Since the beginning of the Middle East conflict involving the United States, Iran and Israel, real estate has been one of the worst performing sectors.
The S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate (ASX: XRE) index has dropped more than 14% year to date.
For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 3% in the same period.
Despite the fall, real estate remains an important part of the Australian economy.
Real estate activities (including renting, buying, selling, and property services) make up a significant share of Australia's GDP.
Right now, there appears to be opportunity for investors to buy low on real estate shares and REITs.
The team at Bell Potter recently provided updated guidance on the sector.
Here is where the broker sees opportunity.
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Little delineation last week
In Monday's report, the broker said there was little delineation between REITs and the broader ASX 200 last week (-0.5%).
However REITs are now -15% vs. XJO 3mths rolling and as our strategy team points to, it has been the key sector underperformer vs all others since start of the Middle East conflict.
We are positive low future supply, strong fundamentals sub-sectors though (retail particularly non-discretionary; industrial) – Buy Region Group (ASX: RGN), Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI).
Here's how these stocks are currently performing.
Region Group (ASX: RGN)
Region Group specialises in leasing out convenience-focused properties that offer everyday goods and services. More than half of the rent is derived from specialty tenants, which are mostly non-discretionary, such as food and liquor, pharmacy and healthcare, and general services.
It is down roughly 3% since the start of the year and is trading today for approximately $2.28 per share.
However, Bell Potter currently has a price target of $2.75 on the ASX real estate stock.
This indicates an upside potential of approximately 20%.
Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)
CIP is a real estate investment trust that owns around four billion dollars of industrial properties. These include manufacturing facilities, distribution warehouses, and data centres.
Its share price has fallen almost 11% year to date.
Bell Potter's updated price target for this ASX real estate stock is $3.60, which is 22% higher than today's share price.
It also offers a strong dividend yield.
Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI)
Dexus is an Australian real estate investment trust (REIT) with a portfolio of workplace-focused properties.
Its share price is down 11.3% in 2026 and is changing hands today for approximately $2.38 per share.
Bell Potter recently placed a share price target of $3.00.
If this real estate stock hits this target, it would represent a 26% climb from today's share price.
