ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant and disrupted impact on the South African economic landscape, with the listed sector and particularly Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) emerging as a highly affected asset class. This research thoroughly examines how the pandemic has influenced the performance, adaptability, and strategic actions of South African REITs in various ways. The study employs a quantitative method to assess financial metrics, including rental revenue, debt ratios, dividend payouts, and changes in market share, across retail, office, logistics, and residential REIT sectors. Findings reveal a sharp decline in revenues, high vacancy rates, and increased financial leverage among retail and office REITs, while logistics-focused REITs demonstrated relative resilience due to rising e-commerce demand. The research also investigates investor sentiment, emphasizing a strategic move toward more diversified and liquid REITs, while assessing the effectiveness of regulatory and fiscal measures implemented to stabilize the sector. Importantly, the paper offers forward-looking recommendations centered on financial resilience, asset diversification, adaptive leasing structures, and sustainable investment practices. Through empirical data and theoretical analysis, this study adds to academic discussions on real estate financialization and post-crisis market recovery, delivering valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and REIT managers facing economic uncertainty.
