E&Y: Global REIT Recovery Underway, But Capital Still Struggles

NEW YORK CITY-As REITs continue to fight headwinds, make new acquisitions and recycle assets, the sector is still facing challenges—especially in terms of raising capital, as outlined in a new report by Ernst & Young LLP. 

The study, entitled 2012 Global Perspectives, says that the only country outside the US in which REITs had the ability to raise equity through secondary offerings was Japan during Q1. The report also found that IPOs were wholly an American REIT phenomenon, with US REIT formation accounting for 75% of the $2.4 billion in IPO activity in six markets, including Australia, France, Japan, Singapore, UK and US.