A real estate holding company is a business that is principally engaged in owning, holding, selling, or leasing real estate.  These companies derive most of their income from dividends, interest, royalties, and rent collection.  Real estate holding companies may be organized as limited partnerships, limited liability companies, or as corporations.

A real estate investment trust (REIT) is a specific type of real estate holding company that manages a portfolio of real estate and mortgages.