SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
                            Washington, D.C. 20549
 
                                   FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One) 
(X)    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
       EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 


                                  OR 

( )    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
       EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
 
       FOR QUARTER ENDED June 30, 1997 COMMISSION FILE NO. 1-6622
 
                    WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
               MARYLAND                                     53-0261100
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation     (IRS Employer Identification 
          or organization)                                    Number)

                
               10400 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, KENSINGTON, MARYLAND 20895
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  (Address of principal executive office)    (Zip code)
 

    Registrant's telephone number, including area code (301) 929-5900 

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, 
                           if changed since last report)
 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes 
of common stock, as of the close of the period covered by this report.
 
                    SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST 31,827,844
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 during the preceding twelve (12) months (or such shorter period that the 
Registrant was required to file such report) and (2) has been subject to such 
filing requirements for the past ninety (90) days.
 
                             YES X        NO

                                       1

                    WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

                                     INDEX

                                                                          PAGE
                                                                         ------
Part I:  Financial Information

              Item l  Financial Statements
                      Consolidated Balance Sheets                           3
                      Consolidated Statements of Income                     4
                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                 5
                      Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders'    6
                        Equity                                                
                      Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements            7

              Item 2  Management's Discussion and Analysis                 11


Part II: Other Information

              Item l  Legal Proceedings                                    15

              Item 2  Changes in Securities                                15

              Item 3  Defaults upon Senior Securities                      15

              Item 4  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders  15

              Item 5  Other Information                                    15

              Item 6  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                     15

              Signatures                                                   16




                                    Part I

                             FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The information furnished in the accompanying Balance Sheets, Statements of
Income, Statements of Cash Flows and Statement of Changes in Shareholders'
Equity reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, which are,
in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial
position, results of operations and of cash flows for the interim periods. The
accompanying financial statements and notes thereto should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements and notes for the three years ended
December 31, 1996 included in the Trust's 1996 Form 10-K Report filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                           2

 
                                     PART I
                          ITEM I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                    WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                    (In Thousands, except per share amounts)
 


                                                                   
                                                                   
                                                                          
                                                                   (Unaudited)
                                                                     June 30,   December 31,
                                                                      1997         1996
                                                                   -----------  -----------
Assets
  Real estate at cost............................................    $372,962     $352,579
  Accumulated depreciation.......................................     (51,377)     (46,639)
                                                                     --------     --------
                                                                      321,585      305,940
  Mortgage note receivable.......................................         797          799
                                                                     --------     --------
      Total investment in real estate............................     322,382      306,739

  Cash and temporary investments.................................       1,897        1,676
  Rents and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful
    accounts of $834 and $534, respectively......................       4,320        3,429
  Prepaid expenses and other assets..............................       6,219        6,644
                                                                     --------     --------
                                                                     $334,818     $318,488
                                                                     --------     --------
                                                                     --------     --------
Liabilities
  Accounts payable and other liabilities.........................    $  6,536     $  5,954
  Tenant security deposits.......................................       2,738        2,523
  Advance rents..................................................       1,723        1,798
  Mortgage note payable..........................................       7,527        7,590
  Lines of credit payable........................................      23,000        5,000
  Senior notes payable...........................................     100,000      100,000
                                                                     --------     --------
                                                                      141,524      122,865
                                                                     --------     --------
Shareholders' Equity
  Shares of beneficial interest; $.01 par value; 100,000,000
    shares authorized: 31,827,844 shares issued and
    outstanding..................................................         318          318
  Additional paid-in capital.....................................     192,976      195,305
                                                                     ---------    --------
                                                                      193,294      195,623
                                                                     --------     --------
                                                                      334,818      318,488
                                                                     --------     --------
                                                                     --------     --------

 
                 See accompanying notes to financial statements
 
                                       3

                    WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                    (In Thousands, except per share amounts)
                                    (Unaudited)



                                               Three Months Ended       Six Months Ended 
                                                    June 30,                 June 30,
                                            ------------------------  ---------------------
                                                                       
