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e've compiled a list of the 10 best real estate and realty stocks to buy according to hedge funds, with VICI Properties Inc. (NYSE:VICI) being one of them. In this article, we'll examine where VICI stands in relation to other real estate and realty stocks.

    The recent US presidential election has sparked concerns about the country's housing affordability crisis. Trump has blamed illegal immigration for the shortage of homes, planning a large deportation operation. However, experts argue that reducing immigration would harm the labor supply needed for new homebuilding, as up to a third of residential construction employment consists of foreign-born workers.

    Regarding mortgage rates, they are directly tied to 10-year Treasury bond yields, which tend to grow with investors forecasting stronger economic growth and higher inflation. Following Trump's victory, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate briefly rose to 6.98%. Economists believe that Trump's economic agenda could lead to a surge in mortgage rates due to increased inflation and government debt.

    Doug Bauer, CEO of Tri Pointe Homes, sees lower corporate tax and eased regulations for banks as positives for the US housing market. He also believes that the core issue remains supply, with a reduction in interest rates unlocking the resale market but not addressing new homebuilding issues. Ivy Zelman, Zelman and Associates CEO, agrees that the housing market weakness is at the entry level while the move-up market remains strong.

    Our methodology for compiling the list of top real estate and realty stocks involves using a stock screener to identify relevant companies with high market caps, then shortlisting the top 10 stocks with the highest number of hedge fund holders. VICI Properties Inc. (NYSE:VICI) ranks 9th on our list, held by 35 hedge funds.

    VICI is an experiential REIT that owns a large portfolio of gaming, hospitality, and entertainment destinations in the US and Canada. The firm benefits from high barriers to entry due to gaming regulatory environments, resulting in a 100% occupancy rate. VICI has demonstrated growth through investments across gaming and other experiential assets since its founding in 2017.

    For the third quarter, VICI posted a 6.7% year-over-year revenue growth and announced its 7th consecutive annual dividend increase. AFFO attributable to common stockholders rose 8.4% year-over-year to $593.9 million.