?Should I invest in property?? There are multiple factors to consider, of course, and countless ways to invest in real estate, from small to large, all with their own pros and cons. Commercial properties, which provide a workspace rather than a living space, are no different.
They are considered to be one of the larger real estate investments, bringing to mind such structures as office high rises, industrial complexes, warehouses, restaurants or shopping malls. Aside from rent, which is charged by the foot, cash inflows from investing commercial real estate include parking fees, vending fees, occasional profit from sales, and tax benefits or credits. In spite of the larger scale financial commitment, commercial real estate can be available for smaller investors.
A type of investment perfect for smaller real estate entrepreneur is known as a real estate investment trust, or REIT. If you have a combination of the two questions ?should I invest in property?? and ?why invest in REITs?? this might be the right investment path for you. REITs are legally required to be widely held and to distribute most of their income as dividends to shareholders. Since shares can be purchased on the stock market, REITs are a very liquid asset.
Basically, how to invest in a REIT is something to discuss with professional real estate partners, but the basic idea is that the investors’ capital is combined to make investments, sometimes in a smaller unit of a larger property, and then the profit is distributed to investors/shareholders as dividends.
However, these actions and transactions are handled by a REIT management firm that specializes in the type of property in which you?ve invested. It?s absolutely crucial to have a real estate investment company that is focused on commercial real estate assets and financial instruments, to assist the inflow and outflow, evaluate risks, and advise on a variety of issues.
No matter the investment type or financial commitment, the question ?should I invest in real estate? is best answered by considering the benefits and the risks. While many of these are variable based on context, a few things remain true.
First, a solid commercial real estate investment can create a consistent cash inflow. In growing areas where new construction is limited, commercial real estate can produce surprising returns, particularly in certain businesses.
Secondly, they offer long-term returns. While it?s true that some businesses have a high rate of turnover, if you choose wisely, you will find that the opposite is true, particularly for REIT investments, which is a relatively conservative choice that can have a higher long term rate of return.
A relevant downside is that, although commercial properties tend to maintain more long-term leases than residential properties, once they are empty it can take longer to find a tenant, leaving you or your cooperative responsible for the costs.
Other risks or potential negatives to investing in commercial property include the regulations, taxes and fees involved. They are often higher, more complicated, and wrapped in complex legal language, than most residential real estate transactions are. All the more reason to work with trusted real estate partners and financial specialists well-versed in commercial real estate business.
“Should I invest in property?” Maybe. It depends on your financial portfolio, level of personal commitment, and overall knowledge of the real estate market. However, even if you feel you may not be ready, you could start the process with the help of an expert real estate partner.