                                               1997         1996         1997         1996
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Real estate rental revenue................    $ 19,104     $ 15,830      $ 37,602     $ 30,511
Real estate expenses......................      (6,185)      (5,153)      (12,132)     (10,009)
                                              ---------    ---------      --------     --------
                                                12,919       10,677        25,470       20,502
Depreciation and amortization.............      (2,557)      (1,809)       (4,987)      (3,394)
                                              ---------     --------      --------     --------
Income from real estate...................      10,362        8,869        20,483       17,108

Other income..............................         157          113           227          234
Interest expense..........................      (2,379)        (989)       (4,586)      (1,643)
General and administrative................      (1,000)        (910)       (1,956)      (1,664)
                                              ---------      -------      --------     --------
Net Income................................    $  7,140       $ 7,083       $14,168      $14,035
                                              ---------      --------     --------      -------
                                              ---------      --------     --------      -------

Per share information based on the 
  weighted average number of shares
  outstanding 

  Shares..................................   31,827,844   31,751,734   31,824,782   31,751,734

  Net income..............................  $      0.22  $      0.22  $      0.45  $      0.44
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Dividends paid..........................  $      0.27  $      0.26  $      0.53  $      0.51
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------


                 See accompanying notes to financial statements

                                       4

                    WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (In Thousands)
 


                                                                          (Unaudited)
                                                                       Six Months Ended 
                                                                            June 30,
                                                                     ----------------------
                                                                             
                                                                         1997         1996
                                                                     -----------   -----------
Cash Flow From Operating Activities 
  Net income.......................................................   $ 14,168       $ 14,035
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by 
    operating activities 
  Depreciation and amortization....................................      4,987          3,394
  Changes in other assets..........................................       (714)          (156)
  Changes in other liabilities.....................................        722          1,429
                                                                      --------       --------
    Net cash provided by operating activities......................     19,163         18,702
                                                                      --------       --------
Cash Flow From Investing Activities 
  Capital Improvements to real estate..............................     (6,650)        (4,286)
  Real estate acquisitions, net....................................    (13,732)       (39,186)
                                                                      --------       --------
    Net cash used in investing activities..........................    (20,382)       (43,472)
                                                                      --------       --------

Cash Flow From Financing Activities 
  Dividends paid...................................................    (16,869)       (16,193)
  Borrowings -Line of credit.......................................     18,000         39,000
  Principal payments -Mortgage note payable........................        (63)           (57)
  Share options exercised..........................................        372             --
                                                                      --------       --------
    Net cash provided by financing activities......................     1,440          22,750

Net increase (decrease) in cash and temporary investments..........       221          (2,020)
Cash and temporary investments at beginning of year................     1,676           3,532
                                                                      --------       --------
Cash and temporary investments at end of period....................     1,897          1,512
                                                                      --------       --------
                                                                      --------       --------
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: 
Cash paid during the first six months for interest.................     4,409          1,465
                                                                      --------       --------
                                                                      --------       --------

 
                 See accompanying notes to financial statements
 
                                       5

                    WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST
 
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                     FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
                                  (Unaudited)
                    (In Thousands, except per share amounts)
 


                                                                                     Additional
                                                                                      Paid in      Shareholders'
                                                        Shares        Par Value       Capital          Equity
                                                     -------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                                       
Balance, December 31, 1996.........................     31,802,975  $        318      $  195,305     $  195,623
Net income.........................................                                       14,168         14,168
Dividends..........................................                                      (16,869)       (16,869)
Share Options Exercised............................         24,869             0             372            372
                                                     -------------  -------------     ----------     -----------
Balance, June 30, 1997.............................     31,827,844  $        318      $  192,976     $  193,294
                                                     -------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
                                                     -------------  -------------  --------------  --------------






















 
                 See accompanying notes to financial statements
 
                                       6

 
                WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST
               NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                     June 30, 1997 (Unaudited)
 
NOTE A: NATURE OF BUSINESS 

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust ("WRIT" or the "Trust") is a 
self-administered qualified equity real estate investment trust, successor to 
a trust organized in 1960. The Trust's business consists of the ownership of 
income-producing real estate properties in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
 
WRIT operates in a manner intended to enable it to qualify as a real estate 
investment trust under the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). In accordance 
with the Code, a trust which distributes its capital gains and at least 95% 
of its taxable income to its shareholders each year, and which meets certain 
other conditions, will not be taxed on that portion of its taxable income 
which is distributed to its shareholders. Accordingly, no provision for 
Federal income taxes is required.
 
