In the Union Budget 2026–27, the government announced plans to monetise land and real estate assets owned by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) through a dedicated Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) route. The move aims to unlock value from underused public assets while ensuring a transparent and structured investment framework.
Presenting the Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said REITs have proven to be an effective tool for asset monetisation in India. Based on this experience, the government plans to place CPSE land and commercial properties into specially created REITs. This will help generate revenue without selling assets outright.
Several CPSEs hold large land parcels and buildings in prime urban locations. Many of these assets are currently underutilised. Monetising them through REITs will allow the government to unlock capital and redirect it towards infrastructure development, public spending, and long-term economic priorities.
Unlike direct asset sales, the REIT model supports long-term value creation. It allows the government to retain ownership while earning recurring income through rentals. Over time, these assets may also benefit from market-linked valuation gains, making the approach more sustainable.
REITs are regulated investment vehicles that enable investors to earn income from real estate without directly owning property. The proposed CPSE-focused REITs are expected to deepen India’s REIT market by offering access to stable, income-generating assets backed by public sector entities. This could also attract more institutional investors to the real estate sector.
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