How MICs Compare to REITs

When it comes to real estate investing, most investors try to climb the real estate ladder by becoming a landlord first, then dealing with the hassles of legal issues, tenancy, and maintenance. Though, this is not the only way to start. Real estate mutual funds, such as Mortgage Investment Corporations (MICs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), offer an investment alternative to investing in real estate as an investor.

A mortgage investment corporation (MIC) and a real estate investment trust (REIT) may sound similar, but they are quite different. They have some similarities that can be tied together, but knowing the differences between them can help you decide which one is right for you.

Although REITs and MICs both are in the same asset class, many differences exist that investors should be aware of, first, we should know what are they.

Owning income-generating property is a sound investment strategy, but being a landlord comes with its own set of challenges. A REIT is a place where investors can be freed from the hassles of managing the day-to-day business of owning real estate. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) offer investors a low-cost way to own real estate and typically derive monthly income from rentals from tenants who occupy the buildings. This income is distributed to investors in dividend forms.

A Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC) has many advantages. If you are a first-time investor investing directly in individual mortgages, investing in MIC gives you a hands-on approach to accessing mortgage investments. This frees investors from all administrative duties and allows them to pool their resources and make concerted efforts to achieve things they could not necessarily achieve on their own.

Residential mortgage loans are MIC’s primary real estate sector, as determined by the Canadian Income Tax law. MIC loans are limited to Canadian real estate loans and must invest at least 50% of MIC assets in mortgages or insured deposits, credit union deposits, or both.

Although MIC and REIT look very similar, some key differences distinguish them. While there are some similarities between MICs and REITs, there are also differences. One such example is the percentage of properties in each fund that must be Canadian residents. A MIC must hold at least 50% of the mortgage in Canadian real estate, while a REIT must hold at least 75%

With MIC, the investment is mortgaged. REITs, on the other hand, invest in physical real estate. It is often income-generating real estate such as apartments, hotels, shopping malls, and infrastructure. MIC cannot manage or develop physical assets like REITs. They can only handle mortgages. Mortgages are loans that the borrower has to repay, so they offer some degree of security. It also doesn’t have as many unforeseen problems as physical properties.

Investing in a company that has experience in a particular sector and has always been dedicated to that style of investment may give you more security. However, REITs are more flexible as they can be publicly traded.

Both MICs and REITs are investments and also pool funds dedicated to the real estate area. A group of individual investors pool their money to buy stocks they could not buy otherwise. This investment style is best suited for real estate, allowing investors to own shares in different real estate properties, resulting in a more diversified investment portfolio.

One of the other important similarities between MICs and REITs is that the investment company divides profits with minimal if any, taxation. These dividends are derived from the profits or interest generated by the Fund and are paid directly to investors.

Alternative investments offer investors a variety of options. While many of these options may overlap, there are distinct differences that complicate the investor’s decision-making process. Choosing between a mortgage investment corporation and a real estate investment trust is one example of these situations. As with most investments, decisions ultimately come down to investment goals and risk tolerance. If you have more questions about MIC and REIT and how they can help your investment portfolio, contact the CANGUARD team.