An Equity Real Estate Investment Trust, or Equity REIT, is a type of company within the real estate investment industry that owns, operates, and manages income-producing real estate. This real estate may include a wide variety of properties, such as office buildings, shopping malls, apartments, hotels, and warehouses.

Investors can buy shares in an Equity REIT, which allows them to indirectly invest in large-scale, income-producing real estate that may otherwise be out of their financial reach. This model allows investors to gain the benefits of owning real estate, like income from rents and appreciation of property values, without the responsibilities of property management and maintenance.

Equity REITs generate their income primarily through rents rather than from the reselling of properties. This distinguishes them from Mortgage REITs (mREITs), which earn income from the interest on real estate loans.

Equity REITs are required to distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders annually in the form of dividends, which makes them an attractive option for income-focused investors. It’s also worth noting that Equity REITs are traded on major stock exchanges, offering a level of liquidity that direct real estate investments typically lack.

Overall, investing in an Equity REIT can be a way to diversify a portfolio, provide a potential hedge against inflation, and achieve a regular income stream. As with any investment, it’s important to understand the risks involved and to do thorough research before investing.