Over recent years, clients are increasingly becoming aware of the attractive return property is rendering as an investment. The increasing demand for such property has led to the setting up of a new property investment unit within Frank Salt (Real Estate) Ltd.

“15 to 20 per cent of our sales every year are now being focused on investment property,” said managing director Joseph Lupi. “These clients are not necessarily big developers or a consortium of wealthy individuals but ordinary individuals who have money lying in a bank account earning a pittance in interest, which is being eaten away by inflation. They are people who are too busy to think of other options of investments eg professional people or simply, it never crossed their mind to look at property as an investment,” he said.

Traditionally, property has always appreciated at an average of eight per cent every year and in most cases has provided a regular, albeit lower, rental return. Capital appreciation, coupled with rental return, would definitely outshine any other investment opportunity on the market today. However, like any other investment it all depends on what, where and when you purchase property for investment.

These properties could include a) land or sites for development or re-development, b) unconverted/shell properties, c) new developments on plan or under construction, d) commercial property and e) property offered at below market price for a quick sale.

The aim of the unit will be to identify these properties and analyse their investment potential. The property will then be featured in a special portfolio, which will be accessible to all consultants throughout the network of the company’s offices.

The unit is headed by George Vassallo, assisted by other senior consultants and managers throughout the company’s offices who together have 85 years’ experience in the property market.

“Our aim is to provide our clients with another specialised service by using the expertise and experience of the people who know. I have no hesitation in recommending property as a safe and secure investment, as long as you seek the right advice,” said Mr Lupi.

The Investment Property Unit can be contacted by email on [email protected]