Information on REICs

Allowed Investments

According to their legal framework REIC are allowed to invest in:

• real estate assets, as well as rights, stock or shares in real estate assets and companies that represent a percentage of at least 80% of their assets,
• deposits and money market instruments,
• transferable securities under Article 22, par. 3 (d), (e) and (f) of L. 2778/1999.
• other current and real estate assets which serve the operational needs of the REIC

REICs may also invest (a) in surface rights and long-term concessions for the use or commercial exploitation of real estate, (b) financial leasing rights of real estate and (c) stocks of companies whose sole purpose is to acquire, manage and exploit real estate as defined in Article 22, par. 3 (d), (e), (f) and (g) of L. 2778/1999.

Important Parameters

• A REIC must pay annual dividends to its shareholders of at least fifty percent (50%) of its annual net profits (Article 27, par. 1, L. 2778/1999)
• No tax is withheld on dividends (Article 31, par. 2, L. 2778/1999).
• Profit from the sale of REIC shares is not taxable (Article 31, par.7, L. 2778/1999).
• No limitation on real estate investment within the EU, only up to 20% of the company's total investment in real estate can be invested outside the EU (Article 22 par. 2c, L. 2778/1999)
• It’s purchase of assets must be appraised by a chartered valuer (Article 22, par. 8, L. 2778/1999).