In June 1996, WRIT changed its domicile from the District of Columbia to the 
State of Maryland. Issued and outstanding shares were assigned a par value of 
$.01 per share.
 
NOTE B: ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Basis of Presentation
 
The following unaudited financial statements have been prepared pursuant to 
the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain 
information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial 
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and 
regulations, although the company believes that the disclosures made are 
adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
 
In 1995 WRIT formed a subsidiary partnership, WRIT Limited Partnership, a 
Maryland limited partnership, in which WRIT currently owns 99.9% of the 
partnership interest. WRIT Limited Partnership's financial statements are 
being consolidated with WRIT's financial statements. All significant 
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Minority 
Interests are included in other income and accounts payable and 
other liabilities on the accompanying consolidated statements.
 
New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In February 1997, FASB issued SFAS No. 128 "Earnings per Share" ("FAS 128"). 
FAS 128 changes the requirements for calculation and disclosure of earnings 
per share. This statement eliminates the calculation of primary earnings per 
share and requires the disclosure of basic earnings per share and diluted 
earnings per share. WRIT will adopt this statement's required disclosures in 
connection with the financial statements issued for the reporting period 
ended December 31, 1997. The adoption of this statement will have an 
immaterial impact to WRIT's current disclosures.
 
During 1997, FASB issued SFAS No. 129 "Disclosure of Information about 
Capital Structure" ("FAS 129"). FAS 129 continues the existing requirements 
to disclose the pertinent rights and privileges of all securities other than 
ordinary common stock but expands the number of companies subject to portions 
of its requirements. The adoption of this statement will have no impact to 
WRIT's current disclosures.

                                       7



 
                     WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
                           June 30, 1997 (Unaudited)
 
In June, 1997, FASB issued SFAS No. 131 "Disclosures About Segments of an 
Enterprise and Other Related Information" ("FAS 131"). FAS 131 requires 
public companies to report financial information about operating segments. 
WRIT will adopt this statement's required disclosures in connection with the 
statements issued for the reporting period ended December 31, 1997. In its 
financial statements for the period ended December 31, 1997. WRIT will be 
required to disclose certain operating information for each of its four 
property types: Office Buildings, Shopping Centers, Apartment Buildings and 
Industrial Distribution Centers.

Revenue Recognition
 
Residential properties are leased under operating leases with terms of 
generally one year or less, and commercial properties are leased under 
operating leases with average terms of three years. WRIT recognizes rental 
income from its residential and commercial leases when earned and accounts 
for all rental abatements on a straight-line basis.
 
Deferred Financing Costs
 
Costs associated with the issuance of senior subordinated notes are 
capitalized and being amortized using the effective interest rate method over 
the term of the related notes.
 
Real Estate and Depreciation
 
Buildings are depreciated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful 
lives not exceeding 50 years. Effective January 1, 1995, WRIT revised its 
estimate of useful lives for major capital improvements to real estate. All 
capital improvement expenditures associated with replacements, improvements, 
or major repairs to real property are depreciated using the straight-line 
method over their estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 30 years. All 
tenant improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over 5 years 
or the term of the lease if it differs significantly from 5 years. Capital 
improvements placed in service prior to January 1, 1995 will continue to be 
depreciated on a straight-line basis over their previously estimated useful 
lives not exceeding 30 years. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to 
expense as incurred.
 
WRIT recognizes impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations 
when indicators of impairment are present and the net undiscounted cash flows 
estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying 
amount. As of June 30, 1997, no such losses have been recorded.
 
Cash and Temporary Investments
 
Cash and temporary investments includes cash equivalents with original 
maturities of 90 days or less.
 
Use of Estimates in the Financial Statements
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted 
accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and 
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial 
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the 
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current 
year presentation.

