UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

To Our Shareholders:

We would like to share with you our report for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The net asset value (NAV) at that date was $14.43 per common share. The Fund's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and its share price can differ from its NAV; at period end, the Fund's closing price on the NYSE was $13.99.

The total returns, including income, for the Fund and its comparative benchmarks were:

The performance data quoted represent past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, if sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Current total returns of the Fund can be obtained by visiting our website at cohenandsteers.com. The Fund's returns assume the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at prices obtained under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan. Index performance does not reflect the deduction of any fees, taxes or expenses. An investor cannot invest directly in an index. Performance figures for periods shorter than one year are not annualized.

Managed Distribution Policy

Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund, Inc. (the Fund), acting in accordance with an exemptive order received from the Securities and Exchange Commission and with approval of its Board of Directors (the Board), adopted a managed distribution policy under which the Fund intends to include long-term capital gains, where applicable, as part of the regular quarterly cash distributions to its shareholders (the Plan). The Plan will give the Fund greater flexibility to realize long-term capital gains and to distribute those gains on a regular quarterly basis. In accordance with the Plan, the Fund currently distributes $0.24 per share on a quarterly basis.

^a  As a closed-end investment company, the price of the Fund's NYSE-traded shares will be set by market forces and can deviate from the NAV per share of the Fund.

^b  The FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index contains all tax-qualified REITs except timber and infrastructure REITs with more than 50% of total assets in qualifying real estate assets other than mortgages secured by real property that also meet minimum size and liquidity criteria. The BofA Merrill Lynch REIT Preferred Securities Index tracks the performance of fixed-rate U.S. dollar-denominated preferred securities issued in the U.S. domestic market by real estate investment trusts. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 large-capitalization stocks that is frequently used as a general measure of U.S. stock market performance.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

The Fund may pay distributions in excess of the Fund's investment company taxable income and realized gains. This excess would be a return of capital distributed from the Fund's assets. Distributions of capital decrease the Fund's total assets and, therefore, could have the effect of increasing the Fund's expense ratio. In addition, in order to make these distributions, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities at a less than opportune time.

Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of these distributions or from the terms of the Fund's Plan. The Fund's total return based on net asset value is presented in the table above as well as in the Financial Highlights table.

The Plan provides that the Board may amend or terminate the Plan at any time without prior notice to Fund shareholders; however, at this time, there are no reasonably foreseeable circumstances that might cause the termination. The termination of the Plan could have the effect of creating a trading discount (if the Fund's stock is trading at or above net asset value) or widening an existing trading discount.

Market Review

U.S. real estate investment trusts (REITs) produced strong total returns in the first half of 2016 and widely outperformed the S&P 500 Index, in what was a challenging period for equities broadly.

The stock market came under intense selling pressure early in the year amid declining crude oil prices and lackluster economic growth from the world's major economies. Stocks then rebounded, aided by firmer oil prices, somewhat better economic data and continued monetary stimulus efforts by a number of central banks. Equities were briefly upended late in the second quarter when the U.K. unexpectedly voted in favor of leaving the European Union. Sovereign bond yields generally trended lower throughout the period in response to economic uncertainty and policies adopted by several central banks, resulting in sharply lower U.S. Treasury yields as well.

Investors were drawn to REITs for the asset class' relatively stable cash flows and attractive dividend yields amid continued strong fundamentals for the U.S. real estate market. Adding to their appeal was REITs' strong domestic orientation, as the U.S. appears to be the healthiest major economy at a time of heightened global economic and political uncertainty.

REIT Preferred Securities Also Advanced

Preferred securities issued by commercial real estate companies had a total return of 5.5% in the period, as measured by the BofA Merrill Lynch REIT Preferred Securities Index, outperforming the broader preferred securities market. REIT preferreds continued to benefit from a favorable technical environment. REITs issued relatively few new preferreds during the period, while investment demand for their above-average income held firm, sustaining an imbalance that lifted prices.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

Fund Performance

The Fund had a positive total return in the period and outperformed its blended benchmark on a market price basis but underperformed on a NAV basis. Our stock selection and overweight in apartment landlords detracted from relative performance. Despite reporting strong earnings, apartments underperformed as investors questioned whether cash flow growth trends would continue amid increasing supply and a sluggish economy. We believe, however, that the sector's growth will continue at a healthy pace and that supply has plateaued.

Our underweight in specialty REITs further detracted, as did our underweight and stock selection in industrial property owners. The latter benefited from the growth of e-commerce and third-party logistics services, but our underweight reflected our view that valuations remain rich.

