Investing in real estate is now more than ever the focus of interest for many investors. This is being driven by a global real estate boom, which is pushing up both demand and real estate prices. But how can you invest specifically in investment properties? And how can you use this dynamic form of investment to grow your money effectively?
It is necessary for interested parties to inform themselves sufficiently about the real estate business, because there is a lot to consider and think about with this type of investment. We offer you the most important facts in a nutshell and introduce you to the world of real estate investments. Our aim is that by the end of our question-and-answer session you will have gathered enough information about why real estate can be an attractive investment option for your portfolio.
Questions about FGI
General questions about real estate investments
Diversification explained
Diversification in this context means spreading the riskby invested in various real estate asset classes. Instead of putting all your capital into a single form of investment, you spread the real estate investment across different properties. Real estate is considered an independent asset class that often moves independently of the stock markets. By investing part of your capital in real estate, you can reduce the overall risk of your portfolio. Because not all asset classes react negatively to economic changes at the same time.Resilience of the real estate market
The resilience of the real estate market to economic fluctuations is another reason why real estate is considered a preferred form of investment. Stock markets, for example, can often react unpredictably to short-term economic news and events. Real estate markets tend to be more stable. This is because, among other things, the value of real estate is influenced not only by the current market situation, but also by long-term factors such as location, demand and infrastructure. In addition, changes in the real estate market usually take more time, which gives investors the opportunity to react to changes.- Continuous sources of income through rental income One of the biggest advantages of real estate investing is the ability to generate regular income by renting out the property. This source of income can help cover ongoing costs and also provides additional income in addition to any salaries or other income. Over time, rental income may even increase due to market developments and increasing demand.
- Capital growth Real estate has the potential to increase in value, which is known as capital growth. This increase in value can be influenced by various factors such as the development of infrastructure in the area, increasing demand and general market trends. Over the long term, real estate has historically shown positive performance, making it a solid investment for investors.
- Tax benefits Real estate investments offer various tax advantages that may vary from country to country. Expenses related to owning and managing the property, such as interest on real estate loans, maintenance and operating costs, can often be deducted from tax. In addition, in some countries there are depreciation options that can be used to reduce taxable income.
- Direct influence on the investment Unlike other forms of investment such as stocks or bonds, a real estate investment allows investors to have a direct influence on the value and return on their investment. Owners can actively contribute to increasing the value of the property through renovations, conversions or changes to the tenancy agreement.
- Physical Security Real estate represents a physical and tangible asset that is perceived as particularly secure in contrast to virtual or paper-based assets. Investing in “real” values offers many investors a feeling of security.
- Diversification of the portfolio Including real estate in an investment portfolio can help spread risk. Because real estate markets often react differently to economic changes than stock or bond markets, a real estate investment can help reduce the overall risk of the portfolio.
- Development potential Areas that benefit from urban development plans or where new infrastructure projects are planned can see a significant increase in value. Investments in such emerging areas can achieve high returns in the long term.
- Access to infrastructure Good transport connections, be it to public transport or main roads, significantly increases the attractiveness of a property. Equally important are the proximity to shopping, leisure activities and medical facilities, which contribute to the overall quality of life.
- Proximity to workplaces Areas near business centers or industrial parks are particularly attractive to working people, which can increase demand for housing and therefore rental and sales prices.
- Educational institutions Proximity to good schools and colleges is an important factor for families and can significantly influence property values. Properties in school districts with good reputations are often more desirable and fetch higher prices.
Open-ended real estate funds
Open-ended real estate funds offer high flexibility and liquidity. Investors can buy or sell shares in these funds at any time. The price of the shares is usually based on the net asset value (NAV) of the fund on a daily basis. These funds invest in a wide range of real estate and enable the Investors to enter the real estate market with relatively low capital investment. Diversification within the fund can spread the risk, but the return opportunities are often linked to the general market and can fluctuate in volatile market phases .Closed real estate funds
Closed real estate funds, on the other hand, are aimed at specific projects or real estate investments. You have a predetermined investment amount as well as a limited number of shares . After all shares have been sold, the fund will be closed and no further shares will be issued. Investors typically commit to a fixed termwhich means that their capital investment is less liquid. The advantage, however, lies in the possibility of investing specifically in selected projects that potentially promise higher returns, especially if these projects are successful developed and managed. The return on closed-end funds depends heavily on the success of the individual project, which brings with it both opportunities and risks. Both types of funds enable private individuals to invest in real estate markets without having to purchase a property directly. The choice between an open and a closed real estate fund should be made based on individual investment goals, desired liquidity and risk tolerance. Open-ended funds can therefore be a good option for investors looking for flexibility and broad diversification. Closed funds, on the other hand, offer the opportunity to invest specifically in specific projects with potentially higher returns – albeit with higher risk and lower liquidity.“Fix and Flip” refers to a strategy in which investors purchase properties with the aim of renovating them and then quickly selling them for a profit. This method requires market knowledge, a good understanding of renovation costs and the right timing for resale to be successful.
“Fix and Flip” approach to real estate investing has been introduced, among others, by popular television shows such as “Top or Flop”, hosted by Tarek El Moussa and Christina Anstead, and “House Flipping” achieved widespread fame with Tarek El Moussa. These shows show how investors buy run-down properties, renovate them, and then sell them for a quick profit.
Viewers gain a small insight into the challenges and successes associated with the fix and flip approach. Above all, about the need to have market knowledge, accurately calculate renovation costs and choose the perfect time for resale. Careful planning and budgeting when investing in real estate contribute to success, as do creative solutions and hard work. So that a dilapidated property becomes a desirable home that can be sold profitably.
The success of these shows has inspired many to get into the fix and flip business themselves. But it also highlights the risks and the need to be well informed and prepared.
- Real estate transfer tax: This tax is levied on the purchase of land and real estate and varies greatly depending on the country or even region within a country. It is often a significant percentage of the purchase price.
- Notary and land register costs: Notary costs are incurred for notarizing the purchase contract and entering it in the land register. The land registry costs cover the fees for the official registration of the change of ownership.
- Fees for the valuation of the property: A property valuation may be necessary, especially when financing with a mortgage to determine the value of the property. The costs for this are usually borne by the buyer.
- Construction and renovation costs: If renovation work is planned immediately after purchase, these costs must also be taken into account. It is advisable to obtain offers in advance and to plan a buffer for unexpected expenses.
- Insurance: Various insurance policies, such as building insurance or liability insurance, may be required or recommended to protect the new property .
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