                                       8



                     WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
                           June 30, 1997 (Unaudited)

NOTE C: REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS 

WRIT's real estate investment portfolio, at cost, consists of properties 
located in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia and Delaware as follows:

                                                             June 30, 1997
                                                             (In Thousands)
                                                             --------------
  Office buildings.........................................    $  165,958
  Shopping centers.........................................        86,293
  Apartment buildings......................................        61,905
  Industrial distribution centers..........................        58,806
                                                               -------------
                                                               $  372,962
                                                             --------------
                                                             --------------
 
    Properties acquired by WRIT during the first half of 1997 are as follows:
 




                                                                                 
Acquisition                                                          Rentable    Acquisition Cost
   Date                       Property                     Type     Square Feet  (In Thousands)
- -----------  ------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  -----------------
                                                                     
   2/28/97   Ammendale Technology Park I                 Industrial    167,000     $   7,847
   2/28/97   Ammendale Technology Park II                Industrial    108,000         5,885
                                                                    -----------  -----------------
                                                                       275,000     $  13,732
                                                                    -----------  -----------------
                                                                    -----------  -----------------



 
NOTE D: UNSECURED LINES OF CREDIT PAYABLE 


As of June 30, 1997, WRIT had an unsecured credit commitment of $25 million, 
$4 million of which was outstanding with an interest rate of 6.83%. Interest 
only is payable monthly, in arrears, on the unpaid principal balance. All new 
advances and interest rate adjustments upon the expiration of WRIT's interest 
lock-in dates will bear interest at LIBOR plus a spread based on WRIT's 
credit rating on its publicly issued debt. All unpaid interest and principal 
can be prepaid prior to the expiration of WRIT's interest rate lock-in 
periods subject to a yield maintenance obligation and all unpaid principal 
and interest are due January 31, 1999.
 
The $25.0 million credit commitment requires WRIT to pay the lender an unused 
commitment fee at the rate of .175% per annum on the amount by which $25.0 
million exceeds the balance of outstanding advances and term loans. At June 
30, 1997, $21 million of this commitment was unused. This fee is payable 
quarterly. This commitment also contains certain financial covenants related to 
debt, net worth, and cash flow, and non-financial covenants which WRIT has 
met as of June 30, 1997.
 
As of June 30, 1997, WRIT had an unsecured credit commitment of $50 million, 
$19 million of which was outstanding with interest rates ranging from 6.19% 
to 6.29%. Interest only is payable monthly, in arrears, on the unpaid 
principal balance. All unpaid interest and principal are due July 25, 1997 
(see Note F: Subsequent Events), and can be prepaid prior to this date 
without any prepayment fee or yield maintenance obligation. Any new advances 
shall bear interest at LIBOR plus a spread based on WRIT's interest coverage 
ratio.

                                      9



 
                      WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST 
                    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
                           June 30, 1997 (Unaudited)
 
This credit agreement provides WRIT the option to convert any advances or 
portions thereof into a term loan at any time after January 27, 1996 and 
prior to July 25, 1997. The principal amount of each term loan, if any, shall 
be repaid on July 27, 1999. Such term loan(s) may be prepaid subject to a 
prepayment fee.
 
The $50.0 million credit commitment requires WRIT to pay the lender an unused 
commitment fee at the rate of 0.15% per annum on the amount by which $50.0 
million exceeds the balance of outstanding advances and term loans (see Note 
F: Subsequent Events). At June 30, 1997, $31.0 million of this commitment was 
unused. This fee is payable quarterly in arrears. This commitment also 
contains an interest coverage ratio covenant and certain other non-financial 
covenants which WRIT has met as of June 30, 1997.
 
NOTE E: SENIOR NOTES PAYABLE 

On August 13, 1996 WRIT sold $50 million of 7.125% 7-year unsecured notes due 
August 13, 2003, and $50 million of 7.25% unsecured 10-year notes due August 
13, 2006. The 7-year notes were sold at 99.107% of par and the 10-year notes 
were sold at 98.166% of par. Net proceeds to the Trust after deducting 
underwriting expenses were $97.6 million. The 7-year notes bear an effective 
interest rate of 7.46% and the 10 year notes bear an effective interest rate 
of 7.49% for a combined effective interest rate of 7.47%. WRIT used the 
proceeds of these notes to pay down its lines of credit and to finance 
acquisitions and capital improvements to its properties. These notes also 
contain certain financial and non-financial covenants which WRIT has met as 
of June 30, 1997.
 
