In this article we will explore seven top high yield REITS for retirees in 2025 to earn a steady income.

For many retirees, earning reliable income without taking on too much risk is getting harder in today’s shifting interest rate environment. Bonds and savings accounts don’t always keep up with inflation, and the stock market can be unpredictable. That’s where high yield REITs for retirees come in.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) give investors access to income producing properties, apartments, offices, warehouses, hotels, and more, without the hassle of owning real estate directly. These companies collect rent or interest from their holdings and pay a significant portion of those earnings to shareholders through dividends.

In 2025, REITs remain an appealing option for retirees seeking consistent cash flow. Many have adjusted their balance sheets, refinanced debt at favorable rates, and focused on core assets that continue to generate steady income despite market volatility. The result is a segment of the market offering attractive income potential backed by real, tangible assets.

In an interview with CNBC, Ron Kamdem, Morgan Stanley head of U.S. REITS and commercial real estate research, states that artificial intelligence could become an important factor shaping the REIT sector in the years ahead. He notes that AI can help REITs cut costs by automating operations, improving maintenance, and optimizing energy use, which may strengthen cash flows over time. However, not all REITs will benefit equally, those with more data driven operations, such as logistics, data centers, or facility management, may see the biggest impact. Kamdem believes that early adopters could gain a competitive edge, but he also cautions investors to stay selective and focus on financially sound, adaptable REITs.

In this article, we highlight seven top high yield REITs for retirees in 2025 that stand out for their strong business models, stable earnings, and dependable dividend track records. These companies operate across a range of property types, from housing and hotels to mortgage finance, offering retirees both diversification and steady income potential.

While no investment is entirely risk free and dividend levels can fluctuate, the REITs featured here offer a balanced mix of income stability and long term resilience, making them well suited for income focused investors heading into 2025.

Our Methodology for Selecting the 7 Top High Yield REITs for Retirees in 2025

To compile this list of seven top high yield REITs for retirees in 2025, we screened publicly traded real estate investment trusts (REITs) listed on U.S. stock exchanges on the finviz stock screener with a market capitalization above $2 billion. We focused on mid cap and larger REITs offering a dividend yield of more than 5%, ensuring a balance between income potential and financial stability. This approach highlights REITs that combine attractive payouts with solid fundamentals, making them suitable for retirees seeking steady income.

7 Top High Yield REITs for Retirees in 2025

07. Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. (NYSE:APLE)

Dividend Yield as of October 7: 8.24%

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. (NYSE:APLE) owns 220 hotels with about 29,800 rooms in 85 U.S. markets. Most of its properties carry well known brands, 97 Marriott, 117 Hilton and five Hyatt hotels. This broad mix helps the company earn steady cash flow from both business and leisure travelers.

For income seekers, the main attraction is the dividend. Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. (NYSE:APLE) pays a monthly distribution that adds up to about $0.96 per share each year. Based on recent prices, that’s an 8.2% dividend yield, meaning an investor putting in $10,000 could expect about $820 a year in cash payouts. The company’s payout ratio is roughly 64%, showing that earnings and cash flow comfortably cover the dividend.

Even with some softness in travel earlier this year, Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. (NYSE:APLE) hotels stayed profitable. In the second quarter of 2025, its hotels ran at 79% occupancy with an average daily rate of $164, generating a strong 37% EBITDA margin. These numbers are still ahead of the U.S. hotel industry averages, which helps support its high dividend.

Management is also selling weaker properties and buying stronger ones. Recent moves include selling several hotels for about $36 million and purchasing a Homewood Suites in Tampa with a 12% cap rate. Proceeds from sales are also being used to buy back stock, which can further support the share price and dividend over time.

For retirees looking for high yield REITs for retirees, Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. (NYSE:APLE) stands out because of its consistent 8%+ yield, its diversified hotel portfolio, and its ongoing efforts to strengthen its balance sheet. This combination gives income oriented investors a steady monthly payout and potential for future growth as travel demand improves.

06. Rithm Capital Corp. (NYSE:RITM)

Dividend Yield as of October 7: 9.17%

Rithm Capital Corp. (NYSE:RITM) stands out among High Yield REITs for Retirees thanks to its over 9% dividend yield and diversified real estate platform. The company operates across mortgage servicing, loan origination, single family rentals, and asset management, businesses that generate steady income even in a mixed interest rate environment.

In the second quarter of 2025, Rithm Capital Corp. (NYSE:RITM) reported earnings of $0.54 per share, beating analyst expectations of $0.51. Return on equity reached 18%, and book value rose to $12.71 per share. The company also ended the quarter with $2.1 billion in cash and liquidity, highlighting a strong balance sheet to support its dividend.

