Is Real Estate Still One of the Best Ways to Build Passive Income in 2026?
You don’t need to buy a house. You don’t need to deal with tenants. And you definitely don’t need a million pesos sitting in the bank.
The best US REITs to buy in 2026 let you own a slice of some of the most valuable real estate in the world — from skyscraper cell towers to hospital campuses to giant Amazon warehouses — all through a single stock purchase.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are legally required to pay out at least 90% of their taxable income as dividends. That means steady, predictable cash flow hitting your account — whether markets are up or down.
But here’s the catch: not all REITs are worth your money right now.
Some are overpriced. Others are stuck in declining sectors. And a handful? They’re sitting at deeply discounted valuations with massive upside ahead.
This guide breaks down the 10 best US REITs to buy in 2026, ranked by investment quality, dividend yield, and long-term growth potential. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned income investor, there’s something here for you.
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What Is a REIT and Why Should You Invest in One?
A REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust — is a company that owns income-generating real estate. Think shopping malls, apartment complexes, hospitals, data centers, and cell towers.
What makes REITs special is the dividend rule. In exchange for tax benefits, REITs must distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders as dividends. This makes them one of the most reliable passive income vehicles in the stock market.
Here’s why the best US REITs to buy in 2026 are particularly compelling right now:
- Interest rates are stabilizing — lower rates reduce REIT borrowing costs and boost property valuations
- Many REITs are trading below their estimated fair value after years of underperformance
- AI and 5G expansion are creating explosive demand for digital infrastructure REITs
- An aging global population is driving demand for healthcare and senior housing REITs
How We Ranked the Best US REITs to Buy in 2026
Each REIT on this list was evaluated on five criteria:
- Dividend yield and consistency of dividend payments
- Price-to-fair-value ratio (discount or premium to estimated intrinsic value)
- Sector tailwinds and long-term demand drivers
- Balance sheet strength and debt management
- Analyst consensus and institutional conviction
Now let’s get into the picks — counting down from #10 to the single best US REIT to own in 2026.
#10 — Kimco Realty Corporation (NYSE: KIM)
Best US REIT for Grocery-Anchored Retail Income
| Sector | Shopping Centers / Retail |
| Dividend Yield | ~4.6% |
| Why It’s On This List | Largest owner of grocery-anchored shopping centers in the US |
Grocery-anchored retail is one of the most resilient real estate categories in America. People still need to shop for food — regardless of economic conditions or e-commerce growth.
Kimco Realty owns over 500 shopping centers in affluent metropolitan markets across the US. The majority of its anchor tenants are supermarkets and essential retailers, giving Kimco a built-in defensive moat.
Rent growth has been strong, occupancy remains high, and the company’s focus on high-income suburban corridors means its properties attract quality tenants with staying power.
Why It’s a Good Pick for 2026
- Resilient cash flows even in economic downturns
- Strong dividend yield near 4.6% with consistent payout history
- Exposure to consumer spending in affluent ZIP codes
- Trading at a discount to estimated intrinsic value
#9 — Vici Properties Inc. (NYSE: VICI)
Highest Yielding Blue-Chip REIT on This List
| Sector | Gaming & Entertainment |
| Dividend Yield | ~6.2% |
| Why It’s On This List | Iconic casino properties + highest yield among blue-chip REITs |
VICI Properties is not your typical REIT. It owns some of the most iconic entertainment real estate in the world — including Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, and The Venetian on the Las Vegas Strip.
These properties operate on long-term triple-net leases. That means VICI collects rent without worrying about operating costs, maintenance, or management. The tenants handle everything. VICI just cashes the checks.
With a dividend yield around 6.2%, VICI is one of the highest-yielding blue-chip REITs in the US market. And it’s been expanding beyond gaming into entertainment, sports arenas, and experiential venues.
Why It’s a Good Pick for 2026
- ~6.2% dividend yield — one of the best on this list
- Long-term triple-net leases mean highly predictable cash flow
- Expanding beyond gaming into sports and entertainment assets
- Strong balance sheet and investment-grade credit rating
#8 — AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE: AVB)
Premium Apartment REIT in High-Demand US Coastal Markets
| Sector | Residential / Apartments |
| Dividend Yield | ~4.3% |
| Why It’s On This List | Premium apartment communities in high-income coastal markets |
America has a housing shortage. Rents in major coastal cities are near all-time highs. And AvalonBay is one of the biggest beneficiaries.
