History of the TLD

.reit is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) created as part of ICANN’s expansion of the domain name system. It was developed specifically for the global Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) industry to provide a dedicated online space for REIT entities. The registry was delegated in 2014 after a community-based application by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (Nareit). The TLD officially launched in 2015 with its first domain registrations. The registry is operated on behalf of the global REIT community to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements.

Main Use and Industry Position

.reit is positioned as a sector-specific TLD exclusively for Real Estate Investment Trusts. It allows qualifying REIT entities to signal their corporate identity and investment focus clearly through their domain name. The TLD enhances trust and recognition among investors, customers, analysts, lenders, and other stakeholders by indicating that the entity using the domain meets established REIT legal and operational criteria.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared to generic TLDs like .com or .net, .reit has narrow industry specificity tailored to the REIT sector, making it distinct and directly relevant for qualified entities. Unlike broader real estate or business TLDs such as .realestate, .reit is restricted to entities that qualify as REITs under applicable national laws. This restricted eligibility improves trust and relevance but limits use outside the REIT sector.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Industry-specific identity for REITs worldwide

• Signals qualification and credibility to stakeholders

• Supports unified branding for the REIT community

Cons

• Restricted eligibility limits use to qualifying REITs

• Registration requirements include documentation and validation

• Annual renewal and compliance requirements can be onerous
  
  

Registration Criteria

Registrations are available only to entities that qualify as Real Estate Investment Trusts under established national REIT laws. Applicants must document their REIT status, and the requested domain name must correspond to the REIT’s legal trade name, commonly recognized name, or ticker symbol. Domain holders must maintain their qualifications and renew annually under continued eligibility.

Summary

.reit is a dedicated top-level domain serving the global community of Real Estate Investment Trusts. It was delegated in 2014 and launched in 2015 under the administration of Nareit. The TLD enhances the online identity and visibility of qualifying REITs by linking their web presence directly with their industry designation. Use of the domain is restricted to entities that meet defined legal and operational criteria for REIT status.