A type of debt security issued by real estate companies to raise capital, these instruments offer investors regular interest payments over a set term, with the principal returned upon maturity. Similar to a corporate bond, the underlying assets of the issuing entity often serve as collateral. For instance, a developer might issue these securities to finance a new construction project, backed by the anticipated value of the completed property. This provides investors with a relatively stable income stream linked to the real estate sector.
Historically, such investments have provided competitive returns compared to traditional fixed-income securities while offering diversification within an investment portfolio. They can play a significant role in funding large-scale development projects, contributing to economic growth and job creation. The stability they offer investors can be particularly attractive in uncertain economic climates, and the tangible nature of the underlying assets can provide a sense of security.