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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 30, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
SANJAY Question by SANJAY on Nov 17, 2023Hindi
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SIR, GOOD DAY. I WOULD LIKE TO INVEST IN REITs. PL ENLIGHTEN ABOUT VARIOUS REITs IN INDIA AND TAXATION ASPECTS THERE TO. THANKS AND REGARDS

Ans: Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are an increasingly popular investment option in India, offering opportunities to invest in income-generating real estate assets. Here's an overview of REITs in India and their taxation aspects:

Types of REITs: In India, there are primarily two types of REITs: Equity REITs and Mortgage REITs. Equity REITs own and operate income-generating real estate properties, while Mortgage REITs provide financing for real estate investments.
Listed REITs: Currently, there are a few listed REITs in India, including Embassy Office Parks REIT and Mindspace Business Parks REIT. These REITs own commercial properties such as office spaces and lease them out to tenants, generating rental income for investors.
Taxation Aspects:
Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT): REITs are required to distribute at least 90% of their net distributable income to investors as dividends. This income is exempt from DDT at the REIT level.
Taxation at Investor Level: Dividends received from REITs are taxable in the hands of investors as per their applicable income tax slab rates.
Capital Gains Tax: Any capital gains arising from the sale of REIT units are taxed as per the capital gains tax regime. If units are held for more than 3 years, they qualify for long-term capital gains tax with indexation benefits. Otherwise, they are subject to short-term capital gains tax as per the investor's income tax slab rates.
Tax Deductions: Investors can also avail tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act for investments made in REIT units, subject to certain conditions.
Risks and Considerations: While REITs offer the potential for regular income and capital appreciation, investors should be mindful of risks such as fluctuations in real estate prices, tenant occupancy, and interest rate changes.
Before investing in REITs, it's essential to conduct thorough research, assess your risk tolerance, and consult with a Certified Financial Planner or tax advisor to understand the taxation implications and suitability of REIT investments based on your financial goals and circumstances.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 27, 2024

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Hi sir Good evening M a lady n giving Tution at home. I fill itr since 4 yrs, 6lac per annum is present income through Tution. I invest in sip 2k from July 2024 and second sip has been stopped in March2024 . First one is regular. I want knowledge about Reits Investment. I want to invest in min lump sum amount . Plz guide me how much min investment I will make on Reits.
Ans: Your Current Situation
Income: You earn Rs 6 lakhs per annum through tuition.

SIP Investments: You have a SIP of Rs 2,000 per month since July 2024. Another SIP stopped in March 2024.

Investment Interest: You want to know about REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and how to invest a minimum lump sum amount.

REITs Investment Insights
1. What are REITs?

Real Estate Exposure: REITs allow you to invest in real estate without buying property.
Income Generation: They generate rental income and distribute it as dividends.
Diversification: REITs offer exposure to commercial real estate, adding diversity to your portfolio.
2. Benefits of Investing in REITs

Regular Income: REITs provide regular dividends from rental income.
Liquidity: They are traded on stock exchanges, making them easy to buy and sell.
Professional Management: Managed by experts, reducing the hassle of property management.
3. Disadvantages of REITs

Market Risk: REITs are subject to market fluctuations.
Interest Rate Sensitivity: REIT performance can be affected by interest rate changes.
Management Fees: Some REITs may have high management fees.
Minimum Investment in REITs
1. Investment Amount:

Affordable Entry: You can start with as low as Rs 50,000.
Regular Monitoring: Keep track of REIT performance to make informed decisions.
2. Investment Approach:

Lump Sum Investment: Suitable if you have a considerable amount to invest at once.
Diversified Portfolio: Include REITs as part of a diversified investment strategy.
Recommended Investment Strategy
1. Continue SIP Investments:

Consistency: Continue your existing SIP of Rs 2,000.
Increase Amount: Gradually increase your SIP amount as your income grows.
2. Allocate Funds to REITs:

Lump Sum Investment: Invest a minimum lump sum in REITs for diversification.
Monitor Performance: Regularly review REIT performance and market trends.
3. Build an Emergency Fund:

Financial Safety: Maintain an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
Easy Access: Ensure it is liquid and easily accessible.
4. Seek Professional Guidance:

Expert Advice: Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized investment advice.
Regular Reviews: Schedule regular reviews of your investment portfolio.
Final Insights
Diversify Investments: Include REITs for diversification and regular income.

Monitor Regularly: Keep an eye on your investments and adjust as needed.