The largest contributor to the Fund's relative performance was our overweight in data centers, the top-performing REIT sector in the first half of 2016. However, the relative benefit was partially offset by our stock selection in the sector. Our overweight and stock selection in health care REITs also contributed, including purchasing HCP, one of the larger constituents in the sector, after the stock declined materially on concerns that softer revenues for ManorCare, its largest tenant, could lead to a rent reduction. The stock subsequently recovered all of its earlier loss.

Our underweight in REIT preferreds further contributed to relative performance, given their underperformance to REIT common shares. Also contributing was our stock selection in regional mall owners, where we focused on companies with high-quality assets that have been successful in redeveloping vacated space. We largely avoided Class B mall owners, which underperformed and have been more vulnerable to store closings as it has generally been more difficult for them to increase rents or replace tenants.

Impact of Derivatives on Fund Performance

The Fund uses single stock options with the intention of enhancing total returns and reducing overall volatility. These contracts had no impact on the Fund's total return for the six-month period ended June 30, 2016.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

Sincerely,

WILLIAM F. SCAPELL				THOMAS N. BOHJALIAN
Portfolio Manager				Portfolio Manager

  JASON YABLON

  Portfolio Manager

The views and opinions in the preceding commentary are subject to change without notice and are as of the date of the report. There is no guarantee that any market forecast set forth in the commentary will be realized. This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time, should not be relied upon as investment advice and is not intended to predict or depict performance of any investment.

Visit Cohen & Steers online at cohenandsteers.com

For more information about the Cohen & Steers family of mutual funds, visit cohenandsteers.com. Here you will find fund net asset values, fund fact sheets and portfolio highlights, as well as educational resources and timely market updates.

Our website also provides comprehensive information about Cohen & Steers, including our most recent press releases, profiles of our senior investment professionals and their investment approach to each asset class. The Cohen & Steers family of mutual funds invests in major real asset categories including real estate securities, listed infrastructure, commodities and natural resource equities, as well as preferred securities and other income solutions.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

June 30, 2016

Top Ten Holdings^a
(Unaudited)

^a  Top ten holdings are determined on the basis of the value of individual securities held. The Fund may also hold positions in other types of securities issued by the companies listed above. See the Schedule of Investments for additional details on such other positions.

Sector Breakdown

(Based on Net Assets)
(Unaudited)

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

June 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS—(Continued)

June 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS—(Continued)

June 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS—(Continued)

June 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS—(Continued)

June 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS—(Continued)

June 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS—(Continued)

June 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

Glossary of Portfolio Abbreviations

REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust

Note: Percentages indicated are based on the net assets of the Fund.

^a  Resale is restricted to qualified institutional investors. Aggregate holdings equal 0.3% of the net assets of the Fund.

^b  Rate quoted represents the annualized seven-day yield of the Fund.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

June 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Unaudited)

^a  Includes dividends in excess of net investment income and accumulated undistributed net investment income of $6,210,347 and $995,786, respectively.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)

The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and other performance information derived from the financial statements. It should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

^a  Calculation based on average shares outstanding.

^b  22.4% of gross income was attributable to dividends paid by Equity Residential for the six months ended June 30, 2016.

^c  Amount is less than $0.005.

^d  Total net asset value return measures the change in net asset value per share over the period indicated. Total market value return is computed based upon the Fund's NYSE market price per share and excludes the effects of brokerage commissions. Dividends and distributions are assumed, for purposes of these calculations, to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan.

^e  Not annualized.

^f  Does not reflect adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values differ from the net asset value and returns reported on December 31, 2012.

^g  Does not reflect adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values differ from the net asset value and returns reported on December 31, 2010.

^h  Annualized.

ⁱ  Includes non-recurring merger related expenses. Without these expenses, the ratio of expenses to average daily net assets would have been 0.88% and the ratio of net investment income to average daily net assets would have been 2.11%.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Note 1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund, Inc. (the Fund) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on September 4, 1992 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act) as a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund's investment objective is high total return.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The Fund is an investment company and, accordingly, follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 946—Investment Companies. The accounting policies of the Fund are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Portfolio Valuation: Investments in securities that are listed on the NYSE are valued, except as indicated below, at the last sale price reflected at the close of the NYSE on the business day as of which such value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the closing bid and ask prices on such day or, if no ask price is available, at the bid price. Exchange-traded options are valued at their last sale price as of the close of options trading on applicable exchanges on the valuation date. In the absence of a last sale price on such day, options are valued at the average of the quoted bid and ask prices as of the close of business. Over-the-counter options are valued based upon prices provided by the respective counterparty.

