Both rental and investment-based REITs are now required to be listed on the stock exchange within one year from the date the real estate is formally transferred into the REIT”s name, a measure intended to promote early market entry and enhance transparency.
The regulatory framework aims to establish clearer operational timelines and strengthen the positioning of REITs as a viable asset class in the capital markets. Officials note that the sector has demonstrated remarkable growth over the past few years, reflecting rising interest from both issuers and investors.
The expansion of the REIT structure is seen as having the potential to fundamentally reform the country’s property sector through improved documentation, formalisation, and enhanced investor protection mechanisms.