Why property investment is a viable option for 2023 (2024)

"Timescales are an important consideration because property investment has never been about making quick wins"

One of the main reasons is the market’s strong record of long-term capital growth and the reliability of rental demand. This has made it an attractive option for those looking to protect the real value of their savings against the erosive effects of inflation, while simultaneously earning income from regular monthly rental returns.

However, with 2023 predicted to be a challenging year and with talk of recession rife, there has been much discussion about the impact of affordability pressures. A continuing dip in house prices is expected, and there is already clear evidence of a slowdown in activity. So, is investing in property still a sensible choice?

Not doom and gloom

The current cost-of-living crisis, high inflation and falling real-term incomes are all likely to constrain consumer spending power and transaction rates in the housing market. However, it is extremely unlikely that house prices will fall by anything like the same margins seen in 2008/09.

Most house price indices reported small falls last month, although Rightmove registered a modest year-on-year increase. But these are very different conditions from those that prevailed before the global financial crisis. Now, affordability pressures are largely the result of temporary external factors, some of which – like the wholesale prices of energy and fuel – is already abating. Accordingly, inflation is moving in the right direction.

On 2nd February, Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey reported that “CPI inflation is expected to fall to around 4% towards the end of this year.” If it does, then it would alleviate pressure on household budgets and provide less justification for further increases in the base rate.

Moreover, average earnings have held relatively strong, and the banking system is much more tightly regulated than it was in 2008. In short, the UK market is in much better shape and, crucially, it is still characterised by strong rental growth and a pronounced surplus of demand over supply.

A pause before regrowth

Once cost-of-living pressures ease, the property market could well return to a more familiar pattern of capital and rental growth. And in the meantime, investors are facing a period during which initial purchase costs may remain static or even fall. Regarded in the context of longer-term trends, this means that 2023 could present an opportunity; a chance for investors to secure properties more cheaply than they would if house prices had continued on their steep upward trajectory.

Time and Location

Timescales are an important consideration because property investment has never been about making quick wins. Shorter-term peaks and troughs matter much less than the longer-term trend, and over many decades, property has shown steady growth.

Moreover, forecasts and national averages inevitably mask considerable local variation. Even in a market downturn, individual properties or developments can greatly outperform national averages. Likewise, certain towns and cities will inevitably fare better than others.

Looking ahead, the local markets with the greatest potential may well be those where average values never became so unaffordable in the first place. Since the pandemic, many less expensive locations have shown really strong rates of capital growth, together with excellent yields. Importantly, these same locations may also be better protected against any downturn. Cities like Liverpool, for example, have shown impressive growth in average values and less volatility overall. Prices started from a comparatively low base and although they have risen markedly – as a result of economic growth, substantial infrastructure spending and huge private sector investments – they are still well below national average values.

Liverpool isn’t unique, of course. Numerous British cities have fared well, particularly in Wales, northern England and parts of the Midlands. So too have some of the commuter belt towns outside big urban centres such as London, Birmingham and Manchester. Bolton is a great example; it benefits from convenient proximity to Manchester and Salford but properties here have been much more affordable than in the cities themselves. That has made them very attractive to buyers and investors. By the end of 2022, year-on-year price growth was averaging around +11% in Bolton.

Up-and-coming areas such as these can help property investors achieve much greater returns than any conventional savings account would likely deliver, even in an uncertain market. Property investment also often provides more predictable, and more rewarding returns than asset classes such as cryptocurrency or many stocks and shares.

The continuing appeal of property as an asset owes much to simple laws of supply and demand. Housebuilding rates continue to fall well below the government’s 300,000 annual targets, while demographic and socio-economic changes have pushed housing demand to record levels.

With a growing number of people looking to step onto the ladder, that demand is likely to continue in 2023 and beyond. As market conditions return towards more typical patterns, that excess demand should see property prices returning to their usual upward trends.

Despite the tax and regulatory changes that have deterred some small-scale landlords, property investment remains a very popular way for people to protect and build their wealth. What often stops them is simply not knowing how and where to start. But by talking to a good investment specialist, they can take those first steps with confidence.

A specialist will be ready to work with them to develop bespoke plans based on their circ*mstances and goals. They can then provide the necessary support to help them make the right decisions in what should continue to be a very rewarding market.

