The Hands-Off Way to Make Passive Income (Without an Airbnb)

Learn how to achieve financial independence through passive income. Discover alternatives like REITs for stable earnings.

| More on:
Key Points
  • REITs and Mortgage Lenders for Passive Income: Investing in Slate Grocery REIT and MCAN Mortgage provides a steady income stream, leveraging rent and interest earnings without sacrificing home privacy, and offering yields of 8.4% and 7.3% respectively.
  • Diversifying Income Amid Economic Challenges: With living costs rising and single incomes waning, these investments allow you to earn passive income in USD and CAD, mitigating risks through property and mortgage interest diversification.
  • 5 stocks our experts like better than Slate Grocery REIT.

The cost of living is only increasing, while the tariff war and job losses are making it difficult to make ends meet. A single source of income is no longer enough. You have to look for alternatives, and one method is to rent a room in your apartment through Airbnb. Even though an Airbnb is only for a few days, if you are not comfortable living with strangers, that option is out. What if you could get an Airbnb-kind of quick passive income without an Airbnb?

real estate and REITs can be good investments for Canadians

Source: Getty Images

The hands-off way to make passive income

A better option to support your expenses is to invest some amount in REITs and mortgage lenders. This way, you can diversify your income, maintain the privacy of your house, and also earn some extra money.

Passive income from rent in US dollars

Slate Grocery REIT (TSX:SGR.UN) has 116 properties across 23 states of the United States of America. Its tenant base largely comprises grocers and grocery-anchored stores. The REIT earns rent in US dollars and pays Canadian investors in Canadian dollars. This gives you exposure to currency fluctuations. The REIT’s revenue surged 1.1% year-over-year, but net income fell 7%. Its dividend payout ratio increased to 81.6% of its funds from operations in the second quarter from 74.2% a year ago. The weighted average interest rate also increased to 4.8% from the same period a year ago.

While the REIT’s earnings face some pressure, it can continue paying dividends for the long term. The REIT has been paying a stable dividend in US dollars, but Canadians saw a change due to foreign exchange conversion.

The attractive thing about Slate Grocery REIT is its 8.4% dividend yield, which is more than double the interest on term deposits.

Passive income from mortgage interest

Rental income is a good source, but you can diversify passive income avenues into interest income from construction loans and mortgages. MCAN Mortgage (TSX:MKP) has $6.7 billion in assets under management, which it gives to companies for construction projects. Many a time, these projects face delays for multiple reasons, and construction costs increase, leading to loan impairment.

MCAN has a history of paying regular dividends for 32 years and has even grown them in some years. The lender also offers term deposits and pays interest. It funds its loans through securitization and term deposits from customers.

The falling interest rates have reduced interest income but increased mortgage demand. The lender could continue paying quarterly dividends for years to come as house-buying activity improves after a dip.

MCAN has a dividend yield of 7.3%, which compensates for the credit risk.

Final thoughts

These high-yield passive income sources can start paying right from the first $100 of investment. You can get $8 annually by investing $100. The dividend comes in handy when you need immediate income, just like Airbnb-ing a room in your apartment.

Fool contributor Puja Tayal has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Airbnb and Slate Grocery REIT. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

Close-up of people hands taking slices of pepperoni pizza from wooden board.
Dividend Stocks

How to Generate $150 in Passive Income With $30,000 in 3 Stocks

These three high-yield TSX dividend stocks can significantly enhance your monthly passive income.

Read more »

Investor reading the newspaper
Dividend Stocks

2 Canadian Stocks That Just Raised Their Payouts Again

Looking for a great combination of income and capital growth. These two stocks have decades-long histories of increasing their dividend…

Read more »

dividend stocks are a good way to earn passive income
Dividend Stocks

Looking for a 5.4% Average Yield? These 3 TSX Stocks Are Worth a Look

Considering their excellent track record of dividend paying, solid underlying businesses, and healthy outlook, these three TSX stocks are ideal…

Read more »

telehealth stocks
Dividend Stocks

This TSX Stock Pays a 4.3% Dividend Every Single Month

This TSX stock pays you cash every single month – and it’s backed by a growing, essential business.

Read more »

3 colorful arrows racing straight up on a black background.
Dividend Stocks

2 Great Warren Buffett Stocks to Buy Before They Raise Their Dividends Again

If you want to invest like Warren Buffett, these two top Canadian dividend stocks are some of the best picks…

Read more »

Map of Canada with city lights illuminated
Dividend Stocks

A Dirt-Cheap Canadian Dividend Growth Stock Built for the Long Haul

A dirt‑cheap Canadian dividend growth stock offering stability, steady income, and reliable annual payout increases for long‑term investors.

Read more »

middle-aged couple work together on laptop
Dividend Stocks

Turn Dividends Into Paydays: 2 Top TSX Stocks for Reliable Monthly Income

Exchange Income Corp. (TSX:EIF) and another monthly payer worth buying up on strength.

Read more »

pig shows concept of sustainable investing
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 1 Perfect Monthly Dividend Stock With a 7.7% Yield

This grocery-anchored REIT aims to deliver reliable monthly TFSA income, but its payout coverage is the key metric to watch.

Read more »