AVB builds, owns, and manages premium apartment communities in the most supply-constrained markets in the US — Boston, New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, and California. These are markets where it’s extremely difficult to build new housing, which keeps rental demand strong and vacancy rates low.
Morningstar estimates that AvalonBay is currently trading at a significant discount to its fair value, making this one of the best value opportunities among residential REITs in 2026.
Why It’s a Good Pick for 2026
- Significant fair-value discount based on Morningstar estimates
- Strong rent growth potential in supply-constrained coastal markets
- ~4.3% dividend yield with a history of consistent increases
- Direct beneficiary of the US housing shortage
#7 — Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE: EXR)
Top Self-Storage REIT with Strong Growth and Dividend Income
| Sector | Self-Storage |
| Dividend Yield | ~4.8% |
| Why It’s On This List | 2nd-largest self-storage REIT + largest third-party storage manager in the US |
Self-storage is one of the most underrated real estate sectors. During economic booms, people buy more stuff and need storage. During recessions, people downsize and need somewhere to put their belongings. The demand is almost perfectly recession-proof.
Extra Space Storage is the second-largest self-storage REIT in the US and the largest third-party storage manager. After industry consolidation, EXR has built a dominant market position with attractive pricing power in urban and suburban markets.
Why It’s a Good Pick for 2026
- ~4.8% dividend yield with strong track record of increases
- Recession-resistant business model
- Dominant market position after recent industry consolidation
- Attractive combination of income and growth potential
#6 — Welltower Inc. (NYSE: WELL)
Best Healthcare REIT for Long-Term Demographic Tailwinds
| Sector | Healthcare / Senior Housing |
| Dividend Yield | ~2.2% |
| Why It’s On This List | Leading healthcare REIT with aging population tailwind |
Here’s a demographic fact that doesn’t get enough attention: by 2030, over 73 million Americans will be over the age of 65. That’s the largest senior population in US history — and they’re all going to need somewhere to live and receive care.
Welltower owns and operates senior housing communities, medical office buildings, and outpatient facilities across the US, Canada, and the UK. It’s one of the highest-quality operators in the healthcare REIT space.
The dividend yield is lower than others on this list, but the growth profile is exceptional. As demand for senior housing accelerates over the next decade, Welltower is positioned to be one of the biggest winners in the REIT sector.
Why It’s a Good Pick for 2026
- Powerful aging population tailwind through 2030 and beyond
- High-quality operator with strong occupancy and rent growth
- Expanding footprint in senior housing and outpatient facilities
- One of the best long-term compounders among healthcare REITs
#5 — Public Storage (NYSE: PSA)
Most Defensive REIT on the List — Proven Business Model
| Sector | Self-Storage |
| Dividend Yield | ~4.3% |
| Why It’s On This List | America’s largest self-storage operator with strong pricing power |
If you want stability above all else, Public Storage is hard to beat. It’s the largest self-storage operator in the entire United States — with more than 3,000 locations across 40+ states.
PSA has a remarkably durable business model. Storage units have very low capital requirements to maintain, virtually no operating costs, and extremely sticky customers (people rarely move their stuff out once it’s in). The company also generates additional income through insurance products offered to its tenants.
In a year where macroeconomic uncertainty remains elevated, Public Storage’s defensive characteristics make it one of the best US REITs to buy in 2026 for capital preservation alongside income.
Why It’s a Good Pick for 2026
- America’s largest self-storage operator — ultimate defensive REIT
- Highly resilient in economic downturns
- Strong pricing power in urban markets
- Additional earnings from ancillary insurance products
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#4 — Crown Castle Inc. (NYSE: CCI)
Best Value Contrarian Play Among US Infrastructure REITs
| Sector | Cell Towers / Wireless Infrastructure |
| Dividend Yield | ~5.0% |
| Why It’s On This List | Significant discount to fair value + US wireless infrastructure beneficiary |
Crown Castle is one of the most controversial REITs on this list — and that’s exactly why it’s a compelling buy in 2026.
The company owns and operates the largest US-only wireless infrastructure network: over 40,000 cell towers and 90,000 small cells. As mobile data consumption continues growing and 5G networks expand, Crown Castle collects rent from every major US wireless carrier.
