Starting a private REIT in Canada is an easy process when you have all the necessary steps in place. There are several things to consider, including the Revenue tests, the Asset tests, and the Trust deeds for REIT units. Keeping these in mind will ensure that you make the most of your investment.
Asset tests
When you are looking to start a private REIT in Canada, you will need to satisfy the asset tests that are applicable to REITs. The tests are designed to ensure that you have the right assets in the right places.
These tests are primarily focused on your assets, though they can be applied to your securities as well. If you own securities with a value of less than 1% of your trust assets, you could have a failure in your asset test.
Whether you are planning to start a private REIT or a publicly traded one, the asset tests are an important part of the compliance puzzle. Asset tests are particularly stringent, and failing them can mean a big tax bill.
In order to pass the asset test, your REIT must have more than seventy-five percent of its total assets in cash, government securities, or real estate. The other 25 percent must be in the form of royalties, dividends, and interest.
The asset test is the first of two key tests you will be subject to. Your trust must also pass the other test, the one relating to income. You must derive at least ninety percent of your gross revenues from passive sources, including real estate. This is achieved by meeting certain organizational and record keeping requirements.
Other key compliance items include the look-through rules for subsidiaries and the continuous disclosure requirements. While these are often criticized as cumbersome and expensive, they are essential in ensuring that your trust is compliant with the rules.
It is also vital to identify a target asset class for your REIT. Having a clear vision of your target asset group will help your sales team sell your units effectively.
A few techniques may be used to help you segregate good assets from bad ones. One of the best ways to do this is to set up subsidiary entities that are structured in a way that minimizes your risk of failing any of the REIT tests.
When you are ready to start a private REIT in Canada, McMillan Capital Markets Group can help you structure your REIT in a way that works for you.
Revenue tests
When you want to start a private REIT in Canada, there are a few things you need to know. First, you need to be able to identify your target asset class. This will help your sales team sell units more effectively.
You should also make sure that you are compliant with Canadian laws. The rules vary depending on whether your private or public REIT is registered. A public REIT needs to meet some specific tests. If you are unsure, seek legal advice.
Generally, you need to meet two annual income tests and two asset tests. These tests will determine if your trust is eligible for REIT status. Asset tests are particularly stringent, and failure to meet them can disqualify your trust from being a REIT for a year.
Revenue tests are especially strict, and you should be able to earn at least 90% of your revenues from the sale of property or from interest rates. In addition, you cannot earn more than 10% of your revenues from nonqualifying activities.
An asset test requires that you have at least 75% of your assets in the form of real estate. The other requirement is that you have cash and deposits in the bank. To be eligible, the assets must have a fair market value of at least 90% of the equity value of your REIT.
You will need to comply with several REIT rules. Some of these include look-through provisions that treat your revenue earned by subsidiaries. As well, your unit trust should limit its undertaking to the acquisition and ownership of property.
One of the most important aspects of setting up a REIT is to ensure that you are aware of the legal requirements. In addition, you may need to hire a professional, or you can try to set up your own. Remember to shop different fee structures to potential initial investors.
Lastly, you must consider how your trust will be taxed. Depending on your circumstances, you may be exempt from Canadian taxes, or you may need to pay taxes. Most publicly traded unit trusts will be taxed at a corporate rate, but some are eligible for an exemption.
Trust deeds for REIT units
If you’re thinking about investing in real estate through trust deeds, you may be wondering about the benefits and risks. There are several advantages to this type of investment, including high-yielding income streams. However, a large amount of cash is also needed to make this type of investment work. This can increase your risk.
The REIT market is very popular among investors. In addition, the prices of REITs reflect investor confidence in the economy and the property market. For this reason, you can expect a high level of interest rates when investing in a trust deed.
A trust deed is a legal document that describes an agreement between a borrower and a lender. Basically, a lender gives a borrower money in exchange for promissory notes. After a certain period of time, the trustee pays the lender the value of the notes and the borrower receives the property in full.
Trust deeds are often used in real estate transactions in the U.S., but they are less common than mortgages. Mortgages, on the other hand, involve a court-supervised foreclosure process. Judicial foreclosures cost more and take longer.
Unlike mortgages, trust deeds transfer the title of the property to a third party. Depending on the state, you might be required to use trust deeds instead of mortgages.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) invest in real or immovable properties. These are typically office buildings, shopping malls, or luxury apartments. To qualify as a REIT, the fair market value of the property must be greater than the equity value of the REIT.
REITs are also managed by a trust manager or trustee. As such, it’s important to understand your rights, corporate governance, and the expected frequency of distributions.
REITs are subject to fluctuations in income and losses, which can affect the distribution of the assets. Often, a trust deed will require the payment of an excess income amount at year-end. Generally, the income is taxed in the hands of the unit holders. Depending on the circumstances, the excess income may be carried forward to lower taxable income.
Administering the REIT
If you own a property, you may want to consider investing in a real estate investment trust (REIT). A REIT offers liquidity to investors by bringing together owners, investors, and a professional property manager. But it comes with some unique features that can increase your risk.
An important consideration is the quality of management. A good REIT manager will create more value for unit holders. In addition, a good REIT manager can help improve your portfolio’s stability over the long term.
Before you invest in a REIT, you should review its prospectus. It should describe the company’s investment objectives, as well as the risks associated with its underlying assets.
REITs are a type of corporation that owns commercial real estate. These properties offer a source of income and much-needed cash flow. They also generate dividend payouts. However, they require strict compliance rules.
In addition, a REIT must pay tax on its taxable income. Generally, 90 percent of the taxable income must be paid out to shareholders. Depending on the income distribution policy of the REIT, different amounts of taxable income may be retained by the corporation.
Another factor that can impact your REIT’s debt maturity profile is fees. A high fee can increase your cost of borrowing.
Another aspect that can affect your REIT’s risk is the quality of the underlying real estate properties. For example, a property that is located in a booming sector of the economy will provide more income stability over the long term.
The risk of owning a REIT depends on the quality of its underlying real estate properties, its structure, and its strategy. For example, a public REIT can benefit from a strong sponsor, a board of directors, and an audit committee.
Managing a REIT can be difficult. The management team must be diversified. You must also be comfortable with corporate governance. When you invest in a REIT, you need to know what rights you have as a unit holder, how to make adjustments to your income, and what situations may prevent a REIT from making distributions.
Despite these considerations, REITs are a great option for real estate owners looking for a way to diversify their portfolio.
Among many other things, David A. Grantham is a contributing author to UmassExtension West Vancouver Blo. He is a renowned expert on real estate in BC.
Born in North Vancouver, Louisiana, Dr. Grantham grew up in Lower Lonsdale. He then went on to complete his business degree at the University British Columbia. As of this writing, Grantham has completed over 100 projects, including the development of a high rise building in Vancouver.
He is a husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was a dedicated outdoorsman and enjoyed sports such as hunting, fishing, scuba diving, and snow skiing. His wife, Alison Grantham, and their two daughters survived him. He is survived by his wife Alison Martin Grantham and two daughters.