REITs, or real estate investment trusts, are projected to see a 4.9% sequential growth in their 2026 regular dividends to $61.5B.
Still, the sector is estimated to see a slower dividend momentum in 2026 on the back of a steep drop in special dividends, a November 2025 report by S&P Global Market Intelligence noted.
The sector is expected to grow total dividends by a mere 2.8% this year, compared to an 8.7% compound annual growth rate seen over the past five years. Special dividends are forecasted to fall to about $500M from $1.72B in 2025, Market Intelligence had noted.
Specialized REITs are expected to contribute ~$20B in dividends, the highest among subsectors. Hotel and resort REITs are estimated to contribute the least.
Dividend payouts have rebounded in the sector, but recovery has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, the November 3 report had noted.
Heading into 2026, below are the REITs with the highest dividend yield grades, according to Seeking Alpha:
- NewLake Capital Partners (NLCP)
- Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR)
- Global Net Lease (GNL)
- Global Medical REIT (GMRE)
- Community Healthcare Trust (CHCT)
- Gladstone Commercial (GOOD)
- Park Hotels & Resorts (PK)
- Armada Hoffler Properties (AHH)
- Brandywine Realty Trust (BDN)
- Clipper Realty (CLPR)