The central government might give a nod for the long-awaited real estate investment trust (REIT) next year, but some experts remain doubtful whether the market is well-prepared for the debut.

China Real Estate Chamber of Commerce's president Nie Meisheng said mainland departments have reached a consensus in legitimizing REIT, and the relevant regulations are expected to be released as early as next year.

If that becomes the case, the mainland will be the REIT latecomer in the region compared with neighboring markets such as Japan and Singapore.