From Zawya.com: Pre-2009, buying a property through leverage and flipping it to another for quick returns was common-place. But as the global financial wheels slowed, people stopped buying and investors suddenly learned that frenzied growth was a risky substitute for a well-strategised business plan - something that real estate investment trusts, or Reits, can offer.

Unlike property funds, which also invest in property and property-related assets, Reits are more attractive because the majority of assets under management are income-producing. There are also tighter restrictions on borrowing and listing is mandatory…………………………………….Full Article: Source