NOTE F: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 

On July 25, 1997 WRIT's $50 million unsecured credit commitment expired and 
was replaced by a $50 million unsecured credit commitment by the same bank 
and a participating bank for the express purpose of purchasing 
income-producing property and to make capital improvements to real property. 
Interest only is payable monthly, in arrears, on the unpaid principal 
balance. All unpaid interest and principal are due July 25, 1998, and can be 
prepaid prior to this date without any prepayment fee. WRIT has the option to 
extend this agreement until July 25, 1999. All new advances shall bear 
interest at LIBOR plus a spread based on WRIT's credit rating on its publicly 
issued debt. This credit agreement provides the option to WRIT to convert any 
advances or portions thereof into a term loan at any time after January 25, 
1998 and prior to July 25, 1998 or July 25, 1999, if extended. The principal 
amount of each term loan, if any, shall be repaid on July 25, 2001. Such term 
loan(s) may be prepaid subject to a prepayment fee.
 
The $50 million credit commitment requires WRIT to pay the lender an unused 
commitment fee based on WRIT's credit rating on its publicly issued debt. 
Based on WRIT's current rating, this fee is .175% per annum on the amount by 
which $50 million exceeds the balance of outstanding advances and term loans. 
This fee is payable quarterly. This commitment also contains certain 
non-financial covenants and financial covenants related to debt, net worth, 
and cash flow.
 
On August 1, 1997 WRIT sold 3.75 million shares of beneficial interest to the 
public for $61.1 million. WRIT granted the underwriters a 30-day option to 
purchase up to an additional 562,500 shares to cover over-allotments, if any. 
WRIT's expenses are expected to be approximately $190,000 and thus the net 
proceeds from this underwriting are estimated at $60.9 million ($70 million 
if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full). In August, 
$19 million of the net proceeds was used to repay certain borrowings 
outstanding under the Trust's lines of credit. The balance of the net 
proceeds may be used to acquire and/or renovate, expand or improve 
income-producing properties or to repay other indebtedness drawn under the 
lines of credit.
 
                                       10


      ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
RESULTS OF OPERATION
 
WRIT's Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
Results of Operations contains statements that may be considered forward 
looking. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in 
such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can 
give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Factors that could 
cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's current 
expectations include general economic conditions, local real estate 
conditions, the performance of properties that the Company has acquired or 
may acquire and other risks, detailed from time to time in the Company's past 
and future SEC reports.
 
REAL ESTATE RENTAL REVENUE: Three Months Ended June 30, 1997 Compared to the 
Three Months Ended June 30, 1996
 
Total revenues for the second quarter 1997 increased 20.7% ($3.3 million) to 
$19.1 million from $15.8 million in the second quarter of 1996.
 
For the second quarter of 1997, WRIT's office buildings had increases of 19.1% 
in revenues and 19.9% in operating income, over the second quarter of 1996. 
These increases were due primarily to the acquisitions of the Maryland Trade 
Center I and II office buildings in May 1996, the expansion of 7700 Leesburg 
Pike in December 1996 and increases in occupancy at the 1901 Pennsylvania 
Avenue and the 51 Monroe Street office buildings. Comparing those office 
buildings owned by WRIT for the entire second quarter of 1996 to their 
results in the second quarter of 1997, revenues and operating income 
increased 7.5% and 8.5% respectively, over the second quarter of 1996. These 
increases were due primarily to the expansion of 7700 Leesburg Pike in 
December 1996 and increases in occupancy at the 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue and 
the 51 Monroe Street office buildings.
 
For the second quarter of 1997, WRIT's shopping center revenues increased 
6.0% and operating income increased 7.4% over the second quarter of 1996. 
Revenues increased due primarily to rate and occupancy gains for the group. 
Operating income increased due to increased revenues, offset partially by 
increased operating expenses. There were no property additions in WRIT's 
shopping center portfolio in the second quarter of 1997 compared to the 
second quarter of 1996.
 
For the second quarter of 1997, WRIT's apartment revenues and operating 
income increased 27.1% and 27.7% respectively, over the second quarter of 
1996. These increases were due primarily to the acquisition of Walker House 
Apartments in March 1996 and the Ashby Apartments in August of 1996. 
Comparing those apartment buildings owned by WRIT for the entire second 
quarter of 1996 to their results in the second quarter of 1997, revenue and 
operating income increased 2.2% and 2.0% respectively, over the second 
quarter of 1996. The increases in revenues and operating income were due 
primarily to increased rental rates for the group, offset partially by 
increased vacancy at 3801 Connecticut Avenue, Country Club Towers and Walker 
House.  

