中国基础设施公募 REITs（第三辑）：从起步到加速发展-China_ C-REITs (No. 3)_ From debut to acceleration

Summary of C-REITs Market Analysis Industry Overview - The analysis focuses on the China Real Estate Investment Trusts (C-REITs) market, which has experienced rapid growth since the second half of 2024, supported by favorable policies and a low-rate macro environment [1][2][3]. Key Insights - As of June 2025, a total of 68 C-REITs have been listed, with an aggregate market capitalization of over Rmb205 billion (approximately US$28 billion), marking a fivefold increase from the end of 2021 [1][11]. - C-REITs represent 0.15% of China's GDP and 0.24% of the total stock market, compared to less than 0.05% at the end of 2021 [11][16]. - The market is projected to expand significantly, with estimates suggesting a potential market cap growth to 6x/9x in 5 years and 14x/21x in 10 years under different scenarios [3][50]. Performance Metrics - C-REITs have shown solid performance relative to other major investment asset classes since 2024, maintaining a competitive yield spread of 220 basis points over mainstream 5-year deposit rates [2][27]. - By the first half of 2025, C-REITs were trading at a ~30% premium to net asset value (NAV), with average yields compressing to approximately 4% [27][37]. Policy Support and Market Dynamics - Key policies driving C-REITs growth include the introduction of new asset classes (e.g., elderly care facilities) and regulatory clarity that reclassified REIT units as equity instruments, enhancing earnings stability for sponsors [12][46]. - The market has seen an acceleration in IPOs and follow-on offerings, with five C-REITs completing follow-ons since June 2023, accounting for about 36% of total capital raised [11][19]. Challenges and Risks - Despite the growth, the financial performance of underlying assets has not improved significantly for most C-REITs, which poses risks to future market expansion [4][77]. - The potential impact of C-REITs on reducing the high debt burden in the real estate sector is expected to be limited unless the market scales up significantly [57][59]. Future Outlook - The growth of C-REITs is contingent on several factors, including the improvement of underlying asset performance, diversification of asset classes, and increased participation from institutional investors [77][78]. - The potential for C-REITs to contribute to the real estate sector's deleveraging will depend on the speed and efficiency of market scaling, supported by continuous policy initiatives [77][78]. Additional Observations - The C-REITs market is characterized by a diverse sponsor profile, with over 50% of listed C-REITs being non-developer local state-owned enterprises (SOEs) [67]. - The liquidity of C-REITs is expected to improve, with projections indicating that around 70% of currently listed C-REITs could be free-float by the second half of 2026 [42]. This comprehensive analysis highlights the rapid growth and potential of the C-REITs market in China, while also addressing the challenges and future opportunities that lie ahead.