Key Takeaways
- • YCharts ranked the best-performing REITs and REIT ETFs across YTD, 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year lookback periods as of September 30, 2026, using its Fund Screener.
- • Equinix (EQIX) was the top 10-year REIT: a $10,000 investment 10 years ago would have grown to $34,040 on a total return basis, with Terreno Realty (TRNO) second at $30,730.
- • The top 10-year REIT ETF was iShares Residential and Multisector Real Estate ETF (REZ), turning $10,000 into $18,250; Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) was second at $17,620.
- • Only four REIT ETFs, REZ, XLRE, USRT and RSPR, outperformed the Dow Jones US Real Estate Index over the last 10 years, per YCharts.
- • The article is a screener-based data piece with no investment recommendation; YCharts disclaims any investment advice.
Summary
YCharts has published an updated ranking of the best-performing real estate investment trusts (REITs) and REIT exchange-traded funds, based on its Fund Screener and data as of October 4, 2026. The rankings cover year-to-date 2026 through September 30, 2026, along with annualized returns for the one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods, with separate lists for individual REITs and REIT ETFs.
On a 10-year basis, the article reports that a $10,000 investment in any of the ten best-performing REITs made 10 years earlier would now be worth no less than $20,000. Equinix, Inc. (EQIX) ranked first, with $10,000 growing to $34,040 on a total return basis, followed by Terreno Realty Corp. (TRNO) at $30,730. The top ten REIT ETFs were each worth at least $15,000 from a $10,000 starting investment, which YCharts notes provides broader diversification across underlying holdings than a typical single REIT. REZ led the ETF group at $18,250, ahead of XLRE at $17,620.
YCharts also states that REZ, XLRE, USRT and RSPR were the only four REIT ETFs to outperform the Dow Jones US Real Estate Index over the 10-year period. The article includes background on REITs, which were established in the US by Congress in 1960 through the Cigar Excise Tax Extension. To qualify, REITs must invest at least 75% of total assets in real estate, derive at least 75% of gross income from rents or mortgage interest, and distribute at least 90% of taxable income as dividends. YCharts also flags interest rate sensitivity and limits on reinvestment as key risks. The piece is presented as research data, and YCharts states it does not provide investment advice or recommendations.
On a 10-year basis, the article reports that a $10,000 investment in any of the ten best-performing REITs made 10 years earlier would now be worth no less than $20,000. Equinix, Inc. (EQIX) ranked first, with $10,000 growing to $34,040 on a total return basis, followed by Terreno Realty Corp. (TRNO) at $30,730. The top ten REIT ETFs were each worth at least $15,000 from a $10,000 starting investment, which YCharts notes provides broader diversification across underlying holdings than a typical single REIT. REZ led the ETF group at $18,250, ahead of XLRE at $17,620.
YCharts also states that REZ, XLRE, USRT and RSPR were the only four REIT ETFs to outperform the Dow Jones US Real Estate Index over the 10-year period. The article includes background on REITs, which were established in the US by Congress in 1960 through the Cigar Excise Tax Extension. To qualify, REITs must invest at least 75% of total assets in real estate, derive at least 75% of gross income from rents or mortgage interest, and distribute at least 90% of taxable income as dividends. YCharts also flags interest rate sensitivity and limits on reinvestment as key risks. The piece is presented as research data, and YCharts states it does not provide investment advice or recommendations.
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