Securities not listed on the NYSE but listed on other domestic or foreign securities exchanges are valued in a similar manner. Securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price reflected at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities on the business day as of which such value is being determined. If after the close of a foreign market, but prior to the close of business on the day the securities are being valued, market conditions change significantly, certain non-U.S. equity holdings may be fair valued pursuant to procedures established by the Board of Directors.

Readily marketable securities traded in the over-the-counter market, including listed securities whose primary market is believed by Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. (the investment advisor) to be over-the-counter, are valued at the last sale price on the valuation date as reported by sources deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors to reflect their fair market value. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the closing bid and ask prices on such day or, if no ask price is available, at the bid price. However, certain fixed-income securities may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a third-party pricing service or third-party broker-dealers when such prices are believed by the investment advisor, pursuant to delegation by the Board of Directors, to reflect the fair market value of such securities. The pricing services or broker-dealers use multiple valuation techniques to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity exists, the pricing services or broker-dealers may utilize a market-based approach through which quotes from market makers are used to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity may not

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

exist or is limited, the pricing services or broker-dealers also utilize proprietary valuation models which may consider market transactions in comparable securities and the various relationships between securities in determining fair value and/or characteristics such as benchmark yield curves, option-adjusted spreads, credit spreads, estimated default rates, coupon rates, anticipated timing of principal repayments, underlying collateral, and other unique security features which are used to calculate the fair values.

Short-term debt securities with a maturity date of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at their closing net asset value.

The policies and procedures approved by the Fund's Board of Directors delegate authority to make fair value determinations to the investment advisor, subject to the oversight of the Board of Directors. The investment advisor has established a valuation committee (Valuation Committee) to administer, implement and oversee the fair valuation process according to the policies and procedures approved annually by the Board of Directors. Among other things, these procedures allow the Fund to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers and other market sources to determine fair value.

Securities for which market prices are unavailable, or securities for which the investment advisor determines that the bid and/or ask price or a counterparty valuation does not reflect market value, will be valued at fair value, as determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to procedures approved by the Fund's Board of Directors. Circumstances in which market prices may be unavailable include, but are not limited to, when trading in a security is suspended, the exchange on which the security is traded is subject to an unscheduled close or disruption or material events occur after the close of the exchange on which the security is principally traded. In these circumstances, the Fund determines fair value in a manner that fairly reflects the market value of the security on the valuation date based on consideration of any information or factors it deems appropriate. These may include, but are not limited to, recent transactions in comparable securities, information relating to the specific security and developments in the markets.

The Fund's use of fair value pricing may cause the net asset value of Fund shares to differ from the net asset value that would be calculated using market quotations. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security may be materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security.

Fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would expect to receive upon the sale of an investment or expect to pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. The hierarchy of inputs that are used in determining the fair value of the Fund's investments is summarized below.

•  Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

•  Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, credit risk, etc.)

•  Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities may or may not be an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

For movements between the levels within the fair value hierarchy, the Fund has adopted a policy of recognizing the transfer at the end of the period in which the underlying event causing the movement occurred. Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers into or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 securities as of June 30, 2016.

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of June 30, 2016 in valuing the Fund's investments carried at value:

^a  Portfolio holdings are disclosed individually on the Schedule of Investments.

Security Transactions and Investment Income: Security transactions are recorded on trade date. Realized gains and losses on investments sold are recorded on the basis of identified cost. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except for certain dividends on foreign securities, which are recorded as soon as the Fund is informed after the ex-dividend date. Distributions from Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are recorded as ordinary income, net realized capital gain or return of capital based on information reported by the REITs and management's estimates of such amounts based on historical information. These estimates are adjusted when the actual source of distributions is disclosed by the REITs and actual amounts may differ from the estimated amounts.

Options: The Fund may purchase and write exchange-listed and over-the-counter put or call options on securities, stock indices and other financial instruments to enhance portfolio returns and reduce overall volatility.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

When the Fund writes (sells) an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is recorded on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current market value of the option written. When an option expires, the Fund realizes a gain on the option to the extent of the premium received. Premiums received from writing options which are exercised or closed are added to or offset against the proceeds or amount paid on the transaction to determine the realized gain or loss. If a put option on a security is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis of the security purchased by the Fund. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds of the security sold to determine the realized gain or loss. The Fund, as writer of an option, bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the underlying index or security. Other risks include the possibility of an illiquid options market or the inability of the counterparties to fulfill their obligations under the contracts.

Put and call options purchased are accounted for in the same manner as portfolio securities. Premiums paid for purchasing options which expire are treated as realized losses. Premiums paid for purchasing options which are exercised or closed are added to the amounts paid or offset against the proceeds on the underlying investment transaction to determine the realized gain or loss when the underlying transaction is executed. The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Fund pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract.

