In this conversation, Muhammad Ejaz, CEO of Arif Habib Dolen REIT discussed the significance of real estate investment, particularly in Pakistan, where awareness and understanding of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are limited. He explores the structure and benefits of REITs, using Dolman City REIT as a case study. The discussion also covers macroeconomic factors affecting the real estate market, challenges faced in Pakistan, the regulatory framework governing REITs, and strategies for investors to manage risks and analyze potential investments. The conversation concludes with advice for retail investors looking to navigate the real estate sector effectively. Takeaways Real estate holds 70% of the world's wealth. REITs provide a way for small investors to access real estate. Dolman City REIT has shown robust growth despite economic challenges. Macroeconomic factors like inflation and currency volatility impact REITs. Documentation of the economy is crucial for real estate development. Investors should focus on the quality of tenants in real estate. Transaction costs in Pakistan are significantly higher than in other markets. The regulatory framework for REITs has evolved since 2008. Valuation methods for real estate include replacement cost and income capitalization. Retail investors need to be more informed about real estate opportunities. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Real Estate Investment 03:10 Understanding REITs and Their Functionality 06:03 Dolman City REIT: A Case Study 08:57 Macroeconomic Factors Affecting REITs 12:12 Challenges in Pakistan's Real Estate Market 15:03 Regulatory Framework for REITs 17:58 Investment Strategies and Risk Management 21:10 Valuation Methods for Real Estate 24:07 Identifying Risks in Real Estate Investments 26:56 Future of Dolman City REIT and Diversification 30:12 Analyzing REITs: Key Performance Indicators 32:53 Advice for Retail Investors in Real Estate