--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

April 9, 2003

To Our Shareholders:

    We are pleased to submit to you our report for the quarter ended March 31,
2003. The net asset value per share at that date was $13.43. During the quarter,
three $0.08 per share monthly dividends were declared and paid. In addition, on
March 6, 2003, the fund announced an increase in its next three monthly
dividends to $0.085 per share, payable on April 30, 2003, May 30, 2003 and
June 30, 2003. The new dividend represents an increase of approximately 6.3% in
the monthly rate.

INVESTMENT REVIEW

    For the quarter, Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund had a total return,
based on income and change in net asset value, of 1.0%. This compares with the
NAREIT Equity REIT Index's(a) total return of 0.7%.

    The recent quarter-end represents the third anniversary of the longest
period in which REITs outperformed the broader stock market. They did so by a
record margin, as shown in the following table.

                      ANNUALIZED TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE
                             Periods ended 3/31/03



                           NAREIT      S&P 500       NASDAQ
                           ------      -------       ------
                                          
1 year.................       -3.5%     -24.8%        -27.0%
2 years................        8.9%     -13.2%        -14.3%
3 years................       13.7%     -16.1%        -33.4%


    Despite the fact that the NAREIT index was up just 0.7% during the quarter,
several underlying trends emerged that may portend changing leadership. As has
been the case for several quarters, the total return leaders were the shopping
center (8.3% total return), regional mall (7.0%), and industrial (2.7%) sectors.
Laggards in the quarter once again included hotel ( - 20.5%) and apartment
( - 1.4%), but also included health care ( - 6.5%). During the month of March,
changing trends were even more distinct as office was the single best performing
sector, while health care was the worst.

-------------------

(a) The NAREIT Equity REIT Index is an unmanaged, market capitalization weighted
    index of all publicly traded REITs that invest predominantly in the equity
    ownership of real estate. The index is designed to reflect the performance
    of all publicly traded equity REITs as a whole.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

    With respect to office stocks, we believe that their valuations and
depressed level of share prices have influenced recent performance. Meanwhile,
there continues to be a strong bid in the private market for quality office
assets, which we believe supports our estimates of asset values. In addition, we
are beginning to detect that vacancy rates are in the process of peaking in some
important markets. With our predicted resumption of economic growth in the
second half, that important indicator may actually improve very shortly.

    We believe that the performance of the health care sector is the result of
two factors. Foremost is that it appears that federal, state and local budget
deficits are having a negative influence on reimbursement rates, thereby
diminishing the profitability of facility operators and the growth prospects of
the health care REITs. In addition, we suspect that investors may perceive the
decline in interest rates -- which helped drive excellent returns from health
care REITs over the past two years -- as beginning to reverse. During the
quarter, we selectively reduced our health care weight, and we expect to
continue to do so opportunistically going forward.

    As was the case with many sectors of the financial markets, REITs
experienced volatility during the first three months of the year based on
quickly changing expectations with respect to economic growth, interest rates
and events leading up to the war in Iraq. REITs were also subject to some unique
factors. Perhaps most significant were the varied interpretations and
expectations of the Bush administration's proposal to eliminate the double
taxation of corporate dividends. Since the proposal would not be a positive for
REITs -- because REITs already don't pay taxes -- the market's initial reaction
was that the proposal would have to be a negative. After some reflection,
however, it has become clearer that the complexities of the proposed new rules
make perceived advantages to non-REIT companies very hard to quantify and rely
upon, perhaps even magnifying the benefits of the reliable, high dividend yields
provided by REITs. Following the president's proposal, for example, two
companies currently taxed as C corporations (Capital Trust and Catellus
Corporation) announced their intentions to convert to REIT status, providing
further evidence of REITs' continuing appeal.

    One issue that continues to be of paramount importance to investors in all
asset classes is the future course of the U.S. economy. Once the Iraq war is
behind us (and as long as there are no further geopolitical crises), the
performance of stocks, bonds and real estate will depend entirely on a
resumption of economic and job growth. Since fiscal and monetary policies could
hardly be more accommodative than they are now, our assumption is that this
stimulus will shortly work its way into the system and that the United States
will be able to avert an economic crisis. Based upon the stock market's strong
rally as the war began (with REITs fully participating), we suspect that
investors are more confidently anticipating second half 2003 growth.

