It’s expected a number of ASX-listed Australian real estate investment trusts may move off the bourse and into private hands this year, given many REITs are trading at below net asset values.

“I think privatisation of listed real estate assets is likely to an extent, but not to the same degree as we’ve seen in the infrastructure space, because assets aren’t quite as unique in property,” Morningstar analyst Alex Prineas says.

“There’s many more office buildings and shopping malls than there are toll roads or airports. But privatisations are likely, particularly with properties or REITs that own assets with significant development opportunities, or that have particularly unique characteristics.”