Why property investment is a viable option for 2023 (2024)

FAQs

Why property investment is a viable option for 2023? ›

Despite what some may think, 2023 is still a good year to invest in real estate, thanks to advantages like long-term appreciation, steady rental income, and the opportunity to hedge against inflation. Mortgage rates are expected to decline, but the housing market is likely to remain competitive due to low supply.

Why real estate is a good investment in 2023? ›

In my opinion, real estate is one intelligent option to consider in 2023, as it often has excellent returns, tax advantages and provides diversification even in the face of a challenging economic climate. Real estate also has the potential to compound your investment.

Is 2023 good year to buy a house? ›

Homebuyer.com data analysis indicates that, for first-time home buyers, June 2023 is a good time to buy a house relative to later in the year. This article provides an unbiased look at current mortgage rates, housing market conditions, and market sentiment.

Is buying land a good investment in 2023? ›

Land investment may not be as common as residential real estate, rental properties, or REITs, but it's looking like a solid choice in 2023, and beyond. Investments in land have steadily increased over the last decade. Investors may purchase land for agricultural purposes or residential and commercial real estate.

Why 2023 will be one of the best years ever to invest in multifamily? ›

Low-interest rates, increasing rental demand, and the potential for long-term returns are just a few of the advantages that come with investing in multifamily properties in 2023. Additionally, multifamily properties can provide a steady income stream and help diversify an investor's portfolio.

What are the real estate challenges in 2023? ›

Top 10 Issues Affecting Real Estate 2022-2023
  • Inflation and Interest Rates.
  • Geopolitical Risk.
  • Hybrid Work.
  • Supply Chain Disruption.
  • Energy.
  • Labor Shortage Strain.
  • The Great Housing Imbalance.
  • Regulatory Uncertainty.

How to make money in real estate in 2023? ›

  1. House Flipping. Fix and flips are one of the most popular methods of making money in the real estate market. ...
  2. Rental Properties. Another way to invest in real estate is to buy property directly. ...
  3. House Hacking. ...
  4. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) ...
  5. Online Real Estate Crowdfunding Platforms.
Jan 11, 2023

Will mortgage interest rates go down in 2023? ›

Mortgage rates are likely to decrease slightly in 2023, although they're highly unlikely to return to the rock-bottom levels of 2020 and 2021. However, rate volatility may continue for some time.

Will interest rates go down in 2023? ›

Along those lines, organizations like Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association forecast that the average rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages will decline throughout 2023, continuing into the first quarter of 2024.

Will mortgage rates go down in 2024? ›

Fannie Mae, Mortgage Bankers Association and National Association of Realtors expect mortgage rates to drop through the first quarter of 2024, by half a percentage point to about nine-tenths of a percentage point. Figures are the predicted quarterly average rates for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

Is it smart to buy land and build later? ›

Perhaps there's a perfect property that comes up for sale and you don't want to lose it, so buying the land now and building later makes sense. From a financial perspective, it may be much more feasible to split up the investments and have time to rebuild your savings before being ready to build.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a house? ›

Overall, it's cheaper to build a home than to buy one in California, with 13 out of the 20 counties saving you money if you decide to build your house from scratch. Budget-wise, building is more favorable in Southern California whereas Central California caters best to those interested in buying.

Is land a good investment during inflation? ›

Investing in farmland as an inflation hedge. There's one more big reason that farmland is an especially compelling investment right now: inflation. Unlike mainstream financial assets, which tend to lose value when consumer prices go up, the value of farmland actually tends to rise when prices rise.

Will 2023 be a better year for investors? ›

Short of a recession — a very real possibility — consensus estimates are for about 5% earnings growth for S&P 500 companies in 2023. That's certainly less than what it was in years past, but still respectable.

Where is the best place to buy multifamily in 2023? ›

The top 5 multifamily investment markets of 2023 are San Jose, New York, Tampa, Miami, and Charlotte. According to this report from Yardi Matrix, San Jose is projected to have the highest rent growth in 2023 at 4.9%, followed by New York, Tampa, Miami, and Charlotte at 3.7%, 3.7%, 3.7%, and 3.6%, respectively.