Professional Help: Consult a Certified Financial Planner for tailored advice.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 2024

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Hlw SIr Good evening I want to know about Reits.. Real Estate investment. Plz guide me of how much min investment I will make.
Ans: REITs are companies owning income-producing real estate.
They allow individual investors to earn dividends without buying, managing, or financing properties.
Advantages of REITs

Liquidity: Easily bought and sold on stock exchanges.
Diversification: Invest in different property types and locations.
Regular Income: Dividends from rental income.
Professional Management: Managed by professionals ensuring efficiency.
Minimum Investment

Varies: Depends on the specific REIT and platform.
General Range: Can start with as low as Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000.
Disadvantages of REITs

Market Risk: Subject to market volatility like stocks.
Fees: Management and transaction fees can reduce returns.
Dividend Tax: Dividends are taxable, affecting net returns.
How to Invest in REITs
Through Stock Exchanges

Listed REITs: Available on stock exchanges.
Process: Similar to buying stocks; use a demat account.
Mutual Funds

REIT Mutual Funds: Funds that invest in REITs.
Benefit: Professional management and diversification.
Tips for Investing in REITs

Research: Understand the REIT's portfolio, performance, and management.
Diversify: Don't invest all in one REIT; diversify across sectors and regions.
Long-Term Perspective: Hold investments for a longer period for potential growth.
Alternatives to Direct REIT Investment
Actively Managed Funds

Flexibility: Fund managers can adapt to market changes.
Potential for Higher Returns: Aim to outperform index funds.
Regular Mutual Funds

Guidance: Investment through Certified Financial Planners ensures professional advice.
Convenience: Easier management and oversight.
Final Insights
Start Small: Begin with a manageable amount and increase gradually.
Monitor Regularly: Keep an eye on market trends and performance.
Consult a CFP: Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner for tailored guidance.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 2024

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Money
Hlw sir tell me about Reits. Real Estate investment. Min investment Kitna hota h sir Isme aur kabse profit aata h. And kaise invest krte h Reits m. Plz guide me. Thank you so much ????
Ans: What Are REITs?

Definition: REITs, or Real Estate Investment Trusts, are companies that own, operate, or finance income-generating real estate.

Structure: They allow individual investors to earn a share of the income produced through commercial real estate ownership without actually having to buy, manage, or finance any properties.

Minimum Investment in REITs

Entry Point: The minimum investment varies by REIT. Generally, you can start with as low as Rs 10,000.

Accessibility: REITs are traded on major stock exchanges, making them accessible to small investors.

Profit Generation in REITs

Income Source: REITs generate income primarily through rent collected from the properties they own.

Dividends: Investors receive dividends from these earnings, typically paid out quarterly or annually.

Capital Appreciation: Over time, the value of the properties owned by the REIT can increase, leading to capital gains.

Investment Timeline

Short-Term: You may start seeing dividend income within a few months.

Long-Term: Capital appreciation generally takes a longer time, potentially several years.

How to Invest in REITs

Choose a REIT:

Types: Decide whether you want to invest in Equity REITs (own and operate real estate) or Mortgage REITs (provide financing for income-producing real estate).

Research: Look at the track record, property portfolio, and management team of the REIT.

Brokerage Account:

Open an Account: If you don't already have a brokerage account, open one with a reputable broker.

Select REIT: Use your brokerage platform to select and buy shares of the REIT you are interested in.

Monitor Performance:

Review Regularly: Keep an eye on the performance of your REIT investments.

Market Conditions: Be aware of changes in the real estate market that could impact your investment.

Disadvantages of Direct Real Estate Investment

High Costs: Direct real estate investments require significant capital outlay for purchase, maintenance, and management.

Illiquidity: Real estate assets are not easily converted into cash without a substantial loss of value.

Advantages of REITs Over Direct Real Estate Investment

Liquidity: REITs can be bought and sold on stock exchanges, offering high liquidity.

Diversification: You can invest in a portfolio of properties across different sectors and locations.

Professional Management: REITs are managed by experienced professionals, ensuring better management of the properties.

Considerations Before Investing in REITs

Market Risks:

Economic Factors: REITs are subject to market risks and economic factors affecting real estate, such as interest rates and property market trends.
Investment Goals:

Align with Goals: Ensure that investing in REITs aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Professional Guidance:

Certified Financial Planner: Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice tailored to your specific situation and financial objectives.
Final Insights

Diversify: Consider diversifying your investment across different types of REITs for balanced risk and return.

Stay Informed: Keep updated with market trends and REIT performance to make informed investment decisions.

Long-Term Perspective: While REITs can provide steady income, they are best suited for investors with a long-term perspective.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 13, 2025
Money
Greetings!!!! I am 43 years Old, I had started 10k per month TATA AIA SIP in previous year for total 7years Plan. I want to education plan for my 1 kid who is 6 years old now. Please advice and guide me about more investments plan, as i am still confused about future growth and any plan for my wife age 38years.
Ans: You're at a critical financial stage. Planning for your child’s education and securing your family’s future are both top priorities. You've already started a ULIP, which is a start. But let’s take a deeper 360-degree view of your situation.

Below is a detailed plan, broken into simple sections for better clarity.



Assessment of Your Current ULIP Investment

You're investing Rs. 10,000 per month in a 7-year ULIP.



ULIPs mix insurance with investment. That reduces the growth power of your money.



Charges like premium allocation, fund management, and mortality charges reduce returns.



Your actual invested amount is much lower in the first few years.



ULIPs have limited flexibility in fund switching and partial withdrawal rules.