Rithm Capital Corp. (NYSE:RITM) pays a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, or $1.00 annually, giving it a current yield of about 9.17%. What makes this payout particularly attractive for retirees is its low payout ratio of around 45%, meaning less than half of earnings are paid as dividends, leaving a comfortable safety margin. Since its formation in 2011, Rithm and its predecessor companies have returned more than $6 billion to shareholders through common and preferred dividends.

The company continues to expand its asset management business, managing $80 billion of assets and servicing over $850 billion in mortgages through subsidiaries like Newrez and Genesis. Rithm Capital Corp. (NYSE:RITM) focus on asset based finance and credit gives it a steady stream of fee and interest income, helping sustain its dividend through changing market cycles.

For retirees seeking consistent income, Rithm Capital Corp. (NYSE:RITM) offers one of the more reliable high yield options in the REIT space. Its near 9% yield, strong earnings coverage, and proven management make it a solid pick among high yield REITs for retirees in 2025.

05. Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:PK)

Dividend Yield as of October 7: 9.31%

Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:PK) is at number five on our list of high yield REITS for retirees. With a current dividend yield of about 9.31%, it’s one of the highest paying REITs in the lodging sector. The company pays an annual dividend of $1.40 per share, with a payout ratio of roughly 60%, which indicates the dividend is reasonably covered by earnings.

Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:PK) is one of the largest publicly traded hotel REITs in the U.S., owning 39 premium branded hotels and resorts with around 25,000 rooms in major city centers and popular resort destinations. The portfolio includes well known properties under brands like Hilton and Waldorf Astoria, giving Park a strong base of recurring cash flows from travelers and vacationers alike.

While the company missed first quarter earnings expectations in 2025, reporting a loss of $0.29 per share versus forecasts for a profit, the underlying property performance remained solid. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) at several flagship resorts, such as Orlando’s Bonnet Creek complex and Casa Marina in Key West, grew by double digits following major renovations.

Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:PK) is also reinvesting heavily in its assets, with over $300 million planned for capital improvements in 2025. These projects, including a $100 million renovation at the Royal Palm South Beach, are aimed at boosting long term profitability and property value.

Despite near term market headwinds, Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:PK) high yield remains a major draw for retirees seeking regular income. With a well diversified portfolio of iconic hotels and a history of maintaining dividends, Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:PK) offers one of the most attractive income opportunities among high yield REITs for retirees in 2025.

04. Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR)

Dividend Yield as of October 7: 10.04%

When it comes to high yield REITs for retirees, few names are as consistent as Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR). The company currently offers a dividend yield of about 10.04%, paying an annual dividend of $1.20 per share. Even more impressive, Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR) has increased its dividend for 12 consecutive years, making it a dependable income source for retirees seeking regular cash flow.

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR) operates in the multifamily, single family rental, and commercial real estate markets across the United States. It focuses on bridge loans, mezzanine loans, and preferred equity investments, financial products that provide short term funding to real estate investors. This mix gives Arbor steady interest income and flexibility to adjust as market conditions change.

The company did report distributable earnings of $0.30 per share in the second quarter of 2025, slightly below expectations due to ongoing challenges from higher interest rates and some problem loans. Still, management described 2025 as a “transitional year,” emphasizing that the REIT is actively working through delinquencies and expanding its loan securitization business. Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR) also strengthened its balance sheet by completing a $500 million high yield debt offering and securing new credit lines, moves that provide financial stability and liquidity to support its dividend.

Despite a high payout ratio of around 160%, Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR) consistent dividend record and history of navigating tough markets make it a standout among High Yield REITs for Retirees. Its diversified lending model, focus on income producing housing, and proven management team give investors confidence that Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR) can sustain its around 10% yield while positioning for earnings recovery in 2026.

03. Starwood Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:STWD)

Dividend Yield as of October 7: 10.11%

Among the High Yield REITs for Retirees, Starwood Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:STWD) stands out for its remarkable dividend consistency and income potential. With a dividend yield of about 10.11%, the company pays an annual dividend of $1.92 per share, distributed quarterly. Even more impressive, Starwood has never cut its dividend since going public in 2009, marking 47 consecutive quarterly payouts, a rare feat in the mortgage REIT space.

Starwood Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:STWD) operates a diversified real estate platform spanning commercial and residential lending, infrastructure finance, and property investments. In the second quarter of 2025, the company reported distributable earnings of $0.43 per share, comfortably covering its $0.48 quarterly dividend. Despite missing slightly on GAAP earnings expectations, Starwood Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:STWD) continues to generate strong cash flows across its lending and investment operations.

