The assets in a pension plan can be placed into an array of varying investment options. The pension fund manager makes decisions in these investments with advice from his investment team.
So yes it is possible for some pension plan assets to be exposed to real estate.
Agent Owner, Gilmore Insurance Services, Marysville, Washington State
Can a pension plan be invested in real estate? Short answer depending on the plan is yes. If you are in a managed plan, it is quite possible that some of the funds are used to purchase real estate, either through direct purchase or participating in a REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust). If you are asking about your ability to purchase real estate as part of your plan, it will depend on the plan design you choose. For most who want the real estate investment thing, the REIT might be a good choice. It is sort of a mutual fund that is all about commercial properties. But remember to check your plan to see what is authorized for purchase.
So yes it is possible for some pension plan assets to be exposed to real estate.