Tax is not normally an subject to make the heart flutter, but there was more than a ripple of excitement in hospitality circles last year when the Government announced that hotels and restaurants were allowed to become part of a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).

The reason? Becoming part of a REIT allows you to invest in property without paying corporation tax. It allows individuals to invest in property listed on the stock exchange.  The properties within the portfolio must comply with what is known as Schedule A – ie generate their own income, generally through a fixed commercial rent.

But operators have been slow to join the REIT bandwagon with the major pub groups falling over themselves to rule out converting to REIT status and most hotels taking a watching brief. That was all set to change when Vector Hospitality, led by industry heavyweights Richard Balfour-Lynn and David Michels, announced the intention to float. However, it has now stalled due to lack of take-up and shareholder concern.

Nevertheless, the issue is set to run and run and you will be able to follow its progress here on this dedicated landing page, where we round-up all the news stories and comment surrounding REITs.

What is a REIT? >>

REIT news round-up

Malmaison owner denies accusations of Vector mismanagement >>

Vector pulls out of £2b floatation >>

First hotel REIT drops its share price >>

Vector Hospitality puts share price at about £10 >>
 
Two iconic hoteliers on verge of floating first European hotel REIT >>

Pub operator Mitchells & Butlers rules out REIT conversion for now >>

Punch Taverns rules out REIT in short term >>

REIT comment and analysis

Industry welcomes new rules on REITs >>

Pub groups could qualify as REITs, say analysts >>

REITs and hotel investment >>