Generally speaking, the stakes are higher for commercial property than residential investment. The ability to borrow against the property is lower, often a maximum of 70%, and because unit prices are higher there is less opportunity to spread the risk over several properties. The quality of the tenant is essential. A multinational offers much more security than a private company. Edge of town redevelopment schemes, new road systems and the introduction of congestion charges to reduce traffic levels could adversely affect your investment. So it should be approached with caution by do-it-yourself investors, and investing in a collective investment scheme will deliver a greater spread of risk and much better liquidity when you wish to realize your investment.

art and antiques

In the previous decade, AMR Art & Antiques Index rose steadily by about a third. This performance was similar to the international stock market indices, but without a period of high growth followed by a sharp and sustained decline. This should not be interpreted that art and antiques are a risk free route to steady capital growth, however, you do get the bonus of enjoying your investment. Investing in quality, with suitable provenance, is essential. Recognize that purchasing from a graduation show of a leading art college might just turn out to be the next David Hockney, but equally could prove to be unsaleable. A real risk inherent in investing in art and antiques is that fashions do change, and this can have a marked effect on realizable value. Also art and antiques should be regarded as somewhat illiquid investments. In order to get the best price it may well be necessary to wait for an auction which will attract relevant buyers, and there is always the risk that the item will fail to achieve the reserve price.

As with any investment, do your homework. Read magazines and websites to choose a particular sector(s) for investment. Visit established dealers to get their advice and attend relevant auctions to gauge the level of interest. Equally, beware of asking a dealer simply to recommend pieces for you to buy until you have decided your investment approach. Otherwise you may discover years later that unattractive stock was dumped on you.

Precious metals

Gold is regarded as a safe haven investment in uncertain times. From the September 11, 2001 attacks to the time of writing, gold has risen by about 40%. It has to be said, however, that price movements in gold are often fickle and can be affected by hedge funds buying or selling in anticipation of dollar value movements, because gold is valued in US dollar terms. If you decide to invest in gold, buy ingots because jewelry is an indulgence not an investment

With knowing repetition, quality is vitally important. The best returns have been achieved by top notch old world wines. Château-Lafite and Château-Margaux wines bought en primeur have doubled in value in the last five years.

Fine wines

Buying wines en primeur is something of a gamble, however, even though it helps to maximize the potential return. En primeur means buying wine whilst it is still in the barrel, and the vintage may not be as highly rated as expected. Also, you need to think in terms of holding the wine for about five years so it is a medium-term investment. Economic slump in a major wine buying market may mean that prices fall sharply. An acquaintance of mine has a pragmatic view to investing in wine, he only buys wine that he can afford to realize by drinking it if necessary!

Miscellaneous investments

Various possibilities exist from memorabilia to personalized car number plates. It is claimed that car number plates have doubled in value over the past 10 years. Any such items should be regarded as medium to long-term opportunities, which may prove difficult to sell at an attractive price if you need to realize your investment quite quickly.

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References
1. Barrie Pearson; Serious Money- How To Make and Enjoy It
Books Network International Inc
3 Front Street, Suite 331
Rollinsford, NH 30869, USA

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2. Google

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3. All images used in this post was taken from pixabay