At a time when cash savings are yielding negligible returns, many people are looking at investment funds as a way of making their money work for them. Commercial property, in particular, is predicted to deliver strong returns in the coming months. Obviously, none but the wealthiest individuals can buy a commercial property straight-out, so the way that most of us get exposure is through a collective investment fund which invests on behalf of its members.
Collective investment funds will invest money in one of two ways: directly or indirectly. Both spread the risk, although direct investment in bricks and mortar is less vulnerable to the whims of the market than indirect investment.
Direct investment trusts physically purchase a range of buildings of varying quality. Rewards are earned in the form of rental income from tenants and capital growth from the increase in value of the properties. A major drawback is the illiquidity of the market: it can take months to buy or sell a property. Furthermore, in 'exceptional circumstances' the fund manager is able to suspend trading for 28 days whilst they try to raise cash to redeem investors. This period may be renewed until money becomes available.
There are risks associated with direct property investment. In 2008, when America's sub-prime mortgage crisis sent waves of panic around the world, the value of some commercial property funds in the UK fell by up to half.
Indirect investment funds are even more vulnerable to the whims of the market as they don't enjoy the same benefits of diversification. Most take the form of unit trusts and open-ended investment companies (OEICs).
Both unit trusts and OEICs are open-ended, in other words there's no limit to the number of units or shares that the fund manager can issue. If the demand for units increases they simply buy more property, and if an investor wishes to redeem their holding they sell them back to the fund. This can lead to problems, such as the fund manager having to sell assets at a low price, but it's more user-friendly than buying and selling shares on the stock market.
The majority of open-ended funds are also real estate investment trusts. In essence, this means that they don't pay corporation tax on assets, as long as they pay at least 90 per cent of profits to their shareholders. Dividends are taxed at either 20 or 40 per cent.
When an investment fund issues a fixed number of shares it is called a closed-end fund. Unlike open-ended trusts, if a member wants to either buy into or sell out of the fund he must do it through the stock market. The tax on dividends is the same as for most other investments, i.e. 10 or 32.5 per cent.
The current yields on commercial property compare well to those of other asset classes. The recent lack of investment in building projects has resulted in an increasing demand for office and retail space as the economy recovers. Strong interest from overseas investors is also creating movement.
Collective investment funds will invest money in one of two ways: directly or indirectly. Both spread the risk, although direct investment in bricks and mortar is less vulnerable to the whims of the market than indirect investment.
Direct investment trusts physically purchase a range of buildings of varying quality. Rewards are earned in the form of rental income from tenants and capital growth from the increase in value of the properties. A major drawback is the illiquidity of the market: it can take months to buy or sell a property. Furthermore, in 'exceptional circumstances' the fund manager is able to suspend trading for 28 days whilst they try to raise cash to redeem investors. This period may be renewed until money becomes available.
There are risks associated with direct property investment. In 2008, when America's sub-prime mortgage crisis sent waves of panic around the world, the value of some commercial property funds in the UK fell by up to half.
Indirect investment funds are even more vulnerable to the whims of the market as they don't enjoy the same benefits of diversification. Most take the form of unit trusts and open-ended investment companies (OEICs).
Both unit trusts and OEICs are open-ended, in other words there's no limit to the number of units or shares that the fund manager can issue. If the demand for units increases they simply buy more property, and if an investor wishes to redeem their holding they sell them back to the fund. This can lead to problems, such as the fund manager having to sell assets at a low price, but it's more user-friendly than buying and selling shares on the stock market.
The majority of open-ended funds are also real estate investment trusts. In essence, this means that they don't pay corporation tax on assets, as long as they pay at least 90 per cent of profits to their shareholders. Dividends are taxed at either 20 or 40 per cent.
When an investment fund issues a fixed number of shares it is called a closed-end fund. Unlike open-ended trusts, if a member wants to either buy into or sell out of the fund he must do it through the stock market. The tax on dividends is the same as for most other investments, i.e. 10 or 32.5 per cent.
The current yields on commercial property compare well to those of other asset classes. The recent lack of investment in building projects has resulted in an increasing demand for office and retail space as the economy recovers. Strong interest from overseas investors is also creating movement.
About the Author:
If you are interested in knowing more about commercial property investment, visit the blog. www.housemarketwatcher.co.uk has all the latest info on commercial investment , public houses and industry news.
No comments:
Post a Comment