At June 30, 2016, the Fund did not have any option contracts outstanding.

Foreign Currency Translation: The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based upon prevailing exchange rates on the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based upon prevailing exchange rates on the respective dates of such transactions. The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, including gains and losses on forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund's books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities, on the date of valuation, resulting from changes in exchange rates. Pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations, certain foreign currency gains/losses included in realized and unrealized gains/losses are included in or are a reduction of ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders: Dividends from net investment income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid quarterly. Net realized capital gains, unless offset by any available capital loss carryforward, are typically distributed

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

to shareholders at least annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of the Fund in accordance with the Fund's Reinvestment Plan, unless the shareholder has elected to have them paid in cash.

The Fund has a managed distribution policy in accordance with exemptive relief issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This policy gives the Fund greater flexibility to realize long-term capital gains throughout the year and to distribute those gains on a more regular basis to shareholders. Therefore, regular quarterly distributions throughout the year may include a portion of estimated realized long-term capital gains, along with net investment income, short-term capital gains and return of capital, which is not taxable. In accordance with the relief, the Fund is required to adhere to certain conditions in order to distribute long-term capital gains during the year.

Dividends from net investment income are subject to recharacterization for tax purposes. Based upon the results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2016, the investment advisor considers it likely that a significant portion of the dividends will be reclassified to distributions from net realized gain upon the final determination of the Fund's taxable income after December 31, 2016, the Fund's fiscal year end.

Income Taxes: It is the policy of the Fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, if such qualification is in the best interest of the shareholders, by complying with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies, and by distributing substantially all of its taxable earnings to its shareholders. Also, in order to avoid the payment of any federal excise taxes, the Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized gains on a calendar year basis. Accordingly, no provision for federal income or excise tax is necessary. Dividend and interest income from holdings in non-U.S. securities is recorded net of non-U.S. taxes paid. Management has analyzed the Fund's tax positions taken on federal and applicable state income tax returns as well as its tax positions in non-U.S. jurisdictions in which it trades for all open tax years and has concluded that as of June 30, 2016, no additional provisions for income tax are required in the Fund's financial statements. The Fund's tax positions for the tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service, state departments of revenue and by foreign tax authorities.

Note 2. Investment Advisory Fees, Administration Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Advisory Fees: The investment advisor serves as the Fund's investment advisor pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the investment advisory agreement). Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the investment advisor provides the Fund with day-to-day investment decisions and generally manages the Fund's investments in accordance with the stated policies of the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors.

For the services provided to the Fund, the investment advisor receives a fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of 0.70% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

Administration Fees: The Fund has entered into an administration agreement with the investment advisor under which the investment advisor performs certain administrative functions for the Fund and receives a fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of 0.04% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Fund incurred $70,629 in fees under this administration agreement. Additionally, the Fund pays State Street Bank and Trust Company as co-administrator under a fund accounting and administration agreement.

Directors' and Officers' Fees: Certain directors and officers of the Fund are also directors, officers, and/or employees of the investment advisor. The Fund does not pay compensation to directors and officers affiliated with the investment advisor except for the Chief Compliance Officer, who received compensation from the investment advisor, which was reimbursed by the Fund, in the amount of $2,258 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.

Note 3. Purchases and Sales of Securities

Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term investments, for the six months ended June 30, 2016, totaled $86,320,133 and $90,573,021, respectively.

Transactions in written option contracts for the six months ended June 30, 2016, were as follows:

Note 4. Derivative Investments

The following table presents the effect of derivatives held during the six months ended June 30, 2016, along with the respective location in the financial statements. The volume of activity for written option contracts for the six months ended June 30, 2016 is summarized in Note 3.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

Note 5. Income Tax Information

As of June 30, 2016, the federal tax cost and net unrealized appreciation and depreciation in value of securities held were as follows:

Note 6. Capital Stock

The Fund is authorized to issue 100 million shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share.

During the six months ended June 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015, the Fund did not issue shares of common stock for the reinvestment of dividends.

On December 8, 2015, the Board of Directors approved the continuation of the delegation of its authority to management to effect repurchases, pursuant to management's discretion and subject to market conditions and investment considerations, of up to 10% of the Fund's common shares outstanding (Share Repurchase Program) from January 1, 2016, through the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

During the six months ended June 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015, the Fund did not effect any repurchases.

