New Delhi, Nov. 29 -- Starting January 1, 2026, any investment made by Mutual Funds (MFs) and Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) in Real Estate Investment trusts (REITs) will be considered as an investment in equity-related instruments, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) said in a statement.

With a view to facilitating enhanced participation by MFs and SIFs in REITs, SEBI had made amendments to the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996, to reclassify REITs as equity-related instruments.

"With effect from January 01, 2026, any investment made by Mutual Funds and SIFs in REITs shall be considered as an investment in equity-related instruments," the SEBI circular dated November 28 read.

Any inclusion of REITs in the equity ind...