Real Estate Investments: As Good As Gold?
In these economically uncertain times, many people are turning to gold as a safe investment. But is gold as brilliant a choice as it seems?
Afraid of losing their savings if left in a bank account, or of a volatile stock market with its surges and dips, thousands of wealthy and not so wealthy individuals are trusting gold as the best hard asset investment for their liquidity.
Distrust of banks is growing in Europe and no wonder, as the corralito disaster of 2001, during Argentina's worst recession in history, is still fresh in the minds of many Europeans. EU citizens are uneasy about a possible replay of the Argentinean economic drama here in Europe.
However, not everyone sees gold as the investment alternative it is cut out to be. Debate surrounds the idea that gold can serve as a hedge against inflation, economic, political or fiat currency crises. In fact, some argue that investing in real estate continues to offer the security that investors are searching for in recession-plagued Europe or even the U.S.
Home ownership continues to be the most popular and historically stable savings plan for the future as The American Dream survey results show. In addition, according to the results of another research survey conducted earlier this year by Worldwide Property Group, a massive 72 percent of capitalists considered real estate to be a good investment option.
According to Kevin Wilkes, the consulting firm's Managing Director, "It’s no surprise that so many people feel that property offers them the best investment potential. It has consistently produced strong returns for investors over the longer term and during a downturn there is even more potential to achieve great returns." The survey also found that the most desirable locations for real estate investments are the USA and the Caribbean, followed by the traditional favorites Spain and France.
Still not convinced? Then have a look at these 7 reasons why real estate is a better investment than gold by Jason Hartman.
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