Is it a good time to flip houses 2023? ›

If you are considering flipping houses in California, HomeLight always encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation. Like many other areas in the U.S., the California housing market is seeing a decline in prices, and that decline will likely continue in 2023.

Will recession impact real estate? ›

Will house prices go down in a recession? While the cost of financing a home typically increases when interest rates are on the rise, home prices themselves may actually decline. “Usually, during a recession or periods of higher interest rates, demand slows and values of homes come down,” says Miller.

Will property prices fall in 2023 in Dubai? ›

According to reports, there may be a slow growth in property prices in Dubai in 2023 compared to the previous year. However, this does not necessarily indicate a drop in prices. That is because the demand for properties in the city remains high, and favorable investment policies continue to attract more investors.

What is the real estate trend in Chicago 2023? ›

Chicago, IL MSA: The forecast for the Chicago MSA suggests a moderate increase in housing prices. In May 2023, prices are predicted to rise by 0.3%, followed by a slight growth of 0.1% in July 2023. However, the most significant increase is expected in April 2024, with prices projected to rise by 1.5%.

What is the best way to get rich in 2023? ›

  1. Earn more. I think one of the first steps for building wealth is to earn as much as possible for a while. ...
  2. Watch your student debt. There are different approaches to debt, but I tend to agree that there's good debt and bad debt. ...
  3. Separate time from money. ...
  4. Buy assets. ...
  5. Build assets. ...
  6. Start saving for retirement. ...
  7. Educate yourself.

How to make $1000000 a year in real estate? ›

How To Make A Million Dollars In Real Estate
  1. Learn About Real Estate Investing.
  2. Establish Your Goals.
  3. Start Now, But Start Small.
  4. Write Offers For Affordable Deals.
  5. Generate Cash Flow.
  6. Start Growing Your Portfolio.
  7. Invest In Larger Properties.
  8. Continue Growing To 1 Million Dollars.

How many millionaires invest in real estate? ›

40% of an average millionaire's assets consist of real estate. That's partly because real estate can be a great investment and partly because US property values are very high. Many millionaires have a significant percentage of their wealth tied up in their primary residence.

How high will home interest rates go in 2023? ›

“[W]ith the rate of inflation decelerating rates should gently decline over the course of 2023.” Fannie Mae. 30-year fixed rate mortgage will average 6.4% for Q2 2023, according to the May Housing Forecast. National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Will mortgage rates go down in October 2023? ›

We expect that 30-year mortgage rates will end 2023 at 5.2%,” the organization noted in its forecast commentary. It since has walked back its forecast slightly but still sees rates dipping below 6%, to 5.6%, by the end of the year.

How high will interest rates go by the end of 2023? ›

Mortgage rate predictions for 2023
Housing Authority30-Year Mortgage Rate Forecast (Q2 2023)
National Association of Home Builders6.36%
Fannie Mae6.40%
Mortgage Bankers Association6.40%
Average Prediction6.35%
2 more rows
6 days ago

What will interest rates be in 2023 and 2024? ›

The Fed penciled in a 5-5.25 percent peak interest rate for 2023, after which officials see rates falling to 4.25-4.5 percent by the end of 2024.

What could interest rates be in 2023? ›

With rising federal funds rates comes an increase in savings interest rates. Federal Reserve Board members and Federal Reserve Bank presidents predict the federal funds rate will reach between 3.9% and 4.9% in 2023.

Will there be more interest rate hikes in 2023? ›

The US Federal Reserve will deliver a final 25-basis-point interest rate increase in May and then hold rates steady for the rest of 2023, according to a Reuters poll of economists. The poll also showed that a short and shallow US recession is likely this year.

Will 2024 be a good time to buy a house? ›

With mortgage rates declining faster than expected, home prices are likely to remain mostly flat throughout 2024. This will be good news for buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines for a good time to enter the market.

How long will interest rates stay high? ›

'I believe by the end of 2023 we will see rates start to fall with a target of between 2.5 to 3 per cent in 2024. 'I believe if the base rate can get back to circa 2.5 per cent, then we will see rates hovering around that mark with a return to products that have not been seen in the mortgage industry for some time.'

