Core Insights - The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has expanded the scope of infrastructure REITs to include urban renewal projects, which encompasses the renovation of old neighborhoods and factories, as well as comprehensive urban renewal facilities [1][2] - The integration of urban renewal with market-oriented rental housing is expected to revitalize existing assets and meet housing demands in major cities, while avoiding large-scale demolitions [2][3] - The updated list of eligible projects now includes new asset types such as hotels and sports venues, with specific guidelines on their inclusion in the REITs framework [3][4] Summary by Categories Policy Expansion - The newly released list includes urban renewal facilities and commercial office facilities as new sectors for REITs [3] - The inclusion of urban renewal is seen as a strategic move to support the transformation of the real estate industry towards a new development model focused on operation and revitalization of existing assets [1][2] Market Dynamics - The combination of urban renewal and rental housing aligns well with the financing characteristics of REITs, which require stable, long-term funding for projects with significant upfront investment and long cultivation periods [2][3] - The NDRC has been actively working to expand the infrastructure REITs market since its initiation in 2020, with 12 major industries and 52 asset types now included, and 18 asset types having already achieved their first issuance [2][3] Project Guidelines - The new guidelines specify that the initiators of projects in rental housing, consumer infrastructure, commercial office facilities, elderly care facilities, and urban renewal must be independent legal entities focused on long-term operations rather than short-term sales [4] - The maximum allowable area for hotels and commercial office spaces within the underlying assets of a REIT project is set at 30%, with exceptions allowing up to 50% in special cases [3][4]