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There has been a significant increase in international commercial property investment compared to last year, according to news reports referring to a study released by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). JLL provides commercial property investment and investment management services.

In the earlier half of 2009, international commercial property investment was US $ 76 billion. Now, for the same period of 2010, global commercial property investment stands at $132 billion, almost double of what it was. The study notes this as a sign that there is increased confidence in the property investment market among investors, after the recent worldwide real estate slump.

Europe had the highest number of transactions investing in property in the first half of 2010. The United Kingdom (UK) has emerged as the most preferred property investment option, with investment values touching US$ 7 billion, followed by Germany.

Commercial property investment can domestic, inter-region and cross-border or global. It was seen that in Europe, more than half the property investment were cross-border or global, with the percentage standing at 54% of all European property transactions.

It is seen that there is an across-the-board increase in property investment, both domestic and international as investors search for property globally which can appreciate in value and give them good returns.

Buying Investment Property - Why and What to Buy

Investing your money in the real estate sector can give you good returns over the years. An investment property is real estate that is used solely for the purpose of getting returns, either through appreciation in value or by renting it out. It is different from a house or flat bought solely for residential purposes. Getting tax benefits can also be a reason for buying investment property.

After the recent slump in the real estate sector, confidence has started coming back, as is seen in the research conducted by JLL. If the trend of property appreciation continues, then buying investment property may fetch you returns on your investment higher than other investment options such as stock market or bank deposits.

For ordinary individual thinking of buying investment property, options would range from investing in residential and agricultural land, houses, flats or commercial office space. Purchasing land and houses can ensure that your investment is secure as there is appreciation in the value of the land. The return on property investment in land would come as a result of increase in land prices after a few years. In the case of houses and flats, rent can be charged, so that there is an immediate regular return on your investment. This is addition to any profit that you would make when decide to sell the house or flat when its value appreciates.

Some experts advise against the purchase of flats as a long-term property investment. In buying land, there is a strong chance of appreciation of its value. In the case of flats, the time factor is of importance. The structure of the flat may deteriorate with time, and thus may not fetch as good a return after a number of years, as investment in land would. Some areas also see a glut of flats being built, thus reducing its rental value.

When to Buy and When to Place Investment Property for Sale

Buy low and sell high is an oft-repeated investment advice. During the recent global financial downturn, property prices went downhill due to the sub prime crisis in the US housing sector. Property investment advisors recommended that it was a good time to invest for those seeking to buy property for the purpose of returns. Good investment property for sale could be bought at low prices and the investor could wait for the value to appreciate.

Today, as confidence is slowly returning to global property markets, levels of transactions in property investment has nearly doubled to that of first half of 2009, as indicated in the Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) research released this month. Global property investors are searching world real estate markets seeking an attractive deal. Property prices in countries like India are expected to grow, as there is a demand for housing. When there is expectation of appreciation in value, it's a good time to buy.

A lot of investors struggle with the decision of when to put their investment property for sale. Unless there is an urgent need for money or some personal reason, which prompts the property sale, it is necessary to study the market trends and your own financial objective before making a sale.

If property prices are about to rise, then of course you should wait. Unless there is an even better value investment property for sale, which is expected to give you more returns than what your current property returns. Putting up a current investment property for sale and reinvesting it in another valued property is a common strategy used to enhance profits. This is also a way in which taxes on the sale proceeds of an investment property can be avoided. People, who are selling their investment property, may not need to pay taxes on their profits from the sales if they reinvest the money from the sales in another property. Another time to place a property investment for sale is when you have achieved your investment objectives and wish to use the sales proceeds for other purposes.

Property investment experts advise that investing in real estate is a long-term proposition for optimal returns. Some experts suggest that investors should allow their investment properties to go through at least one property cycle - of upturn, market slump and stabilisation, and again upturn, before putting up their property for sale. A property cycle may be localised to a region. It is necessary to study market situation and trends and take the advice of a real estate consultant before deciding to sell an investment property.