For the second quarter of 1997, WRIT's industrial distribution center 
revenues and operating income increased 46.4% and 42.5% respectively, over 
the second quarter of 1996. This was due primarily to the acquisitions in 
October 1996 of the Alban business center and in December 1996 of the Earhart 
Building and also the acquisition in March 1997 of Ammendale Technology Park 
I and II, partially offset by increased bad debt and decreased recoveries. 
Comparing those industrial distribution centers owned by WRIT for the entire 
second quarter of 1996 to their same results in the second quarter of 1997, 
revenue and operating income decreased 3.5% and 4.6% respectively, from the 
second quarter of 1996. These decreases are primarily due to increased bad 
debt and decreased recoveries.

                                       11


 
      ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
REAL ESTATE RENTAL REVENUE: Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 Compared to the 
Six Months Ended June 30, 1996
 
Total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 1997 increased 23.2% ($7.1 
million) to $37.6 million from $30.5 million in the first six months of 1996.
 
For the first six months of 1997, WRIT's office building revenue increased 
25.8% and operating income increased 26.6% over the first six months of 1996. 
These increases were due primarily to the acquisitions of the Maryland Trade 
Center I and II office buildings in May 1996, the expansion of 7700 Leesburg 
Pike in December 1996 and increases in occupancy at the 1901 Pennsylvania 
Avenue and the 51 Monroe Street office buildings. Comparing those office 
buildings owned by WRIT for the entire first six months of 1996 to their 
results in the first six months of 1997, revenues and operating income 
increased 7.0% and 7.1% respectively, over the first six months of 1996. 
These increases were due primarily to the expansion of 7700 Leesburg Pike in 
December 1996 and increases in occupancy at the 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue and 
51 Monroe Street office buildings
 
For the first six months of 1997, WRIT's shopping center revenues increased 
2.7% and operating income increased 7.3% over the first six months of 1996. 
Revenues increased due to rate and occupancy gains for the group offset 
partially by reduced CAM recoveries for the group which resulted from 
decreased utility and snow removal expenses. Operating income increased due 
to decreased utility and snow removal expenses which were higher in the first 
half of 1996 due to the unusually severe weather. There were no property 
additions in WRIT's shopping center portfolio in the first six months of 1997 
compared to the first six months of 1996.
 
For the first six months of 1997, WRIT's apartment revenues and operating 
income increased 35.8% and 36.9% respectively, over the first six months of 
1996. These increases were due primarily to the acquisition of Walker House 
Apartments in March 1996 and the Ashby Apartments in August of 1996. 
Comparing those apartment buildings owned by WRIT for the entire first six 
months of 1996 to their results in the first six months of 1997, revenue and 
operating income increased 2.9% and 4.8% respectively, over the first six 
months of 1996. The increases in revenues and operating income were due 
primarily to increased rental rates and occupancy for the group and decreased 
utility and snow removal expenses which were higher in the first half of 1996 
due to the unusually severe weather, offset partially by increased vacancy at 
Country Club Towers.
 
For the first six months of 1997, WRIT's industrial distribution center 
revenues and operating income increased 35.9% and 34.3% respectively, over 
the first six months of 1996. This was due primarily to the acquisitions in 
October 1996 of the Alban business center and in December 1996 of the Earhart 
Building and also the acquisition in March 1997 of Ammendale Technology Park 
I and II, partially offset by increased bad debt and decreased recoveries. 
Comparing those industrial distribution centers owned by WRIT for the entire 
first six months of 1996 to their same results in the first six months of 
1997, revenue and operating income decreased 4.7% and 5.0% respectively, from 
the first six months of 1996. These decreases are primarily due to increased 
bad debt and decreased recoveries.
 
OPERATING EXPENSES AND OTHER RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: Three Months Ended June 
30, 1997 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 1996
 
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $748,000 to $2.6 million as 
compared to $1.8 million for the second quarter of 1996. This is primarily 
due to 1996 acquisitions of $69.9 million, 1996 capital and tenant 
improvement expenditures which totaled $12 million, 1997 acquisitions of 
$13.7 million and 1997 year-to-date capital and tenant improvement 
expenditures which total $6.7 million.