INVESTMENT OUTLOOK

    The investment performance of REITs over the past 18 months has marked a
sharp change in attitudes of a broad range of investors. While we have never
been proponents of analyzing funds' flows in order to gauge or predict
investment performance, there is now convincing evidence that new sources of
demand for REIT shares are having a strong influence on valuations. Emerging
data suggest that significant capital is now flowing to the REIT

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

industry, much of which we believe is permanent. This is in contrast to the late
1990s, when investor capital flowed into and out of the sector primarily as a
result of changing price and profit momentum.

    Since Equity Office Properties became the first REIT to be added to the S&P
500 Index in October 2001, 17 other REITs have been added to this and two other
major S&P indexes, creating demand for at least $3.6 billion worth of shares
from index funds. Once these shares are purchased, they remain in these funds,
subject to fund inflows and outflows, unless the company is deleted from the
index. Based on the market capitalization of REITs relative to the broader
market, it is our belief that there will be a continual increase in the number
of REITs being added to these indexes. An additional source of permanent demand
for REIT shares is the growing number of closed-end mutual funds that invest
exclusively in REITs. These funds have a fixed capital structure-their shares
trade on major stock exchanges, and they do not allow for redemptions or
liquidation. Therefore, these funds must remain fully invested in REITs. Over $4
billion has been raised within this structure and we expect more new funds to be
created in the near future.

    One further source of demand for REIT shares is an array of retirement
accounts. Whereas during the 1990s less than 1% of retirement accounts (such as
401k plans) offered real estate options, it is now estimated that nearly 10% of
such plans include REIT mutual funds in their menus. It is our understanding
that this number is increasing steadily, with many prominent financial
institutions recently adopting the REIT option. In addition, a growing number of
financial planners and advisors have accepted REITs as an asset class that
deserves representation in investor portfolios. While we cannot estimate what
proportion of open-end mutual fund inflows are from such sources, we are
confident that the combination of these accounts, along with numerous
individuals and advisors who adhere to asset allocation models, will continue to
make significant ongoing contributions to the REIT asset class. Over the past 18
months, over $3 billion of cash has flowed into open-end REIT mutual funds.
REITs have also become a popular component of the real estate allocations of
other retirement accounts such as defined benefit plans. Based on the readings
from various institutional investment services, it is estimated that a further
$4 billion has been committed to REITs over this same time frame.

    Finally, with share prices of some REITs trading well below net asset value,
more and more companies are opting to repurchase their shares rather than make
new investments. Indeed, because property prices have held up extremely well,
many REITs have become net sellers of property, using the cash proceeds to
retire debt, fund share repurchase and, in some cases, just sit on the cash in
anticipation of future acquisition opportunities. We estimate that there have
been over $1.5 billion of share repurchases over the past year and a half.
Offsetting this is the issuance of approximately $6.5 billion of common equity
by other REITs during the same period.

    Adding these flows together, as shown below, we estimate that $10.2 billion
of incremental demand for REIT shares has been created. In relation to the $160
billion equity market capitalization of the equity REIT universe, of which a
large percentage is held by insiders and founding families, we consider this to
be a significant proportion. While it may be difficult to extrapolate this trend
into the future, our belief is that the factors underlying this trend will
remain prominent in the near future.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

                         RECENT DEMAND FOR REIT SHARES


                                     
Index additions..................  $ 3.6   billion
Closed-end funds.................    4.2
Open-end funds...................    3.4
Defined benefit plans............    4.0
Share repurchases................    1.5
Equity issuance..................   (6.5)
                                   -----
NET DEMAND.......................  $10.2   BILLION


    While the underlying demand for REITs may be substantial, the returns they
generate will primarily be dependent on the course of real estate fundamentals.
As we mentioned, a stronger economy that brings with it a resumption of job
growth will be required in order for occupancies and rents to improve in almost
every property type. In light of the economic stimulus currently in place and
increased stimulus that may be provided by the tax reduction proposal now being
considered by Congress, we believe it would be unprecedented if there were not a
resumption of strong economic growth.

    Anticipating a strengthening economy, our investment strategy continues to
emphasize the office, industrial and regional mall sectors. Despite headlines
that suggest aggravated conditions in the office market, new construction has
declined precipitously. This suggests to us that once demand begins to increase,
both occupancies and rents will once again begin to grow. The industrial and
mall sectors will also be direct beneficiaries of an improved economy. We have
reduced our exposure to the health care sector due to its slower growth
potential as well as its high sensitivity to interest rates. We remain cautious
on the apartment sector due to a continued high level of construction, despite
the decline in demand resulting from the strength of single-family housing.