What will 30 year mortgage rates be in 2023? ›

McBride expects rates to fall more consistently as the year progresses. "Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates will end the year near 5.25%," he predicts.

Is there a downside to buying land? ›

Land can be expensive to trade into and out of. There's real estate agent commissions, surveys, title insurance premiums, transaction taxes, etc. and all of these costs (those that you pay when you buy land and those that you pay when you sell it) reduce your profit.

Will land be valuable in the future? ›

Investing in land is one of the most powerful strategies to make money in 2023. Over the past few years, demand for land as an investment has experienced an uptick. From 2020 to 2021, there has been an increase of 155% in rural land sales. This growth is due to the stability that comes with purchasing a piece of land.

What time of year is best to buy land? ›

Cold, Rain, and Snow Are Best For Purchasing Land

Colder months are the best time to buy a piece of land, which holds for both developed and raw land. With the holiday season and hunting, plus winter, there's less competition as properties listed have been on sale for months since the spring boom.

What is the cheapest state to build a house in? ›

Top 10 Cheapest States to Build a House
  • Mississippi. Mississippi ranks at the lowest cost of living in the entirety of the United States. ...
  • West Virginia. ...
  • Alabama. ...
  • Oklahoma. ...
  • Kansas. ...
  • Iowa. ...
  • Ohio. ...
  • Georgia.
Mar 13, 2023

Is it smarter to build or buy a house? ›

In general, you'll likely find it cheaper overall to buy an existing home, but that also depends on the market. A home loan is less risky than a land loan, and typically comes with a lower down payment and better interest rate.

What are the disadvantages of building a house? ›

Cons of Building a House
  • Longer timeline: While an existing home is often move-in ready, a new build can take several months to complete. ...
  • Limited flexibility in price negotiation: While you can save money if you build your own home, you will not have as much negotiation in the price.
Feb 3, 2020

What are the worst investments during inflation? ›

Holding long-term fixed-rate investments, such as long-term bonds, fixed annuities, and some types of life insurance policies, during inflation can be bad because their returns may not keep up with inflation.

Should I invest in real estate to avoid inflation? ›

Real Estate Income

Real estate works well with inflation. This is because, as inflation rises, so do property values, and so does the amount a landlord can charge for rent. This results in the landlord earning a higher rental income over time. This helps to keep pace with the rise in inflation.

Which assets do best when inflation is rising? ›

Commodities like gold, oil, and even soybeans should increase in price along with the finished products that are made with them. Inflation-indexed bonds and Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), tend to increase their returns with inflationary pressures.

What to expect financially in 2023? ›

In 2023, economic activity is projected to stagnate, with rising unemployment and falling inflation. Interest rates are projected to remain high initially and then gradually decrease in the next few years as inflation continues to slow.

What is the best investment for 2023 recession? ›

9 Best Recession Stocks Of 2023
  • The Best Recession Stocks of June 2023.
  • Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX)
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. ( TMO)
  • Merck & Company, Inc. ( MRK)
  • PepsiCo, Inc. ( PEP)
  • CMS Energy Corporation (CMS)
  • Ameren Corporation (AEE)
  • Xcel Energy Inc. ( XEL)

What sector to invest in 2023? ›

2023 US sector outlook
  • Energy. Information. technology. Health care. Utilities.
  • Real estate. Materials. Industrials. Communication. services.
  • Consumer. staples. Consumer. discretionary. Financials.

Is 2023 a good year to buy a house? ›

Homebuyer.com data analysis indicates that, for first-time home buyers, June 2023 is a good time to buy a house relative to later in the year. This article provides an unbiased look at current mortgage rates, housing market conditions, and market sentiment.

Is multifamily a good investment in 2023? ›

Multifamily Is Still A Great Investment Class

As we look ahead to 2023, even with the headwinds in the market now, there's no reason to think this will dramatically change.

Is it smart to invest in real estate 2023? ›

Despite what some may think, 2023 is still a good year to invest in real estate, thanks to advantages like long-term appreciation, steady rental income, and the opportunity to hedge against inflation. Mortgage rates are expected to decline, but the housing market is likely to remain competitive due to low supply.

