Best Real Estate ETFs and REITs
Real estate ETFs pay 3-4% yields and add inflation protection. Here are the best REIT funds and how to use them.
Don't have time? Here's what you need to know:
- 1REIT ETFs pay 3-4% yields and add real estate diversification without buying physical property
- 2VNQ is the most popular REIT ETF; SCHH is a cheaper alternative at 0.07%
- 3Keep REIT allocation at 5-10% of portfolio and hold in tax-advantaged accounts
- 4REITs are rate-sensitive: they fell 37% in 2008 but provide reliable income in normal markets
REITs: Own Real Estate Without Buying Property
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are companies that own and operate income-producing properties: apartment buildings, office towers, data centers, cell towers, warehouses, hospitals, and shopping centers. By law, REITs must distribute 90% of taxable income as dividends, which is why REIT ETFs yield 3-4% — well above the S&P 500's 1.3%.
REIT ETFs bundle dozens or hundreds of REITs into a single fund. VNQ (Vanguard Real Estate ETF) holds about 160 REITs covering every property type. You get real estate exposure, high income, and inflation protection (rents rise with inflation) without the hassle of buying, maintaining, or managing physical property.
Best Real Estate ETFs Compared
VNQ is the default choice with the broadest U.S. coverage. SCHH is nearly identical at a lower expense ratio — the better pick for Schwab users. IYR includes both REITs and real estate operating companies, making it less of a pure REIT play. Realty Income (O) is a popular single-stock holding for monthly dividend income.
| ETF | Coverage | Expense Ratio | Yield | Holdings | Top Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VNQ | Total U.S. REITs | 0.12% | ~3.8% | 160+ | Cell towers, data centers, apartments |
| SCHH | U.S. REITs (Schwab) | 0.07% | ~3.5% | 110+ | Similar to VNQ |
| IYR | U.S. Real Estate (iShares) | 0.39% | ~2.5% | 75 | Broader real estate companies |
| VNQI | International REITs | 0.12% | ~3.5% | 700+ | Global property markets |
| O | Realty Income (single stock) | N/A | ~5.5% | 1 company | Retail properties — monthly dividend |
How Much Real Estate Belongs in Your Portfolio
VTI already holds REITs at market weight (~3-4% of the fund). Adding VNQ overweights real estate. A typical allocation is 5-10% in a dedicated REIT ETF for the extra income and inflation hedge. Going above 15% in REITs significantly changes your portfolio's risk profile — REITs are sensitive to interest rates and can drop 30%+ in a crisis (VNQ fell 37% in 2008).
Tax efficiency matters: REIT dividends are taxed as ordinary income (your highest tax rate) rather than the lower qualified dividend rate. Hold REIT ETFs in tax-advantaged accounts (Roth IRA, 401k) to shelter the income from taxes.
Tip: If you already own a home, you have significant real estate exposure outside your portfolio. Adding a large REIT position on top of that increases your overall real estate concentration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are REITs good for passive income?
Yes — they yield 3-4%, paid quarterly (or monthly for individual REITs like Realty Income). On a $100,000 VNQ investment, expect roughly $3,500-4,000 per year in dividends. REITs must distribute 90% of income by law, making them reliable income generators.
Do REITs protect against inflation?
Generally yes. Rents tend to increase with inflation, which flows to REIT earnings and dividends. However, rising interest rates (which often accompany inflation) can hurt REIT stock prices short-term. Over long periods, REITs have been effective inflation hedges.
VNQ or SCHH — which REIT ETF should I buy?
SCHH is cheaper (0.07% vs 0.12%) with slightly fewer holdings. Performance has been nearly identical. Pick SCHH if you use Schwab, VNQ if you use Vanguard. The difference is minimal.
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Alex Harrington
CFA Level II Candidate, Finance & Economics
Alex Harrington is an independent ETF researcher and personal finance writer with over 8 years of experience analyzing exchange-traded funds. A CFA Level II candidate with a background in economics, Alex has reviewed 800+ ETFs and helped thousands of beginners build their first investment portfolios through clear, jargon-free education.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.