    Irrespective of when economic growth finally accelerates, we believe the
REIT industry overall remains extremely healthy, as it is strongly capitalized
and generates cash flow comfortably in excess of current dividends. Despite a
small handful of dividend cuts, 29 companies have already raised their dividend
payouts this year. As dividends tend to drive REITs' long-term returns, these
attractive dividend yields have the potential to make REITs even more popular
with investors, especially in an environment where many analysts are lowering
expectations for

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

most other asset classes. Consequently, we expect REITs to remain an important
and growing component of investors' portfolios.

Sincerely,

              MARTIN COHEN                   ROBERT H. STEERS
              MARTIN COHEN                   ROBERT H. STEERS
              President                      Chairman

                            GREG E. BROOKS
                            GREG E. BROOKS
                            Portfolio Manager

           Cohen & Steers is online at COHENANDSTEERS.COM
    We have enhanced both the look and features of our Web site
    to give you more information about our company, our funds
    and the REIT market in general. Check out our new
    interactive Asset Allocation Tool, which allows you to
    hypothetically add REITs to any portfolio to see how they
    impact expected total returns and risk. Or try the Fund
    Performance Calculator and see how our funds have performed
    versus the S&P 500 Index or Nasdaq Composite. As always, you
    can also get daily net asset values, fund fact sheets,
    portfolio highlights, recent news articles and our overall
    insights on the REIT market.
              So visit us today at COHENANDSTEERS.COM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       5


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

                            SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
                           MARCH 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED)



                                                               NUMBER                    DIVIDEND
                                                             OF SHARES       VALUE       YIELD(a)
                                                             ----------   ------------   --------
                                                                             
EQUITIES                                           97.66%
  COMMON STOCK                                     72.94%
    DIVERSIFIED                                     8.06%
         Colonial Properties Trust........................       82,100   $  2,715,868      8.04%
         Crescent Real Estate Equities Co.................      195,600      2,812,728     10.43
         Vornado Realty Trust.............................      125,000      4,475,000      7.60
                                                                          ------------
                                                                            10,003,596
                                                                          ------------
    HEALTH CARE                                     7.89%
         Health Care Property Investors...................       82,100      2,738,035      9.96
         Health Care REIT.................................       33,500        877,700      8.93
         Nationwide Health Properties.....................      227,100      2,918,235     14.32
         Ventas...........................................      281,700      3,267,720      9.22
                                                                          ------------
                                                                             9,801,690
                                                                          ------------
    INDUSTRIAL                                      3.28%
         First Industrial Realty Trust....................       89,700      2,540,304      9.68
         Keystone Property Trust..........................       89,500      1,539,400      7.56
                                                                          ------------
                                                                             4,079,704
                                                                          ------------
    OFFICE                                         23.35%
         Arden Realty.....................................      160,000      3,628,800      8.91
         Brandywine Realty Trust..........................      184,900      4,067,800      8.00
         CarrAmerica Realty Corp. ........................      126,100      3,196,635      7.89
         Equity Office Properties Trust...................      234,200      5,960,390      7.86
         Highwoods Properties.............................      171,100      3,497,284     11.45
         Mack-Cali Realty Corp. ..........................      155,800      4,825,126      8.14
         Prentiss Properties Trust........................      141,100      3,823,810      8.27
                                                                          ------------
                                                                            28,999,845
                                                                          ------------
    OFFICE/INDUSTRIAL
                                                    6.14%
         Kilroy Realty Corp. .............................       56,600      1,250,860      8.96
         Liberty Property Trust...........................      135,600      4,244,280      7.67
         Reckson Associates Realty Corp. -- Class B.......      110,000      2,128,500     13.39
                                                                          ------------
                                                                             7,623,640
                                                                          ------------


-------------------
(a) Dividend yield is computed by dividing the security's current annual
    dividend rate by the last sale price on the principal exchange, or market,
    on which such security trades.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       6


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

                     SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                           MARCH 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED)


                                                               NUMBER                    DIVIDEND
                                                             OF SHARES       VALUE        YIELD
                                                             ----------   ------------   --------
                                                                             
