A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) typically generate returns for their investors by driving cost efficiencies through the use of professional management by making property improvements which generate higher rents and by property sales in high growth markets. These methods make REITs successful in the private market, but present challenges in the affordable housing sector, as it usually generates a lower return for investors. Organizations in the US, Canada and the UK have been exploring different REIT models for investment in affordable housing.