No matter what’s happening in the world, real estate remains one of the most reliable and time-tested ways to build wealth. And by investing as a unitholder—not a landlord—you can unlock even greater certainty and returns, without the stress of ownership.

Carmen Campagnaro, principal and trustee of District™ Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and Nick Wright, securities lawyer and founder of Startly Inc., recently shared how investing in a REIT is an easy, stress-free way to add real estate to your portfolio.

Q: What are the benefits of investing in a REIT over direct ownership?

“Through a REIT like District™, investors gain access to a diversified portfolio of residential, commercial, and industrial properties—without the need to qualify for a mortgage or manage tenants,” says Carmen Campagnaro, Principal and Trustee of District™ REIT.

“At District™, your portfolio is managed by professionals, with a five-year historic annual distribution of 8%*, paid monthly. Investors can also participate in the Distribution Reinvestment Plan (DRIP), which has delivered over 15%** average annual returns over five years—including asset value growth and rising unit prices.”

Q: What is the DRIP and how does it benefit investors?

“With the DRIP, investors can reinvest monthly distributions instead of taking them in cash,” explains Wright, “It allows your investment to grow faster through compounding, and those who do so enjoy a 2*** per cent bonus on the distribution amount.”

“District™ REIT is also Registered Funds eligible, meaning RRSPs, TFSAs, and other plans can participate in the DRIP,” adds Carmen Campagnaro. “Your money is never sitting idle—it’s always working for you. “In today’s economy, that kind of performance really matters.”

Q:  Why invest in a REIT over the stock market?

“Real estate is bricks and mortar—tangible, essential, and historically stable—which brings me comfort,” says Campagnaro. “Stocks can swing wildly based on headlines or global events. Real estate doesn’t react the same way—it generates steady income and holds long-term value. Especially in today’s climate, investors are looking for something grounded. Through a REIT like District™, you get exposure to strong, income-producing properties without the day-to-day management or the unpredictability of the stock market.”

Q:  How can people get into a REIT?

“Investments are made through Startly Inc. as Exempt Market Dealer. The minimum investment is $10,000 and through the investor onboarding process we can determine the total amount you are eligible to invest, says Wright.

Whether you’re looking to diversify your portfolio, generate passive income, or maximize your investment potential, District™ REIT offers a hassle-free way to enter the real estate market. Get started today by contacting info@DistrictReit.ca or visiting DistrictReit.ca to learn more.

*No assurances can be given that the Target Return or Target Portfolio Appreciation will be achieved; see the full offering materials for detailed terms and conditions.

**Assuming an investment was on DRIP, and was invested 5 years ago, the average annual return was 15.35% or 1.28% monthly including capital appreciation. This assumes the compounding impact of the DRIP and the unit price increases seen since 5 years ago.

***Investors that elect to participate in the DRIP should consult their own tax advisors for advice with respect to the income tax consequences of participating in the DRIP.