Note 7. Other Risks

Real Estate Market Risk: Since the Fund concentrates its assets in companies engaged in the real estate industry, an investment in the Fund will be closely linked to the performance of the real estate markets. Risks of investing in real estate securities include falling property values due to increasing vacancies, declining rents resulting from economic, legal, tax, political or technological developments, lack of liquidity, limited diversification, and sensitivity to certain economic factors such as interest-rate changes and market recessions. Real estate company prices also may drop because of the failure of borrowers to pay their loans and poor management, and residential developers, in particular, could be negatively impacted by falling home prices, slower mortgage origination and rising construction costs. The risks of investing in REITs are similar to those associated with direct investments in real estate securities.

REIT Risk: In addition to the risks of securities linked to the real estate industry, REITs are subject to certain other risks related to their structure and focus. REITs are dependent upon management skills and generally may not be diversified. REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers and self-liquidation. In addition, REITs could possibly fail to (i) qualify for pass-through of income under applicable tax law, or (ii) maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

The above factors may also adversely affect a borrower's or a lessee's ability to meet its obligations to the REIT. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments.

Small- and Medium-Sized Companies Risk: Real estate companies in the industry tend to be small- to medium-sized companies in relation to the equity markets as a whole. There may be less trading in a smaller company's stock, which means that buy and sell transactions in that stock could have a larger impact on the stock's price than is the case with larger company stocks. Smaller companies also may have fewer lines of business so that changes in any one line of business may have a greater impact on a smaller company's stock price than is the case for a larger company. Further, smaller company stocks may perform differently in different cycles than larger company stocks. Accordingly, real estate company shares can, and at times will, perform differently than large company stocks.

Preferred Securities Risk: Preferred securities are subject to credit risk, which is the risk that a security will decline in price, or the issuer of the security will fail to make dividend, interest or principal payments when due, because the issuer experiences a decline in its financial status. Preferred securities are also subject to interest rate risk and may decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates than would normally be the case in an environment of low interest rates and the effect of potential government fiscal policy initiatives and resulting market reaction to those initiatives. In addition, an issuer may be permitted to defer or omit distributions. Preferred securities are also generally subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company's capital structure. During periods of declining interest rates, an issuer may be able to exercise an option to redeem (call) its issue at par earlier than scheduled, and the Fund may be forced to reinvest in lower yielding securities. Certain preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as common stocks. Generally, preferred security holders have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless certain events occur. Certain preferred securities may give the issuers special redemption rights allowing the securities to be redeemed prior to a specified date if certain events occur, such as changes to tax or securities laws.

Options Risk: Gains on options transactions depend on the Advisor's ability to predict correctly the direction of stock prices, indexes, interest rates, and other economic factors, and unanticipated changes may cause poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in such transactions. A rise in the value of the security or index underlying a call option written by the Fund exposes the Fund to possible loss or loss of opportunity to realize appreciation in the value of any portfolio securities underlying or otherwise related to the call option. By writing a put option, the Fund assumes the risk of a decline in the underlying security or index. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Fund seeks to close out an option position, and for certain options not traded on an exchange no market usually exists. Trading could be interrupted, for example, because of supply and demand imbalances arising from a lack of either buyers or sellers, or an options exchange could suspend trading after the price has risen or fallen more than the maximum specified by the exchange.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)—(Continued)

Although the Fund may be able to offset to some extent any adverse effects of being unable to liquidate an option position, that Fund may experience losses in some cases as a result of such inability, may not be able to close its position and, in such an event would be unable to control its losses.

Note 8. Other

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, based on experience, the risk of material loss from such claims is considered remote.

Note 9. Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated events and transactions occurring after June 30, 2016 through the date that the financial statements were issued, and has determined that no additional disclosure in the financial statements is required.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

PROXY RESULTS (Unaudited)

Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund, Inc. shareholders voted on the following proposals at the annual meeting held on April 28, 2016. The description of each proposal and number of shares voted are as follows:

Common Shares

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(Periods ended June 30, 2016) (Unaudited)

The performance data quoted represent past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return will vary and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, if sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Current total returns of the Fund can be obtained by visiting our website at cohenandsteers.com. The Fund's returns assume the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at prices obtained under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan.

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.

OTHER INFORMATION

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 800-330-7348, (ii) on our website at cohenandsteers.com or (iii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission's (the SEC) website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, the Fund's proxy voting record for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available by August 31 of each year (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 800-330-7348 or (ii) on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund's Forms N-Q are available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 800-330-7348 or (ii) on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, the Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330.

