ABSTRACT
The valuer has an expert knowledge and awareness of the property market, which has its own peculiarities, especially in the direct investment section, entry to which requires access to substantial funds and a long-term commitment. There are of course opportunities to invest in property companies, but their shares have often traded at a discount to assets. The introduction of real estate investment trusts (REITs) may go some way to opening the market to individual investors, particularly to pension funds.