RESIDENTIAL -- APARTMENT                           11.11%
         Archstone-Smith Trust............................      137,900   $  3,028,284      7.79%
         AvalonBay Communities............................       56,600      2,088,540      7.59
         Camden Property Trust............................       76,400      2,475,360      7.84
         Gables Residential Trust.........................      106,900      2,860,644      9.01
         Home Properties of New York......................       56,400      1,872,480      7.35
         Post Properties..................................       34,000        821,100      7.45
         Summit Properties................................       35,100        649,350      7.30
                                                                          ------------
                                                                            13,795,758
                                                                          ------------
    SHOPPING CENTER                                13.11%
      COMMUNITY CENTER                              4.62%
         Developers Diversified Realty Corp. .............       55,600      1,342,740      6.79
         Federal Realty Investment Trust..................       67,200      2,040,864      6.39
         Heritage Property Investment Trust...............       23,800        596,190      8.38
         Kramont Realty Trust.............................       69,500      1,042,500      8.67
         Urstadt Biddle Properties -- Class A.............       60,000        718,800      7.01
                                                                          ------------
                                                                             5,741,094
                                                                          ------------
      REGIONAL MALL
                                                    8.49%
         CBL & Associates Properties......................       50,900      2,066,031      6.45
         Glimcher Realty Trust............................       78,200      1,501,440     10.00
         Macerich Co. ....................................      110,500      3,500,640      7.20
         Mills Corp. .....................................      110,600      3,450,720      7.24
         Taubman Centers..................................        1,300         22,139      6.11
                                                                          ------------
                                                                            10,540,970
                                                                          ------------
         TOTAL SHOPPING CENTER............................                  16,282,064
                                                                          ------------
             TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Identified
                cost -- $86,675,848)......................                  90,586,297
                                                                          ------------


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       7


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

                     SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                           MARCH 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED)



                                                               NUMBER                    DIVIDEND
                                                             OF SHARES       VALUE        YIELD
                                                             ----------   ------------   --------
                                                                             
PREFERRED STOCK                                    24.72%
 DIVERSIFIED                                        3.18%
         Colonial Properties Trust, 8.75%, Series A.......       98,300   $  2,489,939      8.65%
         Colonial Properties Trust, 9.25%, Series C.......          600         15,636      8.86
         Crescent Real Estate Equities Co., 6.75%,
           Series A (Convertible).........................       75,500      1,444,315      8.83
                                                                          ------------
                                                                             3,949,890
                                                                          ------------
    HEALTH CARE                                     2.60%
         Nationwide Health Properties, 7.677%,
           Series P(a)....................................       47,000      3,222,438     11.20
                                                                          ------------
    HOTEL                                           0.12%
         FelCor Lodging Trust, 9.00%, Series B............        3,700         66,563     12.51
         Host Marriott Corp, 10.00%, Series C.............        4,000         88,120     11.35
                                                                          ------------
                                                                               154,683
                                                                          ------------
    INDUSTRIAL                                      0.40%
         Keystone Property Trust, 9.125%, Series D........       18,800        490,680      8.74
                                                                          ------------
    OFFICE                                          4.73%
         Alexandria Real Estate Equities, 9.10%,
           Series B.......................................       13,900        375,022      8.45
         HRPT Properties Trust, 8.75%, Series B...........       52,800      1,377,552      8.39
         Highwoods Properties, 8.625%, Series A(a)........        4,300      4,126,656      8.99
                                                                          ------------
                                                                             5,879,230
                                                                          ------------
    RESIDENTIAL -- APARTMENT                        5.01%
         Apartment Investment & Management Co.,
           9.00%, Series C................................       44,000      1,100,000      9.00
         Apartment Investment & Management Co.,
           8.75%, Series D................................       10,000        248,500      8.81
         Apartment Investment & Management Co.,
           9.375%, Series G...............................      119,400      3,162,906      8.83
         Apartment Investment & Management Co.,
           10.10%, Series Q...............................       25,000        657,000      9.63
         Apartment Investment & Management Co.,
           10.00%, Series R...............................       18,100        477,659      9.47
         Post Properties, 8.50%, Series A.................       11,000        576,400      8.11
                                                                          ------------
                                                                             6,222,465
                                                                          ------------
    SHOPPING CENTER                                 8.68%
      COMMUNITY CENTER                              0.28%
         Developers Diversified Realty Corp., 8.60%,
           Series F.......................................        1,600         41,200      8.35
         Ramco-Gershenson Property Trust, 9.50%,
           Series B.......................................       11,600        304,790      9.06
                                                                          ------------
                                                                               345,990
                                                                          ------------
      OUTLET CENTER                                 0.52%
         Chelsea Property Group, 8.375%, Series A(a)......       13,000        649,594      8.39
                                                                          ------------


