Real estate has a proven track record of generating strong returns over time through increasing values. For investors, understanding the key factors that drive real estate appreciation is crucial for making good investment decisions and achieving the best risk-adjusted returns. Below are five of the most significant reasons why real estate values tend to rise over the long run.
1. Increasing Demand Combined With Limited Supply Pushes Values Upward
Around the world, populations are growing in many areas, especially cities. More people means more demand for housing and commercial space. When the demand for real estate rises faster than the supply of new properties, it causes property values to appreciate. Many governments limit new development through zoning restrictions, building codes, and lengthy permitting processes. Geographic constraints like the lack of available land also curb supply in some locations.
In markets where demand is surging due to population growth but supply is limited, the imbalance can lead to large price increases over time. Areas with major job growth and household formation tend to see the strongest demand for housing. And commercial property values rise fastest in cities with the most business expansion. For investors, finding markets with supply constraints and increasing demand is key to benefiting from this dynamic.
2. The Inflation Hedge Of Hard Assets Protects Purchasing Power
Real estate has proven to function as an effective hedge against inflation over time. As the costs of living rise, people can afford to pay more for housing and commercial space. So, rents and property values also rise to cover increasing costs for owners and generate a reasonable rate of return on investment.
While inflation reduces the purchasing power of money, real estate helps combat this effect. Income-producing property, in particular, is attractive during inflationary periods since rental rates can be adjusted quickly in response to higher costs. Many real estate investors view rental real estate as a stable source of income and hedge against inflation.
3. Tax Advantages Enhance The Appeal And Returns Of Real Estate Investments
Governments frequently provide tax benefits for real estate investment designed to stimulate economic growth. In many countries, commercial and residential property owners can deduct expenses like mortgage interest, property taxes, and depreciation. These tax deductions help to offset income and reduce the amount owed in taxes.
Lower taxes mean higher effective returns for real estate investors. So, the tax advantages of real estate make it an appealing asset class, which in turn helps to drive up property values over time. Investors will pay more for an asset when the after-tax returns are more attractive. Here are some tips for finding investors for real estate development.
4. The Scarcity And Unique Character Of Historic Properties Lead To Price Premiums Over Time
Properties with historic character or architectural significance often appreciate at above-average rates due to their limited supply and appeal to certain buyers. Well-maintained historic buildings tend to gain value over time for several reasons:
- They are rare: Historic craftsmanship and style details are difficult and expensive to replicate in new construction. This scarcity of value drives up prices.
- Location premiums rise: Established neighborhoods and areas with historic charm frequently become more popular and desirable places to live, work, and own property over time. People will pay higher premiums for locations they favor.
- Buyer demand: There is a niche market of buyers attracted to the unique character of historic properties. These buyers are willing to pay a premium for properties with architectural integrity and a sense of history.
- Redevelopment potential: Older historic properties that have experienced little reinvestment over time may be acquired by investors at a relatively low cost but redeveloped into many higher-value properties while maintaining their historic character. This potential for value creation also drives prices up.
5. The Compounding Returns From Income And Appreciation Lead To Significant Value Accumulation
While values do not always rise steadily year after year, over extended periods real estate has generated relatively stable returns. And when investment returns are reinvested, as with income-producing property, the compounding effect results in substantial value accumulation over time.
Even as buildings depreciate, well-located land tends to appreciate. And property improvements that are maintained and modernized for contemporary needs also uphold their values. So, the combined value of land and improvements often rises substantially over decades of ownership.
Historically, real estate returns from the compounding of income, appreciation, equity buildup, and tax benefits have exceeded the average inflation rate. For long-term investors, real estate’s potential for consistent and compounding returns is a key reason it has proven to be an attractive asset class for building wealth.
