Sebi to relax REITs, InvITs norms

Market regulator Sebi on Friday decided to further relax in norms for REITs and InvITs in a bid to make these instruments more attractive for raising capital.

Several attempts are being made to garner due attention from business houses in the country, but all the efforts failed leading to Sebi reconsidering the proposal to give further relaxations.

In order to facilitate growth of REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and InvITs (Infrastructure Investment Trusts), the Sebi board in its meeting here on Friday decided to ease norms further in this regard. The decision was taken after extensive public consultation.

Sebi had notified the REIT and InvIT Regulations in 2014, allowing setting up and listing of such Trusts, which are very popular in some advanced markets.

However, no single Trust has been set up as yet as investors wanted further measures,



including tax breaks, to make these instruments more attractive. Sebi has granted approval to three companies — IRB Infrastructure, GMR and MEP Infrastructure — to launch InvITs.

While the government provided for certain tax benefits in the Budget this year, Sebi board has now decided to amend REITs and InvIT regulations.

It allowed REITs and InvIT to invest in two-level (special purpose vehicle) structure through holding company. This is subject to sufficient shareholding in the holding company and the underlying SPV.

It removed the limit on the number of sponsors. Currently, three sponsors are required. Besides, such trusts are allowed to have right to appoint majority directors in the SPV.

Further, holding company would be allowed to distribute 100% cash flow realised from underlying SPVs and at least 90% of the remaining cash flow.