Please note that distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders are subject to recharacterization for tax purposes and are taxable up to the amount of the Fund's investment company taxable income and net realized gains. Distributions in excess of the Fund's investment company taxable income and net realized gains are a return of capital distributed from the Fund's assets. To the extent this occurs, the Fund's shareholders of record will be notified of the estimated amount of capital returned to shareholders for each such distribution and this information will also be available at cohenandsteers.com. The final tax treatment of all distributions is reported to shareholders on their 1099-DIV forms, which are mailed after the close of each calendar year. Distributions of capital decrease the Fund's total assets and, therefore, could have the effect of increasing the Fund's expense ratio. In addition, in order to make these distributions, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities at a less than opportune time.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Rule 23c-1 under the 1940 Act that the Fund may purchase, from time to time, shares of its common stock in the open market.

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The Board of Directors of the Fund, including a majority of the directors who are not parties to the Fund's investment advisory agreement (the Advisory Agreement), or interested persons of any such party (Independent Directors), has the responsibility under the 1940 Act to approve the Fund's Advisory Agreement for its initial two year term and its continuation annually thereafter at a meeting of the Board of Directors called for the purpose of voting on the approval or continuation. At a meeting of the Independent Directors held on June 7, 2016 and at a meeting of the full Board of Directors held in person on June 15, 2016, the Advisory Agreement was discussed and was unanimously continued for a term ending June 30, 2017 by the Fund's Board of Directors, including the Independent Directors. The Independent Directors were represented by independent counsel who assisted them in their deliberations during the meeting and executive session.

In considering whether to continue the Advisory Agreement, the Board of Directors reviewed materials provided by the Fund's investment advisor (the Investment Advisor) and Fund counsel which included, among other things, fee, expense and performance information compared to peer funds (Peer Funds) and performance comparisons to a larger category universe, prepared by an independent data provider; summary information prepared by the Investment Advisor; and a memorandum outlining the legal duties of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors also considered a supplemental peer group compiled by the Investment Advisor when evaluating the Fund's performance and fees and expenses; the Investment Advisor believes the supplemental peer group is more representative of the Fund's investment strategy. The Board of Directors also spoke directly with representatives of the independent data provider and met with investment advisory personnel. In addition, the Board of Directors considered information provided from time to time by the Investment Advisor throughout the year at meetings of the Board of Directors, including presentations by portfolio managers relating to the investment performance of the Fund and the investment strategies used in pursuing the Fund's objective. In particular, the Board of Directors considered the following:

(i) The nature, extent and quality of services to be provided by the Investment Advisor: The Board of Directors reviewed the services that the Investment Advisor provides to the Fund, including, but not limited to, making the day-to-day investment decisions for the Fund, and generally managing the Fund's investments in accordance with the stated policies of the Fund. The Board of Directors also discussed with officers and portfolio managers of the Fund the types of transactions that were being done on behalf of the Fund. Additionally, the Board of Directors took into account the services provided by the Investment Advisor to its other funds, including those that have investment objectives and strategies similar to the Fund. The Board of Directors also considered the education, background and experience of the Investment Advisor's personnel, particularly noting the potential benefit that the portfolio managers' work experience and favorable reputation can have on the Fund. The Board of Directors further noted the Investment Advisor's ability to attract qualified and experienced personnel. The Board of Directors also considered the administrative services provided by the Investment Advisor, including compliance and accounting services. After consideration of the above factors, among others, the Board of Directors concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Investment Advisor are adequate and appropriate.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

(ii) Investment performance of the Fund and the Investment Advisor: The Board of Directors considered the investment performance of the Fund compared to Peer Funds and compared to a relevant benchmark and blended benchmark. The Board of Directors noted that the Fund outperformed the Peer Funds' medians for the one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods ended March 31, 2016, ranking in the first quintile for the one-, three- and five-year periods and one out of four funds for the ten-year period. The Board of Directors also noted that the Fund outperformed the blended benchmark for the three- and ten-year periods ended March 31, 2016 and slightly underperformed the blended benchmark for the one- and five-year periods ended March 31, 2016. The Board of Directors engaged in discussions with the Investment Advisor regarding the contributors to and detractors from the Fund's performance during the periods. The Board of Directors also considered supplemental information provided by the Investment Advisor, including a narrative summary of various factors affecting performance, and the Investment Advisor's performance in managing other real estate funds. The Board of Directors determined that Fund performance, in light of all the considerations noted above, supported the continuation of the Advisory Agreement.