-------------------
(a) The fund prices this security at fair value using procedures approved by the
    fund's board of directors.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       8


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

                     SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                           MARCH 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED)



                                                               NUMBER                    DIVIDEND
                                                             OF SHARES       VALUE        YIELD
                                                             ----------   ------------   --------
                                                                                  
REGIONAL MALL                                         7.88%
         CBL & Associates Properties, 8.75%,
           Series B........................................      13,000   $    690,300      8.25%
         Crown American Realty Trust, 11.00%,
           Series A........................................      55,400      3,152,260      9.67
         Mills Corp., 9.00%, Series B......................      73,800      1,904,040      8.72
         Mills Corp., 9.00%, Series C(b)...................      25,000        646,250      8.70
         Taubman Centers, 8.30%, Series A..................     139,500      3,391,245      8.56
                                                                          ------------
                                                                             9,784,095
                                                                          ------------
         TOTAL SHOPPING CENTER.............................                 10,779,679
                                                                          ------------
             TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK (Identified
                cost -- $28,370,364).......................                 30,699,065
                                                                          ------------
             TOTAL EQUITIES (Identified
                cost -- $115,046,212)......................                121,285,362
                                                                          ------------

                                                             PRINCIPAL
                                                               AMOUNT
                                                             ----------
                                                                   
CORPORATE BOND                                        0.48%
         Host Marriott, LP, 9.50%, due 1/15/07
           (Identified cost -- $600,590)...................  $  600,000        600,750
                                                                          ------------
COMMERCIAL PAPER                                      1.18%
         United Bank of Switzerland Financial,
           1.28%, due 4/1/2003
           (Identified cost -- $1,464,000).................   1,464,000      1,464,000
                                                                          ------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Identified cost -- $117,110,802)  99.32%                123,350,112
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES...............  0.68%                    839,774
                                                    ------                ------------
NET ASSETS (Equivalent to $13.43 per share based on
  9,249,159 shares of capital stock outstanding)... 100.00%               $124,189,886
                                                    ------                ------------
                                                    ------                ------------


-------------------
(b) The fund prices this security at fair value using procedures approved by
    the fund's board of directors.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       9


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

                             FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(a)
                           MARCH 31, 2003 (UNAUDITED)



                                                                           NET ASSET VALUE
                                                   TOTAL NET ASSETS           PER SHARE
                                              --------------------------   ---------------
                                                                        
NET ASSET VALUE:
Beginning of period: 12/31/2002.............                $125,036,348            $13.52
    Net investment income...................  $ 2,304,920                  $ 0.25
    Net realized and unrealized loss on
       investments..........................     (931,680)                  (0.10)
    Distributions from net investment
       income...............................   (2,219,702)                  (0.24)
                                              -----------                  ------
Net decrease in net asset value.............                    (846,462)            (0.09)
                                                            ------------            ------
End of period: 3/31/2003....................                $124,189,886            $13.43
                                                            ------------            ------
                                                            ------------            ------


                         AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS(b)

                   (PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 2003) (UNAUDITED)



                       SINCE INCEPTION
ONE YEAR  FIVE YEARS      (9/27/93)
--------  ----------   ---------------
                 
 0.62%      4.97%           9.38%


                        REINVESTMENT PLAN

   We urge shareholders who want to take advantage of this plan
   and whose shares are held in 'Street Name' to consult your
   broker as soon as possible to determine if you must change
   registration into your own name to participate.

   Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of
   the Investment Company Act of 1940 that the fund may
   purchase, from time to time, shares of its common stock in
   the open market.

-------------------
(a) Financial information included in this report has been taken from the
    records of the fund without examination by independent accountants.

(b) Based on net asset value.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       10


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

                           PRIVACY POLICY

       The fund is committed to maintaining the privacy of its
       shareholders and to safeguarding their personal information.
       The following is provided to help you understand what
       personal information the fund collects, how we protect that
       information, and why in certain cases we may share this
       information with others.

       The fund does not receive any personal information relating
       to shareholders who purchase shares through an intermediary
       that acts as the record owner of the shares. In the case of
       shareholders who are record owners of the fund, to conduct
       and process your business in an accurate and efficient
       manner, we must collect and maintain certain personal
       information about you. This is the information we collect on
       applications or other forms, and from the transactions you
       make with us.

