SEBI’s move to expand the definition of a strategic investor is a progressive step for India’s REIT and InvIT ecosystem. The inclusion of Qualified Institutional Buyers such as pension funds, provident funds, insurance companies, and AIFs addresses a long-standing gap. It will bring much-needed depth and stability to public offerings. With long-term institutional investors now part of the framework, we can expect improved liquidity and a smoother capital-raising journey for REIT and InvIT issuers. This regulatory clarity also signals India’s readiness to attract global institutional capital into real estate and infrastructure.

SEBI’s reclassification of REITs as equity is equally significant. It aligns India with global markets and enables stronger institutional participation.

At Strata, we see this as a positive signal for the broader real estate investment trust landscape in India. We are encouraged by SEBI’s progressive approach to strengthening institutional frameworks. As the regulator continues to refine and mature these structures, we are confident the SM REIT segment will also benefit from similar enabling provisions over time.