The REIT deployed $3.2 billion in new investments during the quarter, including $1.9 billion in commercial loans and $700 million in infrastructure lending. It also expanded into the net lease property market through the $2.2 billion acquisition of Fundamental Income Properties, adding 467 properties totaling 12 million square feet, all fully leased with long term tenants. This move strengthens Starwood Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:STWD) recurring income base and positions it for steady growth.

Backed by $1.1 billion in liquidity and investment grade credit ratings, Starwood Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:STWD) maintains one of the most secure balance sheets in its sector. Its diversified portfolio and disciplined management under CEO Barry Sternlicht make it a top choice for retirees seeking consistent income.

02. Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (NYSE:NLY)

Dividend Yield as of October 7: 13.69%

Among the high yield REITs for retirees, Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (NYSE:NLY) stands out for its substantial dividend payout. Based in New York and founded in 1996, Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (NYSE:NLY) operates as a diversified capital manager specializing in mortgage finance. Its investments include agency mortgage backed securities, residential and commercial mortgage loans, and mortgage servicing rights.

As of 2025, Annaly offers a high dividend yield of 13.69%, translating to an annual payout of $2.80 per share. The company maintains a payout ratio of 95.41%, meaning nearly all of its taxable income is returned to shareholders, a key feature of REIT structures. While the five year dividend growth rate is negative (-6.06%), the consistency of quarterly payments remains an important draw for income focused investors, particularly retirees seeking regular cash flow.

In the second quarter of 2025, Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (NYSE:NLY) generated earnings available for distribution (EAD) of $0.73 per share, exceeding its dividend payout of $0.70. This marks the company’s seventh consecutive quarter of positive economic return, supported by stable performance across its agency and mortgage servicing portfolios. Its total economic return for the first half of 2025 was 3.7%, showing that the REIT continues to deliver steady results despite a challenging interest rate environment.

Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (NYSE:NLY) strategy remains focused on agency mortgage backed securities, a sector offering relatively predictable income streams. With a leverage ratio of 5.8x and an $80 billion agency portfolio, management emphasizes disciplined risk control and balanced duration exposure.

For retirees prioritizing income, Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (NYSE:NLY) double digit yield offers one of the most attractive payouts in the REIT space. However, given the high payout ratio and limited growth, investors should view Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (NYSE:NLY) primarily as an income generating holding rather than a growth opportunity.

01. AGNC Investment Corp. (NASDAQ:AGNC)

Dividend Yield as of October 7: 14.57%

When it comes to high yield REITs for retirees, AGNC Investment Corp. (NASDAQ:AGNC) is often on the radar for its steady monthly dividends and strong income potential. Founded in 2008 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, AGNC Investment Corp. (NASDAQ:AGNC) invests primarily in agency mortgage backed securities (MBS), bonds backed by home loans guaranteed by U.S. government agencies like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

AGNC Investment Corp. (NASDAQ:AGNC) currently offers one of the most attractive yields in the REIT sector. The stock has a current dividend yield of 14.57% and an annual payout of $1.44 per share, distributed in monthly installments of $0.12. For income focused investors and retirees looking for frequent cash flow, this monthly payment structure is a major advantage over quarterly paying REITs.

The company’s payout ratio stands at 88.89%, which means nearly nine tenths of its taxable income is returned to shareholders, consistent with REIT requirements. Although AGNC Investment Corp. (NASDAQ:AGNC) hasn’t posted dividend growth in recent years and its five year dividend growth rate is slightly negative at 3.04%, the yield remains high and consistent.

In its second quarter 2025 results, AGNC Investment Corp. (NASDAQ:AGNC) reported a comprehensive loss of $0.13 per share and a negative 1% economic return due to volatility in mortgage spreads. Despite that, management emphasized the company’s strong liquidity position of $6.4 billion and a balanced risk approach that helped it navigate market turbulence without asset sales.

AGNC Investment Corp. (NASDAQ:AGNC) leverage ratio of 7.6x tangible equity reflects its strategy of using borrowed funds to enhance returns, typical for mortgage REITs. Looking ahead, the firm expects stability in the agency MBS market and potential spread tightening, which could support future dividend sustainability.

For retirees prioritizing high monthly income, AGNC Investment Corp. (NASDAQ:AGNC) remains one of the top high yield REIT options in 2025.

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Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. This article is for informational purposes only. Investing involves risk, and you may lose money. Always consult a licensed professional. See our full disclaimer. The article is originally published on TheRichStocks.com.