(iii) Cost of the services to be provided and profits to be realized by the Investment Advisor from the relationship with the Fund: Next, the Board of Directors considered the management fees payable by the Fund, as well as the total expense ratio. As part of its analysis, the Board of Directors gave consideration to the fee and expense analyses provided by the independent data provider. The Board of Directors considered the Fund's actual and contractual management fees and the Fund's total expense ratio compared to the Peer Funds' medians, noting that the Fund's expenses were the lowest in each category, ranking the Fund in the first quintile for each. The Board of Directors then considered the administrative services provided by the Investment Advisor, including compliance and accounting services, and further noted that the Fund pays an administration fee to the Investment Advisor. In light of the considerations above, the Board of Directors concluded that the Fund's current expense structure was satisfactory.

The Board of Directors also reviewed information regarding the profitability to the Investment Advisor of its relationship with the Fund. The Board of Directors considered the level of the Investment Advisor's profits and whether the profits were reasonable for the Investment Advisor. The Board of Directors took into consideration other benefits to be derived by the Investment Advisor in connection with the Advisory Agreement, noting particularly the research and related services, within the meaning of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that the Investment Advisor receives by allocating the Fund's brokerage transactions. The Board of Directors also considered the fees received by the Investment Advisor under the Administration Agreement and noted the significant services received, such as compliance, accounting and operational services and furnishing office space and facilities for the Fund, and providing persons satisfactory to the Board of Directors to serve as officers of the Fund, and that these services were beneficial to the Fund. The Board of Directors concluded that the profits realized by the Investment Advisor from its relationship with the Fund were reasonable and consistent with the Investment Advisor's fiduciary duties.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

(iv) The extent to which economies of scale would be realized as the Fund grows and whether fee levels would reflect such economies of scale: The Board of Directors noted that, as a closed-end fund, the Fund would not be expected to have inflows of capital that might produce increasing economies of scale. The Board of Directors determined that, given the Fund's closed-end structure, there were not significant economies of scale that were not being shared with shareholders.

(v) Comparison of services to be rendered and fees to be paid to those under other investment advisory contracts, such as contracts of the same and other investment advisers or other clients: As discussed above in (iii), the Board of Directors compared the fees paid under the Advisory Agreement to those under other investment management contracts of other investment advisers managing Peer Funds. The Board of Directors also compared the services rendered, fees paid and profitability under the Advisory Agreement to those under the Investment Advisor's other fund management agreements and advisory contracts with institutional and other clients with similar investment mandates. The Board of Directors also considered the entrepreneurial risk and financial exposure assumed by the Investment Advisor in developing and managing the Fund that the Investment Advisor does not have with institutional and other clients and other differences in the management of registered investment companies and institutional accounts. The Board of Directors determined that on a comparative basis the fees under the Advisory Agreement were reasonable in relation to the services provided.

No single factor was cited as determinative to the decision of the Board of Directors. Rather, after weighing all of the considerations and conclusions discussed above, the Board of Directors, including the Independent Directors, unanimously approved the continuation of the Advisory Agreement.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

Cohen & Steers Privacy Policy

Questions?  Call 800.330.7348

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

Cohen & Steers Privacy Policy—(Continued)

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

Cohen & Steers Investment Solutions

COHEN & STEERS REAL ASSETS FUND

  •  Designed for investors seeking total return and the maximization of real returns during inflationary environments by investing primarily in real assets

  •  Symbols: RAPAX, RAPCX, RAPIX, RAPRX, RAPZX

COHEN & STEERS
INSTITUTIONAL GLOBAL REALTY SHARES

  •  Designed for institutional investors seeking total return, investing primarily in global real estate securities

  •  Symbol: GRSIX

COHEN & STEERS GLOBAL REALTY SHARES

  •  Designed for investors seeking total return, investing primarily in global real estate equity securities

  •  Symbols: CSFAX, CSFCX, CSSPX, GRSRX, CSFZX

COHEN & STEERS REALTY SHARES

  •  Designed for investors seeking total return, investing primarily in U.S. real estate securities

  •  Symbol: CSRSX

COHEN & STEERS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

  •  Designed for investors seeking total return, investing primarily in U.S. real estate securities

  •  Symbols: CSEIX, CSCIX, CSDIX, CIRRX, CSZIX

COHEN & STEERS INSTITUTIONAL REALTY SHARES

  •  Designed for institutional investors seeking total return, investing primarily in U.S. real estate securities

  •  Symbol: CSRIX

COHEN & STEERS INTERNATIONAL REALTY FUND

  •  Designed for investors seeking total return, investing primarily in international (non-U.S.) real estate securities

  •  Symbols: IRFAX, IRFCX, IRFIX, IRFRX, IRFZX

COHEN & STEERS
ACTIVE COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

  •  Designed for investors seeking total return, investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of exchange-traded commodity future contracts and other commodity-related derivative instruments

