5 Best-Performing Real Estate ETFs for May 2026

Real estate ETFs make it easier to add real estate to your portfolio. Here's a list of the best-performing real estate ETFs this month.

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments.

Updated May 1, 2026 · 1 min read Written by Editor & Content Strategist + more + more Edited by Managing Editor SOME CARD INFO MAY BE OUTDATED

This page includes information about these cards, currently unavailable on NerdWallet. The information has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.

Real estate ETFs make investing in real estate easy: You are invested in a basket of real estate securities all at once, and you don't have to worry about managing a physical property.

Best-performing real estate ETFs

The best-performing real estate ETF by one-year return is WisdomTree New Economy Real Estate Fund (WTRE), which is up 40.88%. Ticker Company Performance (Year) WTRE WisdomTree New Economy Real Estate Fund 40.88% VRAI Virtus Real Asset Income ETF 28.28% FRI First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund 14.44% USRT iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF 14.38% BBRE JPMorgan BetaBuilders MSCI U.S. REIT ETF 13.58% Source: Finviz. Data is current as of May 1, 2026 and is intended for informational purposes only.

Why invest in a real estate ETF?

A real estate ETF has several benefits: It offers diversification, liquidity, passive income potential and may serve as a hedge against inflation amid stock market volatility. Real estate is well known as a path to increasing wealth, and real estate ETFs make it easier to get into the sector than buying traditional real estate.

Real estate ETFs vs. REITs

Real estate ETFs are exchange-traded funds that invest in the real estate market. And while real estate ETFs can be structured in several ways, most invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs). REITs are companies that own (and often operate) real estate, such as apartments, warehouses and hotels. Many REITS have a track record of paying dividends. REITs buy and operate property; REIT ETFs invest in shares of REITs. The benefit of a REIT ETF over a regular REIT is that you’ll get many REITs in one when you invest in a REIT ETF, similar to investing in an index fund composed of many stocks, versus one single stock. » Learn more about investing in REITs » Brokerage firms

NerdWallet rating Learn more Learn more

on Charles Schwab's website

NerdWallet rating Learn more Learn more

on E*TRADE's website

NerdWallet rating Learn more Learn more

on Vanguard's website

NerdWallet rating Learn more Learn more

on Fidelity's website

Pros and cons of real estate ETFs

Pros

Protection against inflation: During times of heavy inflation, real estate can act as a hedge against rising prices. Real estate rents tend to rise at the same time as other prices, meaning those rising rent prices protect your money’s purchasing power. Protection against inflation: Diversification: If you invest in a rental property, not only do you have to take care of that property, but if something happens to it, you may lose your investment. With a real estate ETF, you’re invested in several companies that own real estate. If something happens to one of the properties you’re invested in, you’re bolstered by the others. Diversification: Liquidity: ETFs can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like stocks. Real estate ETFs also benefit from this liquidity; traditional real estate does not. Liquidity: Income: REITs are required to pay out at least 90% of their income as dividends. Because real estate ETFs mostly invest in REITs, they also tend to pay out high dividends. Income: » Check out other high-dividend ETFs »

Cons

Affected by interest rates: Since the underlying asset in a real estate ETF is real estate, these ETFs can be affected by interest rate hikes. When interest rates rise, it becomes more expensive to borrow money to build or buy houses. Affected by interest rates: Potential capital gains tax: The dividends paid out by real estate ETFs may be treated as taxable income. Investing through a Roth IRA can help combat those taxes, because if those dividends are reinvested, they grow tax-free. Potential capital gains tax: » See our roundup of the best online brokers for ETF investing » Neither the author nor editor held positions in the aforementioned investments at the time of publication. Neither the author nor editor held positions in the aforementioned investments at the time of publication. About the author Alana Benson Alana Benson is an investing writer who covers socially responsible and ESG investing, financial advice and beginner investing topics. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, MSN, Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch and others. See full bio. Helpful resources How to Invest in Stocks Individual Retirement Account (IRA): What It Is & How It Works The Best Index Funds and How to Start Investing More like this Best Brokerage Accounts for Online Investing and Stock Trading in 2026 By Chris Davis Best Robo-Advisors: Top Picks for 2026 By Alana Benson, Sabrina Parys Investing in Dividend Stocks: Guide, Calculator and Top 7 Yields for April 2026 By Chris Davis, Sam Taube Best Brokers for Beginner Investors: Top Picks for 2026 By Alana Benson, Bella Avila Best Investments: Where to Invest in 2026 By Chris Davis, Alieza Durana