October Insights: REITs vs Property, Where Should You Invest in 2025?

Property & Finance

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) vs Direct Property: What's Right for You?

Owning real estate has always been part of the Indian dream. It is a place where land, a house, and a legacy meet tradition and ambition.

But in 2025, that dream doesn’t need crores, lawyers, or leaky tenants.

Thanks to REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts), Indians now have a smarter, leaner way to invest in real
estate. Just structured exposure to revenue-generating real estate without the hassle of physical ownership
or upkeep.

So, what’s better? Traditional property ownership or modern-day REITs? Let’s decipher both using actual data rather than conjecture.

REITs in India: From Emerging to Essential

REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) are companies that own, operate, and lease income-generating commercial properties like office parks, malls, and logistics centres. In India, REITs are listed and regulated by SEBI, making them transparent and relatively low-risk.

As of 2025:

India has four publicly listed REITs, with a fifth (Knowledge Realty Trust) preparing to launch.
In FY25, these REITs collectively distributed ₹6,070 crore, an increase of 13% from the previous year.
REITs delivered ~15% capital appreciation over the past 12 months, outperforming traditional real estate indices like the BSE Realty Index.
Yield levels on Indian REITs remain attractive, averaging 6–7%, higher than most fixed-income products in the same risk bracket.
India’s REIT market is now valued at $18 billion, with estimates suggesting this could surpass $25 billion by 2029.

These are no longer experimental instruments. REITs are increasingly a vital component of diversified Indian portfolios, particularly for HNIs, NRIs, and retail investors.

Direct Property Investment: Emotional, Aspirational… and Demanding

Direct real estate investment is still very much a part of Indian investor behaviour, even with the growth of REITs, and for good reason.

When you buy a home or office:

You have tangible control over the asset.
There’s potential for capital appreciation, especially in fast-developing zones or Tier-2 cities.
Real estate can be passed down generations, offering emotional and legacy value.
You can leverage your investment using a home loan, increasing return potential (and risk).

But it’s far from perfect

The challenges in 2025 include:

High capital entry: In metro areas, even a basic 1BHK costs ₹30–50 lakh+. Commercial spaces start even higher.
Low yields: Residential rental yields hover between 2–3%; commercial yields are higher (5–9%) but come with added complexities.
Liquidity issues: Selling property isn’t easy. Market cycles, paperwork, and demand-supply mismatches can delay exits.
Legal and regulatory obstacles: You are responsible for RERA compliance, registration, taxes, and tenant disputes.
Management overhead: It takes a lot of time and is frequently stressful. This includes repairs, brokers, property taxes, and tenant turnover.

Therefore, direct property requires more of your time, money, and mental capacity even though it offers you greater control.

What Type of Investor Are You?

Choose REITs if:

You want real estate exposure without the operational load.
You want to start small or have limited funds.
You value liquidity, passive income, and professional management.
You’re building a modern, diversified portfolio.
You prefer data-backed, regulated investments over speculative bets.

Choose Direct Property if:

You have substantial capital and want long-term control.
You’re comfortable with low liquidity and higher effort.
You're looking for end-use (such as retirement planning) or legacy ownership.
You have access to promising markets or undervalued micro-locations.
You’re okay playing the long game, with appreciation > income in mind.

What the Future Holds

REITs are no longer just for financial elites. With SEBI pushing to increase REIT exposure in mutual funds (from 10% to 20%), and new REITs entering the market, retail investor participation is set to boom.

In the meantime, direct property will still have emotional appeal, particularly in Tier-2 and middle-class markets. But the operational complexity, rising costs, and regulatory scrutiny are prompting a re-evaluation of how Indians approach property investment.

Final Word: Your Money, Your Strategy

In 2025, investing isn’t about following tradition blindly. It all comes down to knowing your objectives and selecting the course of action that best suits your time horizon, capital availability, and risk tolerance.

REITs may not give you the thrill of holding keys. However, they do expose you to the booming commercial real estate market in India, minus the drama.