What are the risks of real estate in 2023? ›

Continued inflation, overall higher interest rates, a potential recession and geopolitical tensions will force 30-year and 15-year mortgage rates up throughout 2023, and will bring the two rates closer together as short-term risks rise,” says Dennis Shirshikov of real estate website Awning.com.

What is the 70% rule in house flipping? ›

The 70% rule can help flippers when they're scouring real estate listings for potential investment opportunities. Basically, the rule says real estate investors should pay no more than 70% of a property's after-repair value (ARV) minus the cost of the repairs necessary to renovate the home.

Is real estate a good investment for the future? ›

On its own, real estate offers cash flow, tax breaks, equity building, competitive risk-adjusted returns, and a hedge against inflation. Real estate can also enhance a portfolio by lowering volatility through diversification, whether you invest in physical properties or REITs.

Is real estate a good investment during inflation? ›

Economic factors, such as inflation, have a direct impact on the real estate market. As with other goods and services, real estate prices may rise alongside inflation. This is due to the fact that real estate is commonly considered a safe and stable investment that can be used to combat the effects of inflation.

Is real estate a good investment during a recession? ›

Real estate is a great asset to own when the economy is in freefall. A rental property typically acts as a natural hedge in a volatile market. Primarily because many people that sell their homes or properties during an economic downturn or recession need to sell their property.

What is a good ROI for a house flip? ›

Home-flipping returns by state
State2022 Flipping Gross Profit2022 Gross ROI
California$87,00014.90%
Colorado$55,80012.60%
Connecticut$95,00042.20%
Delaware$193,24596.10%
45 more rows
May 8, 2023

Can you still make money flipping houses? ›

ATTOM has measured house flipping activity since 2005 and found that the practice was most profitable, in pure dollars, in 2021 — when investors pocketed an average $70,000 per property. Investors profitted the least amount in 2008, racking in a mere $30,000 per flip.

Is real estate the best long term investment? ›

Gallup found more Americans identified real estate as the best long-term investment compared to other types of assets. Gold jumped in popularity this year with 26% of respondents identifying it as the best long-term investment, up from 15% in 2022. Just 4% voted for crypto, down from 8% in 2022.

Is real estate a better investment than stocks? ›

While stocks are a well-known investment option, not everyone knows that buying real estate is also considered an investment. Under the right circ*mstances, real estate can be an alternative to stocks, offering lower risk, yielding better returns, and providing greater diversification.

Is buying land a smart investment? ›

Is it a good investment? Yes. Land is a tangible investment that will continue to go up in value over time. So, if a buyer purchases land today for $250,000, then in a few years, its value can increase to $400,000.

What happens to real estate when there is inflation? ›

Inflation can lead to higher asset prices

As this price of things increases with inflation, so too does real estate. Generally speaking, when inflation increases then housing and other real estate asset prices follow suit.

How to beat inflation with real estate? ›

  1. Beating Inflation.
  2. While Purchasing Power Decreases, Mortgage Payments Typically Remain Steady.
  3. Inflation Can lead To Higher Rental Income.
  4. Real Estate Appreciates Over Time.
  5. Saving Taxes.
  6. Write Off Business Expenses.
  7. Take Advantage Of Appreciation.
  8. Sell Real Estate Efficiently.
Oct 28, 2022

Why is real estate a good investment during high inflation? ›

If you're a property owner, the high inflation rate could be good news for you. As prices increase, the value of your property goes up as well. You may be able to sell your property for a higher price than you paid for it, or use it as collateral for a loan.

Will real estate crash if there is a recession? ›

Will house prices go down in a recession? While the cost of financing a home typically increases when interest rates are on the rise, home prices themselves may actually decline. “Usually, during a recession or periods of higher interest rates, demand slows and values of homes come down,” says Miller.

Is it better to have cash or property in a recession? ›

In addition, during recessions, people with access to cash are in a better position to take advantage of investment opportunities that can significantly improve their finances long-term.

Should I buy real estate before or after recession? ›

There are several reasons to consider buying a home during recessions - the two main reasons are less competition and lower prices. There are also several potential drawbacks, like sky-high interest rates, a floor on pricing decreases and potential income changes if the U.S. does officially slide into a recession.

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