Maturity benefits are taxed if the annual premium exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh. Be cautious of this.



A ULIP is not ideal for education goals or long-term wealth building.



As a Certified Financial Planner, I suggest surrendering this policy and moving funds to mutual funds.



You can continue till 5 years to avoid surrender charges if already started.



But do not renew after the 7-year term. Don't increase contributions in this ULIP.



Planning for Your Child’s Higher Education

Your child is 6 years old. You have around 11-12 years.



College education in India or abroad can cost Rs. 30–60 lakhs or more.



Instead of ULIPs, invest in diversified mutual funds. This will give better inflation-adjusted returns.



Use a mix of large cap, flexi cap and small cap mutual funds.



Start SIPs in these funds with a long-term horizon of 10-12 years.



You may also consider goal-based child education funds that are actively managed.



Don't invest in direct funds. They look cheaper, but don’t offer guidance.



Always invest through a Certified Financial Planner via a regular plan.



Your investment will stay aligned with your goal as the planner will guide with rebalancing.



Use a dedicated SIP only for child’s education goal. Don’t merge it with retirement planning.



Suggested Action Plan for Child’s Education

Shift future contributions from ULIP to SIPs in active funds.



Start with Rs. 20,000 per month SIP only for education.



Review this SIP every year and increase it by 10%-15% annually.



Add lump sums like bonuses or yearly increments into the same goal fund.



In the last 2 years before the education goal, shift to debt funds slowly.



This will protect your accumulated amount from equity volatility.



Investment Plan for Your Wife (Age 38)

She has a long horizon. She can invest for both retirement and her independent needs.



Open a separate mutual fund folio in her name.



Start SIPs in flexi cap, large & midcap, and hybrid funds in regular plans.



You can start with Rs. 10,000 per month and increase gradually.



You may also use her PPF account for additional tax-free corpus.



Avoid investing in gold, insurance policies, or real estate for her.



Ensure she has her own health insurance and a term insurance if she’s working.



If she’s not working, then create an emergency fund in her name.



That gives her independence and safety if she needs cash.



Family Protection with Insurance

You did not mention your term cover. You must have it if not already.



Ideal cover should be 15–20 times your yearly income.



ULIPs or LIC endowment policies should not be considered for protection.



Avoid investment-linked insurance plans. Keep insurance and investment separate.



Review your existing insurance covers. Add riders like critical illness and accident if needed.



Tax Efficient Planning

Use Section 80C wisely. Don’t just rely on ULIP or LIC plans.



Max out PPF, ELSS mutual funds, and children tuition for tax saving.



Invest in actively managed ELSS funds for better returns than ULIPs.



Avoid index funds for tax planning. They may underperform in volatile markets.



Debt funds are taxed as per slab now. Use carefully if short horizon.



Track capital gains if you sell mutual funds. Use new tax rules for equity funds:



  - LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

  

  - STCG taxed at 20%



Plan redemptions well in advance to manage taxes efficiently.



Retirement Planning (For You and Wife)

Start a separate SIP for your retirement corpus. Do not merge with other goals.



You have 17 years for retirement. That’s good for wealth accumulation.



Invest in a mix of actively managed flexi-cap and large-cap funds.



Add hybrid funds to reduce volatility as you near retirement.



Continue EPF, and increase VPF if possible. It is tax-free and safe.



Don't consider NPS if liquidity is important. Maturity rules are rigid.



Use mutual funds with regular advice to stay on track till age 60.



Exit ULIPs and Poor Insurance Products

You mentioned TATA AIA ULIP. Continue for 5 years to avoid penalty.



After that, exit and move funds to SIP in mutual funds.



If you or wife have LIC endowment, Jeevan Saral, or ULIPs, surrender them.



Reinvest maturity amount into SIPs in regular mutual fund plans.



Do not fall for insurance agents who pitch plans as tax saving or guaranteed.



Emergency Fund and Liquidity

Keep at least 6 months of family expenses in a liquid mutual fund.



Don’t use your SIP or education fund as emergency source.



You may open a separate savings bank linked sweep account for this.



This fund will help if there is any job loss, health issue, or urgent need.



What Not to Do

Don’t invest in new ULIPs or insurance-linked plans.



Avoid direct mutual fund investments. You won’t get guided rebalancing.



Do not use your child’s education fund for house down payment.



Don’t pick index funds. They underperform in sideways or bear markets.



Don’t buy land or gold as an investment for your goals.



Final Insights

You are at a very strategic life stage. You have time and income strength.



ULIPs will not help you grow wealth. Shift to goal-based mutual fund SIPs.



Separate goals: child education, your retirement, wife’s security, and emergencies.



Invest only through a Certified Financial Planner for customised long-term support.



Review all goals every year. Increase SIPs with income.



Protect family with pure term insurance and health insurance.



Focus on building wealth in regular mutual funds, not through insurance products.



Real financial freedom comes when goals are funded without stress.



You have a clear head start. Use it with discipline and right guidance.



Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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