Direct property may feel familiar and satisfying. Be clear, though, that this is an active investment in which you must be involved.

So, consider what you desire. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s intentional. Because the best investments aren’t emotional. They’re strategic.

Home Decor

Festive-Ready Fabrics: Silk, Brocade, and Velvet Styling Tips

As the festive season draws near, our houses change from being places to live to places of celebration, custom, and community.

And just like you wouldn’t wear an everyday outfit to Diwali, your home deserves a festive makeover too. But here’s the secret: you don’t need a full renovation. Every space can be revitalised with carefully chosen textiles that are styled.

This year, silk, brocade, and velvet are taking centre stage in home décor. Rich in texture, colour, and cultural heritage, these fabrics are the ultimate festive upgrade.

Here’s how to use them with elegance and ease.

Silk: The Soul of Indian Elegance

Few materials speak to Indian luxury like silk. Its natural sheen and graceful drape make it perfect for festive decor.

Where to Use Silk in Home Décor:

Cushion Covers: Swap out everyday cotton for pure or raw silk cushions in jewel tones like emerald, ruby, and gold.
Curtains: Silk or silk-blend drapes instantly elevate the look of a room. Pair with sheer layers for softness.
Table Runners & Napkins: A silk runner over a neutral tablecloth adds instant festive charm.
Wall Hangings: Frame pieces of vintage silk sarees or dupattas as statement art.

Style Tip: Mix matte and glossy textures. To strike a balance between luxury and earthiness, combine silk
with cane, jute, or wood.

Brocade: Royal Touch, Timeless Impact

Traditionally woven with metallic threads, brocade brings regal Indian heritage into your interiors.

Where to Use Brocade:

Accent Cushions: Even one or two brocade cushions can make a sofa or bed look instantly festive.
Upholstery: Upholster stools, pouffes, or a headboard with brocade fabric for a small space that makes a big statement.
Pooja Room Decor: Use a brocade cloth as backdrop panels behind idols or drape it over your mandir table.
Dining Decor: Brocade table runners, placemats, or coasters add a traditional layer to modern dining spaces.

Style Tip: Don’t make brocade the base; instead, make it the focal point. It works best in contrast with
solid colours and simple textures.

Velvet: Luxe, Warm, and Winter-Perfect

Velvet is appearing again in Indian homes and on fashion runways. It’s rich, tactile, and ideal for cooler months.

Where to Use Velvet:

Sofa Throws & Blankets: A velvet throw draped casually over your sofa adds instant warmth and richness.
Floor Cushions & Pouffes: Perfect for creating extra seating in style.
Accents made of bed linens: A velvet cushion or a bed covering in burgundy, midnight blue, or deep green creates the look of a boutique hotel.
Curtains: Heavy velvet drapes not only insulate but also frame your windows with grandeur.

Style Tip: Don’t make brocade the base; instead, make it the focal point. It works best in contrast with
solid colours and simple textures.

Fabric Styling Ideas for a Festive Makeover

Want a quick upgrade? Try these:

Layer various textiles: To add depth without going overboard, use a silk foundation, velvet accents, and a brocade highlight that are all in the same colour family.
Stick to a colour theme: Jewel tones (sapphire, emerald, amethyst) are trending for 2025. Neutrals with gold work just as well for minimalists.
Don’t forget scent and light: Combine rich fabrics with scented candles, brass diyas, and soft fairy lights for a full sensory experience.

Final Thought: Make Your Home Feel Like a Celebration

Festive décor is about purpose, not about going overboard.

You can create a space that embodies the essence of your home and the spirit of the season by selecting the appropriate fabrics, such as velvet for warmth, silk for elegance, and brocade for tradition.

Therefore, let your house look its most festive before the guests arrive and the sweets are served.

Let’s celebrate ease, fashion, and a day that begins the moment you walk through the door.

A BRAND OF OUIPL

Issue : October 2025