                                       12

 
      ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Other income increased as compared to the second quarter of 1996 due to 
increased investment earnings. This increase resulted from a higher average 
balance of cash and temporary investments in the second quarter of 1997 as 
compared to the second quarter of 1996.
 
Total interest expense was $2.4 million for the second quarter of 1997 as 
compared to $989,000 for the second quarter of 1996. This increase is 
primarily attributable to the issuance of $100 million in debt securities in 
August 1996. For the second quarter of 1997, senior notes payable interest 
expense was $1.9 million, lines of credit interest expense was $341,000 
attributable to advances for 1996 and 1997 acquisitions and mortgage interest 
expense was $170,000. For the second quarter of 1996, lines of credit 
interest expense was $816,000 attributable to advances for 1995 and 1996 
acquisitions and mortgage interest expense was $173,000.
 
General and administrative expenses increased $90,000 to $1.0 million as 
compared to $910,000 for the second quarter of 1996. The increase is 
primarily attributable to personnel additions in 1996 and 1997, increased 
incentive compensation, and increased shareholder expenses. For the second 
quarter of 1997, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of 
revenue were 5.24% as compared to 5.75% for the second quarter of 1996.
 
OPERATING EXPENSES AND OTHER RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: Six Months Ended June 30, 
1997 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 1996
 
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.6 million to $5.0 million 
as compared to $3.4 million for the the first six months of 1996. This is 
primarily due to 1996 acquisitions of $69.9 million, 1996 capital and tenant 
improvement expenditures which totaled $12 million, 1997 acquisitions of 
$13.7 million and 1997 year-to-date capital and tenant improvement 
expenditures which total $6.7 million.  

Other income remained unchanged in the first six months of 1997 as compared 
to the first six months of 1996.
 
Total interest expense was $4.6 million for the first the first six months of 
1997 as compared to $1.6 million for the the first six months of 1996. This 
increase is primarily attributable to the issuance of $100 million in debt 
securities in August 1996. For the first half of 1997, senior notes payable 
interest expense was $3.7 million, lines of credit interest expense was 
$508,000 attributable to advances for 1996 and 1997 acquisitions and capital 
improvements, and mortgage interest expense was $340,000. For the first half 
of 1996, lines of credit interest expense was $1.3 million attributable to 
advances for 1995 and 1996 acquisitions and mortgage interest expense was 
$346,000.
 
General and administrative expenses increased $292,000 to $2.0 million as 
compared to $1.7 million for the first six months of 1996. The increase is 
primarily attributable to personnel additions in 1996 and 1997, increased 
incentive compensation, and increased shareholder expenses. For the first six 
months of 1997, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of 
revenue were 5.20% as compared to 5.45% for the first half of 1996.
 
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY 

WRIT has utilized the proceeds of share offerings, medium and long-term fixed 
interest rate debt, bank lines of credit and cash flow from operations for 
its capital needs. External sources of capital will continue to be available 
to WRIT from its existing unsecured credit commitments and management 
believes that additional sources of capital are available from selling 
additional shares and/or the sale of medium or long-term notes. The funds 
raised would be used to pay off any outstanding advances on the Trust's lines 
of credit and for new acquisitions and capital improvements.

                                       13

 
      ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
On March 12, 1997, WRIT filed a shelf registration statement with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission which registers up to $200 million of 
securities for sale at WRIT's option (see Note F: Subsequent Events). The 
securities to be sold may be any combination of common shares, debt, 
preferred stock or common share warrants. Any issuance of preferred shares 
would require the prior approval of the Board of Trustees and a majority of 
the shareholders. The shelf registration statement effectively pre-files a 
registration statement for securities thereby shortening the time required to 
commence an offering when a decision to raise capital is made. This 
registration statement is effective for an unlimited period as long as WRIT 
continues to meet certain Securities and Exchange Commission reporting 
requirements.
 