       The fund does not disclose any personal information about
       its shareholders or former shareholders to anyone, except as
       required or permitted by law or as is necessary to service
       shareholder accounts. We will share information with
       organizations, such as the fund's transfer agent, that
       assist the fund in carrying out its daily business
       operations. These organizations will use this information
       only for purposes of providing the services required or as
       otherwise as may be required by law. These organizations are
       not permitted to share or use this information for any other
       purpose. In addition, the fund restricts access to personal
       information about its shareholders to employees of the
       adviser who have a legitimate business need for the
       information.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       11


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.


                                                 
                          MEET THE COHEN & STEERS FAMILY OF OPEN-END FUNDS:

              FOR HIGH CURRENT INCOME:                                FOR TOTAL RETURN:
                   COHEN & STEERS                                      COHEN & STEERS
                 EQUITY INCOME FUND                                    REALTY SHARES

      IDEAL FOR INVESTORS SEEKING A HIGH DIVIDEND         IDEAL FOR INVESTORS SEEKING MAXIMUM TOTAL
      YIELD AND CAPITAL APPRECIATION, INVESTING           RETURN THROUGH BOTH CURRENT INCOME AND
      PRIMARILY IN REITS                                  CAPITAL APPRECIATION, INVESTING PRIMARILY IN
      A, B, C AND I SHARES AVAILABLE                      REITS
      SYMBOLS: CSEIX, CSBIX, CSCIX, CSDIX                 SYMBOL: CSRSX

              FOR CAPITAL APPRECIATION:                               FOR TOTAL RETURN:
                   COHEN & STEERS                                      COHEN & STEERS
                SPECIAL EQUITY FUND                              INSTITUTIONAL REALTY SHARES

      IDEAL FOR INVESTORS SEEKING MAXIMUM CAPITAL         IDEAL FOR INVESTORS SEEKING MAXIMUM TOTAL
      APPRECIATION, INVESTING IN A LIMITED NUMBER         RETURN THROUGH BOTH CURRENT INCOME AND
      OF COMPANIES ENGAGED IN THE REAL ESTATE OR          CAPITAL APPRECIATION, INVESTING PRIMARILY IN
      RELATED INDUSTRIES                                  REITS
      CONCENTRATED, HIGHLY FOCUSED PORTFOLIO              OFFERS LOW TOTAL EXPENSE RATIO
      SYMBOL: CSSPX                                       HIGHER MINIMUM PURCHASE REQUIRED
                                                          SYMBOL: CSRIX

                          FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ANY COHEN & STEERS FUND
                           OR TO OBTAIN A PROSPECTUS PLEASE CONTACT US AT:
                     1-800-330-REIT, OR VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT COHENANDSTEERS.COM

     THE PROSPECTUS CONTAINS MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EACH FUND INCLUDING ALL CHARGES AND EXPENSES,
                           AND SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU INVEST.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       12


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.


                                    
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS                 KEY INFORMATION

Robert H. Steers                       INVESTMENT ADVISER
Director and chairman                  Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc.
                                       757 Third Avenue
Martin Cohen                           New York, NY 10017
Director and president                 (212) 832-3232

Gregory C. Clark                       FUND ADMINISTRATOR AND CUSTODIAN
Director                               State Street Corp.
                                       225 Franklin Street
Bonnie Cohen                           Boston, MA 02110
Director
                                       TRANSFER AGENT
George Grossman                        Equiserve Trust Company
Director                               150 Royall Street
                                       Canton, MA 02021
Richard J. Norman                      (800) 426-5523
Director
                                       LEGAL COUNSEL
Willard H. Smith Jr.                   Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
Director                               425 Lexington Avenue
                                       New York, NY 10017
Adam Derechin
Vice president and assistant treasurer New York Stock Exchange Symbol: RFI

Lawrence B. Stoller                    Web site: cohenandsteers.com
Assistant Secretary
                                       This report is for shareholder
                                       information. This is not a prospectus
                                       intended for use in the purchase or sale
                                       of fund shares. Past performance is of
                                       course no guarantee of future results
                                       and your investment may be worth more
                                       or less at the time you sell.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       13





COHEN & STEERS
TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND
757 THIRD AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10017

                                 COHEN & STEERS
                            TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND

                              -------------------

                                QUARTERLY REPORT
                                 MARCH 31, 2003