Recent years haven’t been kind to CCI — restructuring, asset sales, and management changes have weighed on the stock. But analysts estimate that it’s currently trading at a significant discount to fair value. Contrarian investors willing to look past the noise may find one of the best long-term setups in the REIT sector right here.
Why It’s a Good Pick for 2026
- Trading at a meaningful discount to estimated intrinsic value
- ~5.0% dividend yield — one of the best on this list
- Pure-play US wireless infrastructure — 5G tailwind
- Restructuring may improve operational focus and shareholder returns
#3 — Realty Income Corporation (NYSE: O)
The Monthly Dividend Company — Best REIT for Passive Income
| Sector | Triple-Net Retail |
| Dividend Yield | ~5.2% – 5.6% |
| Why It’s On This List | Monthly dividends, 15,500+ properties, Dividend Aristocrat |
If you’ve ever heard the phrase ‘The Monthly Dividend Company,’ you already know Realty Income. This is arguably the most iconic income REIT on the US stock market.
Realty Income owns more than 15,500 properties across the US and Europe, with tenants that include Walgreens, Dollar General, FedEx, and Walmart. It pays dividends every single month — and has increased that dividend for decades without interruption, earning it a spot among the Dividend Aristocrats.
With a yield between 5.2% and 5.6% and a bulletproof track record, Realty Income is the benchmark passive income REIT for long-term investors.
Why It’s a Good Pick for 2026
- Monthly dividend payments — great for cash flow investors
- 5.2% – 5.6% dividend yield with decades of consecutive increases
- Highly diversified tenant base across retail, industrial, and gaming
- Dividend Aristocrat status — proven through multiple economic cycles
Want more high-yield income ideas? Check out our guide to the 25 best high-yield dividend stocks in the USA — packed with income picks across multiple sectors.
#2 — Prologis, Inc. (NYSE: PLD)
Best Growth REIT — Industrial Logistics Meets AI Infrastructure
| Sector | Industrial / Logistics |
| Dividend Yield | ~3.1% |
| Why It’s On This List | World’s largest logistics REIT with emerging AI data center opportunity |
Prologis is not just an industrial REIT — it’s a global logistics empire. The company owns over 1.2 billion square feet of warehouse space across 19 countries, serving virtually every major retailer, e-commerce company, and supply chain operator on the planet.
But here’s what makes Prologis especially exciting for 2026: it’s quietly positioning itself as a data center developer. The company’s vast portfolio of strategically located, high-power industrial sites is perfectly suited for AI infrastructure. As demand for data centers explodes, Prologis could become a dual-income play — logistics income today, data center income tomorrow.
The dividend yield is lower than some on this list, but the long-term total return potential here is exceptional.
Why It’s a Good Pick for 2026
- World’s largest logistics REIT — unmatched global footprint
- Direct beneficiary of e-commerce growth and supply chain modernization
- Emerging AI data center development opportunity within its portfolio
- Strong operating performance with institutional-grade management
For more on the data center opportunity, read our dedicated guide: 10 Best Data Center REITs to Watch.
#1 — American Tower Corporation (NYSE: AMT)
The Single Best US REIT to Buy in 2026
| Sector | Cell Towers / Digital Infrastructure |
| Dividend Yield | ~4.0% |
| Estimated Upside | ~28% to fair value |
| Why It’s #1 | Global digital infrastructure leader — 5G + mobile data megatrend |
American Tower is the single best US REIT to buy in 2026 — and it’s not particularly close.
The company owns more than 220,000 communications sites across six continents. Every time you make a phone call, stream a video, or use a GPS app, there’s a good chance your data is traveling through an American Tower site.
With 5G rollout still in its early stages globally and mobile data consumption doubling every few years, the demand for cell tower capacity is structurally growing. American Tower doesn’t just own towers — it owns the backbone of the world’s digital communication infrastructure.
Analysts estimate AMT is currently trading at approximately a 28% discount to its estimated fair value. That’s a rare combination: a world-class infrastructure business trading below what it’s worth, while paying a ~4% dividend yield.
This is the kind of setup that long-term investors look back on and say: ‘I should have loaded up when I had the chance.’
