With the Straits Times Index approaching record levels, many blue-chip REITs have seen their yields decrease.

Amidst such market conditions, finding REITs with attractive payouts can be challenging. However, some REITs continue to offer compelling yields above 6%.

Let's explore five REITs maintaining high yields despite a market surge, and what implications this has for investors.

Elite UK REIT

As Singapore's sole UK-focused REIT, Elite UK REIT primarily holds properties leased to the UK government and public-sector entities.

The REIT's distributable income rose by 5.8% year-on-year to £9.7 million, while its distribution per unit (DPU) increased by 10% to £0.0154 in the first half of 2025 (1H2025).

Elite UK REIT improved its net gearing ratio by 1.8 percentage points year-over-year in 1H2025 to 40.7%.

Borrowing costs were reduced to 4.8% as of 30 June 2025 due to refinancing and debt optimization efforts undertaken in 2024.

With a 95% occupancy rate and more than 99% of rental income guaranteed by the UK Government, the REIT boasts stable cash flows.

Though the current portfolio has a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 2.9 years, new acquisitions offer a longer WALE of 7.2 years.

The REIT's shares, priced at £0.36, have reached their 52-week high.

1H2025's DPU standing at £0.0154 per unit reflects a 10% increase year-over-year, with the total 2024 DPU amounting to £0.0287.

Despite high market levels, Elite UK REIT's trailing annual dividend yield remains robust at 8.4%.

However, investors should be cautious of currency risks due to its trading in pound sterling, exposing Singapore-based investors to GBP/SGD fluctuations.

Factors such as interest rate changes, potential recessions, and evolving government policies in the UK could also affect property valuations and rental demand.

United Hampshire US REIT

United Hampshire US REIT (UHREIT) mainly invests in grocery-anchored and necessity-based retail properties, along with climate-controlled self-storage facilities in the US.

As of 30 June 2025, occupancy for UHREIT's Grocery & Necessity Properties was high at 97.2% with a long WALE of 7.6 years.

Self-storage facilities in Carteret and Millburn reported healthy occupancy rates of 94.6% and 96.0%, respectively.

The REIT's distributable income for 1H2025 increased by 2.4% year-on-year to US$13.0 million, with a 4% rise in DPU.

During 1H2025, UHREIT paid a DPU of US$0.0209, marking a 4.0% increase from US$0.0201 in 1H2024, resulting in a trailing annual yield of 8.3%.

UHREIT's debt maturity profile is well spread, with no refinancing needed until November 2026.

The REIT maintains a moderate net aggregate leverage of 36.1%, with 78.5% of borrowings fixed or hedged against interest rate changes.

As a REIT, UHREIT's reliance on debt for acquisitions and operations makes it sensitive to interest rate fluctuations.

Nevertheless, UHREIT benefits from a reliable tenant mix predominantly in necessity-based retail, ensuring stable occupancy and rental income.

AIMS APAC REIT

AIMS APAC REIT holds a diverse range of industrial, logistics, and business park properties, primarily in Singapore and Australia.

The REIT's portfolio occupancy stood at 93.7%, with a WALE of 4.4 years.

With a low gearing ratio of 28.9%, AIMS APAC REIT retains robust financial flexibility, supported by undrawn committed facilities and cash reserves of around S$312.1 million.

Strategic acquisitions, portfolio rejuvenation, and divestments underpin the REIT's success.

Recently, AIMS APAC REIT achieved a successful divestment of 3 Toh Tuck Link at a 32.5% premium over valuation, using proceeds to repay debt and fund growth initiatives.

The REIT reported a 1QFY2026 DPU of S$0.0228, reflecting a 0.4% annual increase, with a trailing yield of approximately 6.9%.

The REIT's diversified portfolio is well-supported by 190 tenants from various sectors.

With 82.3% of gross rental income derived from tenants in stable industries, the REIT enjoys steady and reliable earnings.

Despite geopolitical challenges such as US tariffs and rising US debt concerns, the REIT's focus on the Singapore and Australia markets offers a favorable position relative to other regions.

Digital Core REIT

Digital Core REIT is a leading data center REIT with facilities across the US and Canada, serving blue-chip clients.

In the first nine months of 2025, the REIT reported an 83.9% year-on-year increase in revenue to US$132.4 million, with a 49.6% rise in net property income to US$67.7 million.

The portfolio occupancy stands at 98%, excluding a Virginia property under refurbishment, with a WALE of 4.7 years.

With a 6.9% dividend yield, the REIT disbursed a US$0.018 per unit dividend for 1H2025.

Utilizing an 86% fixed-rate debt structure, the REIT boasts an aggregate leverage of 38.5% with no debt maturities until December 2027.

The REIT's stable portfolio, serving over 120 customers and leading global cloud providers, ensures enduring demand.

Growth prospects are underpinned by trends such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, which promise continued digital spending increases.

Nevertheless, potential risks include tenant concentration, competition in the data center market, and technological cycle exposure, which could affect the REIT's income.

ESR-REIT

ESR-REIT manages a diversified portfolio of logistics and industrial properties across the Asia-Pacific, with total assets around S$5.9 billion.

In 1H2025, the REIT recorded a gross revenue of S$222.9 million, a 23.2% increase from S$180.9 million in 1H2024.

Also, ESR-REIT presented a positive rental reversion of 9.7% in 1H2025, with a portfolio occupancy of 91.2% and a WALE of 4.1 years.

The trailing annual dividend yield stands at 7.5%, with a 1H2025 DPU of S$0.1124, a 0.2% rise from S$0.1122 in 1H2024.

Despite its high gearing of 42.6%, efforts are underway to reduce it below 40%.

The interest coverage ratio remains strong at 2.4x, surpassing the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) regulatory minimum of 1.5x, indicating solid debt management.

With most assets in Singapore, factors like U.S. tariffs and sector-specific tariffs affecting the pharmaceutical industry could impact Singapore's export-reliant economy, consequently affecting ESR-REIT.