Real estate funds are a form of investment that has gained more and more space in the financial market. They are an alternative for those who want to invest in real estate, but without the need to purchase an entire property, which can require a large initial investment. This type of investment works like a condominium of investors, where each one has a quota and receives income proportional to their participation.
Real Estate Funds are regulated by the Brazilian Securities Commission (CVM) and are traded on the stock exchange, just like shares. This means that it is possible to buy and sell shares of Real Estate Funds at any time, which offers liquidity to the investment. In addition, income from Real Estate Funds is exempt from Income Tax for individuals, which is a great attraction.
There are different types of Real Estate Funds, which can invest in residential, commercial, malls, hospitals, among others. In addition, there are funds that invest in real estate debt securities, such as Real Estate Receivables Certificates (CRI) and Real Estate Credit Letters (LCI). Each type of fund has its own characteristics and specific risks, and it is important for investors to know these aspects well before investing.
Recently, a segment that has attracted the attention of Real Estate Funds is healthtech. Healthtechs are technology companies that operate in the health sector, offering innovative solutions to improve the quality and efficiency of health services. They can work in several areas, such as telemedicine, electronic medical records, artificial intelligence for diagnoses, among others.
The healthtech market is in full growth, driven by the need for digitalization of health, which was accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Distrito, an open innovation company, the number of healthtechs in Brazil more than doubled between 2018 and 2020, from 248 to 542 companies. In addition, investment in healthtechs in the country reached BRL 1.6 billion in 2020, an increase of 118% compared to 2019.
Real estate funds can benefit from this healthtech growth in several ways. First, they can directly invest in real estate that is used by healthtechs such as hospitals and clinics. In addition, they can invest in healthtech companies through bonds or stocks. Finally, Real Estate Funds can benefit indirectly from the growth of healthtechs, as this growth increases the demand for real estate in the health sector.
However, it is important to remember that, like any investment, Real Estate Funds and the healthtech market also present risks. The main risk is the market risk, which is the possibility that real estate prices or healthtech shares will fall. In addition, there is credit risk, which is the possibility that the company that issued the bond will not be able to pay interest or principal. Finally, there is the liquidity risk, which is the possibility that the investor will not be able to sell his shares or shares when he wants to.
For this reason, it is essential that investors make a careful analysis before investing in Real Estate Funds or in the healthtech market. This includes understanding well the characteristics and risks of the investment, assessing its compatibility with the investor's profile and objectives, and diversifying the investment portfolio to reduce risks. In addition, it is recommended that investors seek advice from a qualified investment professional.