WRIT has line of credit commitments in place from commercial banks for up to 
$75.0 million which bear interest at an adjustable spread over LIBOR based on 
the Trust's interest coverage ratio and public debt rating. As of June 30, 
1997, WRIT had outstanding under its lines of credit $23 million in advances 
with an average interest rate of 6.2%, and $52 million available for future 
advances. These advances were used for the acquisition of the Ammendale 
Technology Park I and II and capital improvements and major renovations to 
WRIT's various properties. The $23 million in advances have maturities 
ranging from July 25, 1997 until September 26, 1997. The $19 million maturing 
July 25, 1997 was extended until August 1, 1997 and repaid with the proceeds 
from the sale of shares of beneficial interest.
 
Cash flow from operating activities totaled $19.2 million for the first six 
months of 1997, as a result of net income of $14.2 million, depreciation and 
amortization of $5.0 million, decreases in other assets of $714,000 and 
increases in liabilities (other than mortgage note, senior notes and lines of 
credit payable) of $722,000. The majority of the increase in cash flow from 
operating activities was due to a larger property portfolio.
 
Net cash used in investing activities for the first six months of 1997 was 
$20.4 million including property acquisitions of $13.7 million and capital 
improvements to real estate of $6.7 million.
 
Net cash provided by financing activities for the first six months of 1997 
was $1.4 million, including line of credit borrowings of $18 million and 
proceeds from share options exercised of $372,000, offset by principal 
repayments of $63,000 on the mortgage note payable and $16.9 million in 
dividends paid. Rental revenue has been the principal source of funds to pay 
WRIT's operating expenses, interest expense and dividends to shareholders.
 
Management believes that it has the liquidity and the capital resources 
necessary to meet all of its known obligations and to make additional 
property acquisitions and capital improvements when appropriate to enhance 
long-term growth.
 
Historically WRIT has acquired 100% ownership in property. However, in 1995 
WRIT formed a subsidiary partnership, WRIT Limited Partnership, in which WRIT 
currently owns 99.9% of the partnership interest. As of June 30, 1997, WRIT 
Limited Partnership has acquired 10 properties for cash contributed or loaned 
to the partnership by WRIT. WRIT intends to use WRIT Limited Partnership to 
offer property owners an opportunity to contribute properties in exchange for 
WRIT Limited Partnership units. Such a transaction will enable property 
owners to diversify their holdings and to obtain a tax deferred contribution 
for WRIT Limited Partnership units rather than make a taxable cash sale. To 
date, no such exchange transactions have occurred. WRIT believes that WRIT 
Limited Partnership will provide WRIT an opportunity to acquire real estate 
assets which might not otherwise have been offered to it.

                                       14

 
                                    PART II
 
                               OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.                      Legal Proceedings
 
                             None
 
Item 2.                      Changes in Securities
 
                             None
 
Item 3.                      Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
                             None
 
Item 4.                      Submission of Matters to a Vote of
                             Security Holders
 

At WRIT's Annual Meeting of the Shareholders on June 25, 1997, the following 
members were elected to the board of Trustees for a term of three years:
 
                             Affirmative    Negative 
                                Votes         Votes  
                             ------------    ---------
 
Arthur A. Birney............. 27,136,456     479,599
 
John M. Derrick.............. 27,199,815     416,240

 
John M. Derrick was elected as a successor Trustee for B. Franklin Kahn, who 
attained the age of 72 and retired from the Board per the Trust's By-Laws. 
Trustees whose term of office as a Trustee continued after the meeting were 
William N. Cafritz, Edmund B. Cronin, Jr., Benjamin H. Dorsey, David M. 
Osnos, and Stanley P. Snyder.
 

Item 5.                      Other Information
 
                             None
 
Item 6.                      Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
 
                             (a) Exhibits
 
                             None
 
                             (27) Financial Data Schedule
 
                             (b) Reports on Form 8-K
 
                             None
 
                                       15


                                   SIGNATURES
 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the 
registrant has fully caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the 
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
                                 WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST 


                                                //Larry E. Finger//
                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                 Larry E. Finger, 
                                 Senior Vice President Finance 
                                 and Chief Financial Officer 



                                                //Laura M. Franklin// 
                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                 Laura M. Franklin, 
                                 Vice President Finance 
                                 and Chief Accounting Officer 


Date: August 13, 1997 



                                                   16