While many Singaporeans depend on their CPF accounts for secure and stable returns, the local REIT market presents an attractive option for investors seeking higher income.
Currently, the CPF Ordinary Account guarantees a 2.5% interest rate, while the Special, MediSave, and Retirement Accounts offer a steady 4.0%.
Although these rates are reliable, leading REITs can generate distributions that significantly exceed these benchmarks.
We examine three resilient REITs that have recently announced their financial results.
These trusts provide access to high-quality retail, office, and industrial properties, offering yields that enhance the performance of retirement savings.
Starhill Global REIT
Starhill Global REIT maintains a stable presence in the retail sector with a portfolio of nine mid-to-high-end properties valued at around S$2.8 billion.
Its latest first-half results for FY2025/26 demonstrated notable stability amid market fluctuations.
Gross revenue remained steady year-on-year at S$96.3 million, although net property income declined slightly by 0.8% to S$75.1 million.
This minor decrease was mainly due to the sale of office units at Wisma Atria, rental provisions in China, and a weaker Australian dollar.
However, these factors were largely offset by increased contributions from key assets such as Ngee Ann City and Lot 10.
Investors can take comfort in the distribution per unit holding firm at S$0.018 for the half-year.
Based on a recent unit price of S$0.59, this equates to an appealing annualized distribution yield of about 6.1%, well above the CPF Ordinary Account rate.
The trust's Singapore portfolio is nearly fully occupied at 99.6%, and the recent renewal of the Toshin master lease at Ngee Ann City at a 1.0% higher base rent indicates sustained demand.
Management is also optimizing its capital structure by issuing S$100 million in new perpetual securities at 3.25% to redeem older ones costing 3.85%, effectively reducing financing expenses.
With asset enhancements ongoing at Myer Centre Adelaide and a new tenant secured for its China property starting January 2026, Starhill Global REIT is reinforcing its dependable profile.
Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust
Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust is a major player in the commercial real estate sector, managing S$15.7 billion in assets across five key Asian markets.
Its third-quarter results for FY2026 revealed a mixed performance that ultimately benefited unitholders.
While gross revenue and net property income saw slight declines of 1.9% and 1.2% respectively, distribution per unit increased by 2.5% year-on-year to S$0.0205.
At a unit price of S$1.46, this provides the REIT with a solid annualized distribution yield of around 5.6%.
This improvement was supported by a 10.2% reduction in finance expenses, as the REIT lowered its weighted average cost of debt to 3.20%.
VivoCity remained a standout asset, maintaining full occupancy as of 31 December 2025 and achieving a strong rental reversion of 14.7%.
Shopper traffic and tenant sales at the mall continued to grow, rising 2.6% and 3.8% year-on-year respectively, with sales reaching S$821.0 million.
In contrast, the trust's properties in China experienced challenges, with rental reversions declining by 21.2%.
To address these headwinds, Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust is increasing its focus on Singapore, which currently accounts for 58% of the portfolio value.
The planned S$328.1 million divestment of the Festival Walk office tower is a strategic move that will boost Singapore's contribution to net property income to 66% upon completion in February 2026.
This shift toward the stable domestic market, combined with prudent cost control, positions the trust as a strong candidate for investors seeking superior passive income.
Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust
Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust oversees an extensive portfolio of 113 properties across five countries, with a strong emphasis on the logistics and industrial sectors.
In its recent first-quarter business update for FY2026, the REIT demonstrated strong operational momentum.
Portfolio occupancy increased to 96.2%, up significantly from 95.1% in the prior quarter.
A key driver was Alexandra Technopark in Singapore, where occupancy rose to 86.3% as of 31 December 2025 after the manager successfully leased most of the space vacated by Google.
While the commercial segment experienced a slight negative rental reversion of 1.6% due to lease renewals, the logistics and industrial division delivered an impressive 36.4% positive rental reversion.
At a unit price of S$1.01, the trust offers a trailing distribution yield of approximately 5.9%.
Financially, Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust remains robust, with gearing improving to 34.8% and ample debt headroom of S$592 million.
With borrowing costs stable at 3.1% and a healthy interest coverage ratio of 4.1 times, the REIT is well-equipped to handle current market conditions.
Investors should monitor whether new leases at Alexandra Technopark commence as scheduled by the third quarter of FY2026, as this will be crucial for distribution recovery and maintaining a yield advantage over conventional savings.
Building a Resilient Income Stream
REIT investing requires a long-term perspective, and surpassing CPF returns involves selecting managers capable of adapting to evolving conditions.
Whether through Starhill Global REIT's strategic refinancing, Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust's pivot to Singapore, or Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust's success in leasing large vacancies, these trusts exemplify the active management needed for sustained performance.
Although interest rate fluctuations remain a consideration, high occupancy levels and positive rental reversions across these three REITs provide a sturdy foundation.
By maintaining discipline and concentrating on quality assets, investors can construct a portfolio that delivers reliable, above-market passive income for the long term.
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