Why It’s the #1 Pick for 2026
- Owns 220,000+ communications sites globally — irreplaceable assets
- ~28% upside to estimated fair value according to analyst models
- ~4.0% dividend yield growing consistently year after year
- 5G global expansion is still in the early innings
- Long-term contracts with major wireless carriers provide predictable cash flow
- Considered one of the highest-quality infrastructure REITs in the world
Best US REITs to Buy in 2026: Quick Reference
| Rank | REIT | Ticker | Sector | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | American Tower | AMT | Digital Infrastructure | ~4.0% |
| #2 | Prologis | PLD | Industrial / Logistics | ~3.1% |
| #3 | Realty Income | O | Triple-Net Retail | ~5.2–5.6% |
| #4 | Crown Castle | CCI | Cell Towers | ~5.0% |
| #5 | Public Storage | PSA | Self-Storage | ~4.3% |
| #6 | Welltower | WELL | Healthcare / Senior Living | ~2.2% |
| #7 | Extra Space Storage | EXR | Self-Storage | ~4.8% |
| #8 | AvalonBay | AVB | Residential | ~4.3% |
| #9 | VICI Properties | VICI | Gaming & Entertainment | ~6.2% |
| #10 | Kimco Realty | KIM | Shopping Centers | ~4.6% |
Looking to build a broader income portfolio? Check out our roundup of the top 10 best dividend ETFs — the easiest way to invest in hundreds of dividend stocks at once.
Final Verdict: The Best US REITs to Buy in 2026
The best US REITs to buy in 2026 offer something rare in today’s market: real assets, predictable income, and significant upside potential — all in a single stock.
American Tower leads the pack with its irreplaceable global infrastructure and ~28% upside to fair value. Prologis brings the AI growth angle. Realty Income delivers the most reliable monthly dividends. And VICI Properties offers the highest yield among blue-chip REITs at ~6.2%.
You don’t need to pick just one. A diversified REIT portfolio across digital infrastructure, industrial, income retail, and residential sectors gives you exposure to the most powerful real estate trends of the decade.
The window to buy many of these REITs at discounted valuations may not stay open for long.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Best US REITs to Buy in 2026
1. What are REITs and why should I invest in them?
REITs are companies that own income-generating real estate and are required to pay at least 90% of taxable income as dividends. They offer passive income, diversification, and real estate exposure without requiring you to buy physical property.
2. Which US REIT has the highest dividend yield in 2026?
Among the best US REITs to buy in 2026, VICI Properties (VICI) offers the highest yield at approximately 6.2%, followed by Realty Income (O) at 5.2–5.6% and Crown Castle (CCI) at around 5.0%.
3. Is American Tower the best US REIT to buy right now?
Many analysts consider AMT the top-ranked REIT for 2026, citing its ~28% discount to estimated fair value, global 5G tailwind, and ~4.0% growing dividend yield. It offers a compelling mix of income and long-term capital growth.
4. Can I invest in US REITs if I live outside the United States?
Yes. Platforms like GoTrade allow international investors to buy US-listed REITs including AMT, O, PLD, and others using fractional shares. You can start with a small amount and invest directly from your phone.
5. What is the difference between a REIT and a dividend stock?
REITs are legally required to distribute 90% of taxable income as dividends, making their yields typically higher and more consistent than regular dividend stocks. REITs focus exclusively on real estate, while dividend stocks can come from any industry.
6. Are US REITs a good investment during high interest rates?
REITs generally underperform when interest rates rise sharply because higher rates increase borrowing costs and make bonds more competitive. However, as interest rates stabilize or decline in 2026, many REITs are expected to recover and outperform.
7. Which US REITs pay monthly dividends?
Realty Income (O) is the most well-known monthly dividend REIT, branded as ‘The Monthly Dividend Company.’ Other REITs on this list pay quarterly dividends, which is the standard distribution schedule for most US REITs.
8. What is a triple-net lease REIT and why is it attractive?
A triple-net (NNN) lease means the tenant pays rent plus all property expenses — taxes, insurance, and maintenance. This makes triple-net REITs like Realty Income and VICI Properties extremely predictable, as the REIT collects full rent with minimal operating costs.
9. How do I choose between growth REITs and income REITs?
Growth REITs like Prologis and American Tower offer lower current yields but higher long-term appreciation potential. Income REITs like Realty Income and VICI prioritize high, stable dividends. Your choice depends on whether you want cash flow now or capital growth over time.
10. Is it safe to invest in REITs for beginners?
US REITs listed on major exchanges like NYSE are regulated, transparent, and accessible to beginners. Starting with diversified, high-quality REITs like those on this list reduces risk. Always invest only what you can afford to hold long-term and consider using a reliable platform like GoTrade to get started simply.