ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the reasons for deciding to invest in real estate and the main ways of investing in it.
A brief discussion on some of the trends in real estate investment and the drawbacks of holding real estate as an asset is provided, building on the characteristics of real estate, and the real estate market, mentioned in Chapter 2.
The main types of real estate investor are explored, and the main options for financing investment are investigated together with the impact that this has on returns.
Various ways of adding value to real estate holdings are outlined, beyond simply efficient and effective property management which is covered in Chapter 13.
Finally, some examples of those that invest in real estate as an asset, as well as using it as a resource, are considered.
