Top 5 REITs with the Highest Dividends in Singapore
Dividend lovers in Singapore know this well: few things feel as rewarding as seeing passive income roll in every quarter. With interest rates shifting and inflation making everyone more mindful of where their dollars sit, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) continue to attract attention. They’re simple, dividend-driven, and don’t require you to chase complex stock picks or buy entire properties.
So, what are the top 5 REITs with the highest dividends in Singapore, and why are they worth watching in 2025? Let’s break it down clearly, with numbers, facts, and easy-to-digest insights.
What Makes REITs in Singapore So Popular?
- Accessibility: You can start with just a few hundred dollars.
- Consistent dividends: Many REITs in Singapore pay 5–8% annually.
- Diversification: Instead of buying one building, you’re investing in multiple properties.
- Regulation: Singapore REITs must pay at least 90% of taxable income as dividends.
“Are Singapore REITs good for passive income?”
Yes. Singapore REITs are considered one of the most reliable sources of consistent passive income, often providing higher yields than fixed deposits.
Top 5 REITs with the Highest Dividends in Singapore
Here’s the part you’ve been waiting for. These REITs are selected based on dividend yields, portfolio stability, and growth potential.
1. CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT)
- Dividend Yield: ~6%
- Portfolio: Shopping malls + offices in Singapore
- Why it’s attractive: CICT owns prime assets like Plaza Singapura and Raffles City. As consumer foot traffic rebounds, rental income remains resilient.
- Unique point: It’s one of the largest REITs in Singapore, offering both stability and scale.
Tip: Many beginners overlook how central retail REITs are tied to Singapore’s tourism recovery. CICT is well-positioned to benefit from increased travel.
2. Mapletree Logistics Trust (MLT)
- Dividend Yield: ~5.8%
- Portfolio: Warehouses and logistics properties across Asia-Pacific
- Why it’s attractive: E-commerce growth means logistics demand remains strong. MLT owns properties not only in Singapore but also China, Japan, and Australia.
- Unique point: Provides geographical diversification while being Singapore-listed.
Common mistake: Some investors think logistics REITs are “boring.” But boring often equals steady cash flow and reliable payouts.
3. Ascendas REIT
- Dividend Yield: ~5.5%
- Portfolio: Business parks, data centers, and industrial properties
- Why it’s attractive: Digital transformation fuels demand for data centers and tech parks. Ascendas has exposure to high-growth sectors, not just traditional real estate.
- Unique point: Largest listed business-space and industrial REIT in Singapore.
“Is Ascendas REIT good for tech exposure?”
Yes. Its strong exposure to data centers and business parks gives you indirect exposure to the booming tech economy.
4. Keppel DC REIT
- Dividend Yield: ~6.2%
- Portfolio: Data centers across Asia and Europe
- Why it’s attractive: With AI, cloud services, and streaming all exploding, data centers are the backbone. This REIT directly taps into that growth.
- Unique point: One of the few REITs in Singapore focused almost entirely on data centers.
Singapore’s data center market is projected to grow at 9% annually through 2028. Keppel DC REIT is a clear beneficiary.
5. Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT)
- Dividend Yield: ~5.7%
- Portfolio: Suburban malls like Causeway Point and Northpoint City
- Why it’s attractive: Even in downturns, suburban malls stay busy with everyday shopping and dining traffic. This resilience translates into steady dividends.
- Unique point: A “neighborhood REIT” that benefits from stable footfall regardless of tourism swings.
Quick Comparison Table
| REIT Name | Dividend Yield | Key Strength | Portfolio Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CapitaLand Integrated (CICT) | ~6% | Prime malls & offices | Retail + Commercial |
| Mapletree Logistics Trust (MLT) | ~5.8% | Strong logistics + e-commerce growth | Warehouses |
| Ascendas REIT | ~5.5% | Data centers & business parks | Industrial + Tech |
| Keppel DC REIT | ~6.2% | Pure data center exposure | Data centers |
| Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT) | ~5.7% | Stable suburban malls | Retail |
Practical Tips for Investing in REITs
- ✅ Check gearing ratio: Lower debt = more resilience.
- ✅ Look at occupancy rates: A mall with 95% tenants filled is healthier than one at 80%.
- ✅ Consider dividend payout trends: Stable or growing dividends are better than volatile ones.
- ✅ Don’t chase yield blindly: A 9% yield might mean risks like declining property value.
- ✅ Diversify: Balance between retail, logistics, and data centers to smoothen risks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Focusing only on yield: High yield with poor fundamentals can backfire.
- ❌ Ignoring regional exposure: Some REITs own overseas assets—know the risks.
- ❌ Over-concentrating: Putting all money into one REIT increases risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average dividend yield for Singapore REITs?
The average dividend yield for Singapore REITs is between 5% and 6.5%, making them one of the most attractive income investments in Asia.
Are REIT dividends in Singapore taxable?
No. REIT dividends distributed to individual investors in Singapore are typically tax-exempt, which makes them even more attractive.
Which REITs are safest in Singapore?
Large-cap REITs like CICT and Ascendas are considered safer due to diversified portfolios and strong financial backing.
How often do Singapore REITs pay dividends?
Most Singapore REITs pay dividends semi-annually, though some issue quarterly distributions.
Can foreigners invest in Singapore REITs?
Yes. Foreign investors can easily invest in Singapore REITs through the stock exchange (SGX).
Conclusion: Picking the Right REIT for You
If you’re looking for a balance of safety and profitability, Singapore’s REIT market is hard to beat. Whether you want stability from suburban malls, growth from data centers, or steady income from logistics properties, there’s something for every investor.
Start small, diversify across sectors, and always watch the fundamentals. Your portfolio (and future self) will thank you.
👉 Ready to build passive income? Explore these REITs today and see how steady dividends can grow your wealth.
