Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Over the past decade, the relationship between real estate investment trusts (reits) and rental income yield has become a subject of considerable debate among scholars and industry practitioners alike, particularly within the context of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja where operating conditions differ markedly from more developed markets.

the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja presents a useful setting for examining this relationship precisely because the conditions there — structural, regulatory, and behavioural — differ from those typically assumed in the broader literature, most of which draws on evidence from more developed economies.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite a growing body of literature on real estate investment trusts (reits), there remains limited consensus on the precise nature of its relationship with rental income yield, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Many organizations continue to make decisions about real estate investment trusts (reits) without a clear, evidence-based understanding of how those decisions ultimately affect rental income yield. This gap between practice and empirical understanding is the central problem this study seeks to address.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) on rental income yield in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
2. To assess the extent to which real estate investment trusts (reits) influences rental income yield within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with real estate investment trusts (reits) in relation to rental income yield.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing real estate investment trusts (reits) in order to improve rental income yield.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of real estate investment trusts (reits) on rental income yield in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja?
2. To what extent does real estate investment trusts (reits) influence rental income yield within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with real estate investment trusts (reits) in relation to rental income yield?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize real estate investment trusts (reits) in order to improve rental income yield?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to a range of stakeholders. For policymakers and regulators, the findings offer evidence to guide the design of frameworks that support healthier outcomes around rental income yield. For managers and practitioners within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the study provides practical insight into how real estate investment trusts (reits) can be better managed. Finally, it contributes to the academic literature on estate management by extending existing knowledge into a specific empirical context, and offers a reference point for future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the Study

In terms of scope, this study confines itself to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, focusing specifically on how real estate investment trusts (reits) relates to rental income yield within that setting. Findings are interpreted within these boundaries rather than as universal claims applicable to every organization or market.