Liquidity has improved, thanks to the widespread use of real-estate investment trusts (REITs). (The American-based National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts commissioned the Ibbotson study.) But the global enthusiasm for REITs, together with the growing trend for property launches in the British mutual-fund sector, has a top-of-the-market feel.

ECONOMIST: Property��s strong run is not represented in portfolios

The vast majority of real estate investment trusts--known as equity REITs--pay mostly cash for high-grade commercial properties.

FORBES: House of Cards

While Congress took away tax breaks from private syndicates, it turned over real estate pool tax breaks to bigger players and campaign contributors on Wall Street with new tax-advantaged REITs (real estate investment trusts).

FORBES: Bring Back Housing By Bringing Back Tax Shelters

For dividend and other income sources look to real estate investment trusts (REITs), master limited partnerships (MLPs), exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and North American energy companies.

FORBES: 7 Reliable Income Investments

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are among only a handful of ways to significantly increase income in a single-digit environment.

FORBES: Unlisted REITs: What Went Wrong?