Fractional ownership and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are democratising access to commercial real estate, allowing a wider pool of investors to participate in an asset class once dominated by large institutions, according to S.K. Sayal, CEO, Bharti Real Estate.
Speaking on evolving investment trends, Sayal said these platforms are lowering entry barriers by enabling individuals to invest smaller ticket sizes in high-quality office assets, business parks, and income-generating commercial properties. This shift is expanding participation beyond traditional institutional investors to include professionals, entrepreneurs, and retail investors seeking stable returns.
REITs, in particular, have brought greater transparency, liquidity, and governance to commercial real estate investing. With regular disclosures, professional management, and predictable income distributions, REITs have helped build investor confidence and deepen capital markets participation in real assets.
Fractional ownership models are also gaining traction by offering direct exposure to marquee commercial assets, along with rental income and potential capital appreciation. While these structures require careful due diligence, they are increasingly being viewed as a viable alternative investment option.
Sayal noted that as India’s office market strengthens—driven by global capability centres, technology firms, and long-term leasing demand—democratised investment structures will play a crucial role in channeling capital into high-quality assets.
Together, fractional ownership and REITs are reshaping commercial real estate from an exclusive domain into a more accessible, institutionalised, and investor-friendly market.
