Segment information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2022 USD ($) segments Properties	Jan. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	$ 10,649	$ 12,754
Real estate operating expenses	8,473	8,846
Operating income	2,176	3,908
Reconciliation to condensed consolidated net income attributable to common equity:
Segment NOI	5,333	7,669
Deferred rents - straight lining	(10)	(206)
Investment income	26	30
General and administrative expenses	(1,327)	(1,260)
Loss on investment in tenancy-in-common	(124)	(27)
Depreciation	(1,820)	(2,295)
Net gain on sale of Maryland properties	70,003
Financing costs	(2,928)	(3,132)
Net income	69,153	779
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	(23,376)	(221)
Net income attributable to common equity	$ 45,777	558
Number of reportable segments | segments	2
Residential [Member]
Reportable Segments
Recurring capital improvements	$ (48)	(82)
Reconciliation to condensed consolidated net income attributable to common equity:
Number of properties | Properties	6
Commercial [Member]
Reconciliation to condensed consolidated net income attributable to common equity:
Number of properties | Properties	5
Operating Segments [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	$ 10,659	12,960
Real estate operating expenses	5,326	5,291
Operating income	5,333	7,669
Operating Segments [Member] | Residential [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	6,338	6,609
Real estate operating expenses	2,641	2,664
Operating income	3,697	3,945
Operating Segments [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	4,321	6,351
Real estate operating expenses	2,685	2,627
Operating income	$ 1,636	$ 3,724