Traditional, brick-and-mortar real estate investments in Canada can produce a high rate of return, but they often need a higher outlay of cash upfront and may incur significant ongoing maintenance expenditures. It is now feasible to diversify your real estate portfolio at a lower total cost than would be achievable with a single traditional investment, thanks to real estate investment trusts (REITs) and crowdfunding platforms. The ease with which one may begin these non-traditional real estate ventures without leaving the house or even donning trousers is unparalleled. Here are some potential real estate investments to think about.

Residential real estate

Single-family homes are the most common rental unit type in the residential real estate market. Other kinds of homes include duplexes, apartment buildings, and vacation rentals. There are a lot of people who choose to put their money into residential real estate since it is easier to provide a steady return. What works for one investor may not work for another due to the fact that there is a variety of residential real estate investing strategies to employ and varying degrees of competition between markets. Consequently, it is essential to choose the appropriate exit strategy and market when dealing with residential real estate.

The most common residential real estate exit methods include wholesaling, rehabbing, and buying and holding for rental income. In order to know what strategies would be successful in their market, investors should conduct extensive studies.

If done well, investing in a home can pay off. This is because, in addition to a reliable stream of income, residential real estate has a number of tax advantages.

Commercial real estate

The best commercial properties to put money into are those that house businesses, as well as offices, stores, hotels, and other dwellings. Investors with a heart for social justice may find opportunities in commercial real estate.

One of the reasons commercial properties are seen as attractive investments is because of the higher potential for cash flow they offer. Comparatively, commercial properties may offer greater revenue potential, longer lease terms, and lower vacancy rates, but there are many hidden costs of home ownership. Warehouses, storage units, car washes, and other special-purpose assets that produce revenue from visitors are all considered part of “industrial real estate,” as stated by DYL’s co-founder and president, James Angel. Industrial real estate acquisitions sometimes feature significant fee and service income sources, such as coin-operated vacuum cleaners at a car wash, which can help the owner maximize their return on their real estate investments in Canada. As with residential real estate, commercial real estate investing may profit from a lack of competition due to the complexity involved in acquiring commercial assets.

Raw land investing and new construction

Buying raw land and constructing brand-new structures are two types of real estate investments that can help diversify a portfolio.  Similar to new construction, but with existing buildings on the lot instead. New construction is a common choice for investors in rapidly expanding regions.

Many potential financiers are not familiar with the possibility of high returns from investing in raw land or new development. Raw land and new construction offer a rare opportunity for real estate investors, whether their goal is to create a property from the ground up or reap the benefits of a long-term purchase and hold.

Investors looking to maximize returns on investments in raw land and new construction should be prepared to conduct extensive market research. Thus, you may make an informed decision about where to put your money without being constrained by the whims of the market. Ever since the pandemic affected the housing market, the prices have all gone up. Now that the prices are going down, it’s the best time to invest. So don’t miss this chance.

Real estate investment groups

A real estate investment group is a good option for those who want to invest in a rental property without taking on the management obligations themselves (REIG). And since there are many reasons to invest in real estate in Canada, you might want to look into (REIGs). The ability to quickly access finance is essential for Real Estate Investment Groups (REIGs). REIGs are a type of small mutual fund that invests in rental properties.

Condominium and apartment investment groups typically function as follows: a corporation acquires or constructs a portfolio of residential units and then offers memberships to the group to individuals who wish to purchase units directly from the firm.

The management firm takes care of everything, from tenant screening to periodic maintenance, allowing investors to acquire one property or a portfolio

As part of a real estate investment group, the investor normally signs the lease, and the group uses the collected rent to cover any vacancies. This implies that even if your rental property is vacant, you will still be able to collect rent. 

Real estate investment trust

A real estate investment trust (REIT) may be the ideal solution if you want your portfolio to have exposure to real estate but don’t want to make the commitment of a typical real estate transaction.

When a company or trust pools money from investors to buy and maintain real estate with the intention of earning a profit, they are forming a real estate investment trust

At least 90% of a REIT’s taxable income must be paid out as dividends each year. Thus, unlike conventional businesses, which would have to pay income tax on their profits before determining whether or not to distribute them as dividends, REITs are free from paying corporate income tax.

If you’re searching for a steady stream of stock market income, REITs are a great option, as are other dividend-paying equities. Without REITs, investing in commercial properties like malls and office buildings would be out of reach for most people. And since real estate prices are expected to rise. Now is the right time.

Importantly, real estate investment trusts (REITs) are very liquid since they are trusts that trade on an exchange. A highly structured example of this type of investment vehicle is the real estate investment trust (REIT).

Finally, while considering REITs as options for real estate investments in Canada, investors should differentiate between equity REITs that own buildings and mortgage REITs that provide real estate financing and dabble in mortgage-backed securities (MBS). Despite sharing a common element—involvement with the real estate market—the dangers inherent in the two are very different. Mortgage REITs focus largely on the revenue generated by financing mortgages on real estate, as opposed to the more typical equity REIT, which reflects actual property ownership.