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The evolution of Belgium REITs

Author

Listed:
  • Muhammad Jufri Marzuki
  • Graeme Newell
Abstract
Purpose - The Belgium Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market was created primarily to facilitate a transparent, professionally managed and fiscally efficient market, providing access to the European property markets. Being the 2nd oldest REIT market in Europe, it has undergone many evolutionary changes over the years that add to its considerable stature as a sophisticated investment opportunity. This includes an increased recent focus on the social infrastructure property sectors such as healthcare, care facilities and nursing homes, consistent with the evolving investment mandates requiring stronger integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects in the investment strategy formulation. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the strategic transformation of Belgium REITs and empirically assess their performance attributes over 1995–2018. Sub-period performance dynamics of Belgium REITs in the pre-global financial crises (GFC) (1995–2007) and post-GFC (2009–2018) contexts are provided. Design/methodology/approach - In total, 23-year monthly total returns over 1995–2018 were used to analyse the risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification potential of Belgium REITs. The traditional mean-variance portfolio optimisation model using theex-postreturns, risk and correlation coefficient of Belgium REITs and other financial assets was developed to determine the added-value benefits of Belgium REITs in a diversified investment framework. The analysis was further extended to cover the sub-periods of pre-GFC (1995–2007) and post-GFC (2009–2018). Findings - The results of the analysis provide a strong investment case for Belgium REITs, as they are able to deliver a discernible premium in the total return performance, superior risk-adjusted returns and strong diversification benefits with the stock market in a long-term investment horizon. Broadly consistent results are similarly observed in the sub-period analysis over varying market conditions. Importantly, the role of Belgium REITs in a diversified investment framework was also empirically validated, as they enhanced the mixed-asset portfolio performance comprised of the traditional asset classes of stocks and bonds across a broad portfolio risk-return spectrum. Dividend yield was also found to be a key component of the financial performance of Belgium REITs. Practical implications - The Belgium REIT market has evolved to become the 5th largest market in Europe by the capitalisation volume. This is mainly due to the robust regulatory support and innovations since its debut which have resulted in a polished framework that is both supportive and attractive to financial players and investors. The broad direct consequence of this paper is to highlight the performance attributes of Belgium REITs, adding clarity to the ongoing discussion regarding the viability of European REITs as a liquid and tax transparent route for institutional investors to obtain their property exposure. The strong dividend yield and ESG/social infrastructure focus of Belgium REITs sees Belgium REITs well-placed going forward to meet the evolving investment mandates from major investors. Originality/value - This paper is the first empirical investigation that elucidates the risk-adjusted performance and role of Belgium REITs as an important property investment opportunity. It equips investors and practitioners with an independent and comprehensive empirical validation of the strategic role of Belgium REITs in a portfolio. Well-informed and practical property investment decision making regarding the use of Belgium REITs for access to the property asset class is the main outcome of this paper.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Jufri Marzuki & Graeme Newell, 2019. "The evolution of Belgium REITs," Journal of Property Investment & Finance, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 37(4), pages 345-362, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:jpifpp:jpif-03-2019-0029
    DOI: 10.1108/JPIF-03-2019-0029
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Kola Ijasan & Peterson Owusu Junior & George Tweneboah & Tunbosun Oyedokun & Anokye M. Adam, 2021. "Analysing the relationship between global REITs and exchange rates: Fresh evidence from frequency-based quantile regressions," Advances in Decision Sciences, Asia University, Taiwan, vol. 25(3), pages 58-91, September.
    2. Kumala, Calvin & Ye, Zhen & Zhu, Yite & Ke, Qiulin, 2024. "Why does price deviate from net asset value? The case of Singaporean infrastructure REITs," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    3. Cherif Famara Badji & Cristiane Benetti & Renato Guimaraes, 2021. "Diversification Benefits of European REIT, Equities and Bonds," Post-Print hal-03592183, HAL.
    4. Daniel Ibrahim Dabara & Job Taiwo Gbadegesin & Abdul-Rasheed Amidu & Tunbosun Biodun Oyedokun & Augustina Chiwuzie, 2021. "Do REITs Hedge against Inflation? Evidence from an African Emerging Market," AfRES 2021-033, African Real Estate Society (AfRES).
    5. Kola Ijasan & George Tweneboah & Maurice Omane-Adjepong & Peterson Owusu Junior, 2019. "On the global integration of REITs market returns: A multiresolution analysis," Cogent Economics & Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 7(1), pages 1690211-169, January.
    6. Shirley Kempeneer & Michaël Peeters & Tine Compernolle, 2021. "Bringing the User Back in the Building: An Analysis of ESG in Real Estate and a Behavioral Framework to Guide Future Research," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-12, March.
    7. Gregory W. Fuller, 2021. "The financialization of rented homes: continuity and change in housing financialization," Review of Evolutionary Political Economy, Springer, vol. 2(3), pages 551-570, December.

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