  •  Symbols: CDFAX, CDFCX, CDFIX, CDFRX, CDFZX

COHEN & STEERS GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

  •  Designed for investors seeking total return, investing primarily in global infrastructure securities

  •  Symbols: CSUAX, CSUCX, CSUIX, CSURX, CSUZX

COHEN & STEERS
MLP & ENERGY OPPORTUNITY FUND

  •  Designed for investors seeking total return, investing primarily in midstream energy master limited partnership (MLP) units and related stocks

  •  Symbols: MLOAX, MLOCX, MLOIX, MLORX, MLOZX

COHEN & STEERS
LOW DURATION PREFERRED AND INCOME FUND

  •  Designed for investors seeking high current income and capital preservation by investing in low-duration preferred and other income securities issued by U.S. and non-U.S. companies

  •  Symbols: LPXAX, LPXCX, LPXIX, LPXRX, LPXZX

COHEN & STEERS
PREFERRED SECURITIES AND INCOME FUND

  •  Designed for investors seeking total return (high current income and capital appreciation), investing primarily in preferred and debt securities issued by U.S. and non-U.S. companies

  •  Symbols: CPXAX, CPXCX, CPXIX, CPRRX, CPXZX

COHEN & STEERS DIVIDEND VALUE FUND

  •  Designed for investors seeking long-term growth of income and capital appreciation, investing primarily in dividend paying common stocks and preferred stocks

  •  Symbols: DVFAX, DVFCX, DVFIX, DVFRX, DVFZX

Distributed by Cohen & Steers Securities, LLC.

COHEN & STEERS GLOBAL REALTY MAJORS ETF

  •  Designed for investors who seek a relatively low-cost passive approach for investing in a portfolio of global real estate equity securities of companies in a specified index

  •  Symbol: GRI

Distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc.

ISHARES COHEN & STEERS
REALTY MAJORS INDEX FUND

  •  Designed for investors who seek a relatively low-cost passive approach for investing in a portfolio of U.S. real estate equity securities of companies in a specified index

  •  Symbol: ICF

Distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co.

Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the fund carefully before investing. A summary prospectus and prospectus containing this and other information can be obtained by calling 800-330-7348 or by visiting cohenandsteers.com. Please read the summary prospectus and prospectus carefully before investing.

COHEN & STEERS TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND, INC.

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Robert H. Steers
Director and Chairman

Joseph M. Harvey
Director and Vice President

Michael G. Clark
Director

Bonnie Cohen
Director

George Grossman
Director

Dean Junkans
Director

Richard E. Kroon
Director

Gerald J. Maginnis
Director

Jane F. Magpiong
Director

Richard J. Norman
Director

Frank K. Ross
Director

C. Edward Ward, Jr.
Director

Adam M. Derechin
President and Chief Executive Officer

William F. Scapell
Vice President

Thomas N. Bohjalian
Vice President

Yigal D. Jhirad
Vice President

Jason Yablon
Vice President

Tina M. Payne
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer

James Giallanza
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Lisa D. Phelan
Chief Compliance Officer

KEY INFORMATION

Investment Advisor

Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc.
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(212) 832-3232

Co-Administrator and Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company
One Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111

Transfer Agent

Computershare
480 Washington Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07310
(866) 227-0757

Legal Counsel

Ropes & Gray LLP
1211 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036

New York Stock Exchange Symbol: RFI

Website: cohenandsteers.com

This report is for shareholder information. This is not a prospectus intended for use in the purchase or sale of Fund shares. Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and your investment may be worth more or less at the time you sell your shares.

COHEN & STEERS

TOTAL RETURN REALTY FUND

280 PARK AVENUE

NEW YORK, NY 10017

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RFISAR

Semiannual Report June 30, 2016

Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

Not applicable.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not applicable.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Not applicable.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable.

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

Included in Item 1 above.

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 8.  Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

None.

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

None.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded, based upon their evaluation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as conducted within 90 days of the filing date of this report, that these disclosure controls and procedures provide reasonable assurance that material information required to be disclosed by the registrant in the report it files or submits on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms

and that such material information is accumulated and communicated to the registrant’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, in order to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12. Exhibits.

(a)(1)  Not applicable.

(a)(2) Certifications of principal executive officer and principal financial officer as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

(a)(3)  Not applicable.

(b) Certifications of principal executive officer and principal financial officer as required by Rule 30a- 2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

(c) Registrant’s notices to shareholders pursuant to Registrant’s exemptive order granting an exemption from Section 19(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder regarding distributions pursuant to the Registrant’s Managed Distribution Plan.

SIGNATURES