Real Estate Investment - Why it is Big Business?

When examining the different asset classes, real estate is generally far less volatile than shares and real estate tends to be the haven that investors flock to when other asset classes are suffering.

It is true to say that investment properties can have many benefits in terms of building long-term wealth, but we must never forget that this wealth is not guaranteed!

Following the global real estate boom of the late 1980's many investors learnt this hard lesson when they found their properties were worth far less than they had actually paid for them and the bottom seemingly fell out of the over-inflated market. The bottom did not truly fall out of the market however as all real estate retained value; the real estate market simply experienced an overdue rebalance and has gone on to build from this point of stability.

Since the booming 80's 'sensible' investments in real estate have still offered major attractions and advantages, and it is back to real estate that investors have turned in recent years.

With real estate prices in some countries soaring, and first time buyers struggling to get onto the first rung of the real estate ladder, many people are looking further a field for investment property opportunities.

A recent report in the UK highlighted a 130% rise in the value of farmland since the 1990's for example ? fuelled entirely by a new breed of non-farming buyers. With bricks and mortar real estate prices in the UK now so exorbitant, these non-farming buyers are looking for alternatives for their money.

They may be unable to afford real-estate investments and unwilling to risk their cash on the ever volatile stock market and so they are buying up fields and pastures to get in on the real estate investment game!

Others interested in property investment have been examining the real estate markets around the globe for value for money, return on investment, potential for growth and development, rental market opportunities and basic stability. With current research showing that up to one in eight Britons intend to purchase an overseas real estate within the next five years you can see that overseas real estate investment is very big business.

Relatively newly discovered property markets are opening up or expanding in countries such as North Cyprus, South Africa and Bulgaria for example ? where potential buyers are afforded incredible value for money when it comes to real estate. The real estate market in countries such as these has been artificially restricted through the threat of war or political instability, and now with their recent history showing that they are stable countries with strong economies and populated and governed by those with a first world perspective, property investors are finding markets rich in diversity and potential.

Dubai is another country offering interesting real estate investment opportunities. Since May 2002 when the crown prince of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoom issued a decree allowing foreigners the right to buy freehold real estate there, the real estate market has exploded!

Properties available in Dubai range from modest one bedroom flats to freehold exclusive islands! And property there still offers very good value for money ? furthermore the tax and business advantages in Dubai are very appealing and so real estate investment in Dubai is enjoying a buoyant upward trend.

And then there are the 'old' favourites ? France, Florida and Spain for example are all countries with a long history of investment real estate appeal - especially for Britons and Northern European residents looking to escape the weather and invest in a home in the sun. Whether you are looking to secure a home for holidays, your retirement or you are looking for a long term investment opportunity these countries still offer the investor potential for real estate growth.

When it comes to considering real estate as an investment vehicle it is a tried and tested method used for attempting to secure long term gains ? but as with any investment, gains, returns and security of investment are not guaranteed. Whether real estate investment is right for you and matches your circumstances and attitude to risk is something that you need to consider.

Rhiannon Williamson is an experienced publisher who has produced articles for leading travel and tourism guides and financial magazines. Her specialist knowledge about both travel and finance gives her site Shelter Offshore the unique ability to literally cover every single aspect of moving & living abroad - including the often less discussed offshore tax advantages that can be available when leaving our homeland.

---

Boom or Bust

For those looking to invest in the real estate market?keep... Read More

Real Estate Local FAQs.

There are many frequently asked questions and any local real... Read More

FSBO: For Sale By Owners Chapter One

She reached the phone on its second ring. "This is... Read More

Title Insurance ? Examples of Problems and Advice

What is title insurance and why should any buyer get... Read More

Selling Your Home ? Be Sure It Shows Well

Whether you are selling a house, townhouse, condo or apartment,... Read More

10 Top Considerations For Those Buying Property Abroad

Are you one of a growing number of people considering... Read More

What is a Loft Apartment?

What is a loft apartment? At the most basic level... Read More

NAHB?s Voluntary Model Green Home Building Guidelines

The voluntary Model Green Home Building Guidelines are designed to... Read More

Real Estate Investing - Free Vacations While Searching for Real Estate Acquisitions

Real estate investing professionals look for all possible tax deductions... Read More

Grab Your Dream UK Home On The Cheap - Property Auctions

Did you know that every year thousands of UK properties... Read More

How To Realistically Get Started As A Real Estate Investor

When it comes to real estate investing, most beginners find... Read More

Looking into Buying Mobile Homes?

To own a home is one of the dreams every... Read More

Selling Your Home ? Alone or with a Broker?

How do you decide whether to sell your home (or... Read More

Home Inspections or Home Warranty?

Homebuyers are a curious lot. They routinely ask thought-provoking questions.... Read More

Loan Officer Training: Learn How To Shape Realtors Perceptions

In medicine, a placebo is a pill that you think... Read More

Property Auction & Why You Should Run A Mile From Them

That's A Funny Thing To Say About Property Auctions; They're... Read More

Real Estate Investing In Belize

Any trip to Belize starts fantasies of owning a beach... Read More

Advantages to Buying or Owning a Condominium

Condos have become an increasingly attractive home ownership option for... Read More

11 Steps Away From Buying a Home

There is no doubt that the market for houses has... Read More

Negative Gearing ? It?s Not to Your Benefit!

The concept of negative gearing has been originally developed to... Read More

How Not To Blow Your Build Budget

Most people who complete a self build will go on... Read More

Selling Your Home: The Power of a Great Sales Flyer

Even though its importance is often overlooked, a great sales... Read More

Are Signs Important?

Signage, though quite fundamental in nature, plays an important role... Read More

Foreclosure Home Deals

Did you know that you can save tens of thousands... Read More

Investment Real Estate -- A New Twist: Be the Bank, Not the Landlord, and Get Rich Without the Work!

I was a landlord for a decade, and I believe... Read More

Sell Your Home Without a Realtor and Save Thousand$$$

A typical real estate commission on a $234,000 home (national... Read More

Finding a Great Listing Agent for Your Home: 8 Tips

If you've decided to list your home, you'll be paying... Read More

Seven Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Condo Hotel Unit

You may have heard all the buzz about the newest... Read More

FSBO: For Sale By Owners Chapter Two

Sheriff's Deputy Ted Rasmussen was thinking about Carrie-his pregnant waitress... Read More

What Is Home Staging And How Does It Help To Sell My House

Home staging is the concept of preparing a house for... Read More

How To Spot A Good Buy

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, particularly when... Read More

Secrets of Making Money from Real Estate - Part 2

Leverage: With real estate, people and companies will lend you... Read More

Various Aspects Of The Lease Purchase Business

In a previous article, we wrote why we believe that... Read More