Real estate investments involve various risks. These can range from market risk – which could cause your property value to decrease; to property-specific risks.
Risks related to capital availability include the size and availability of funds available for investing. Traditional property purchases require substantial down payments that could prevent investors with limited funds from purchasing property.
Markets
Real estate investment opportunities come from all corners of the market, each offering different returns for investors. There are, however, risks inherent to all real estate investments which should not be overlooked: construction delays, bad tenants and property damage among others.
Emerging real estate markets provide investors with an ideal opportunity to secure cash flow properties that will generate rental income, or invest in specific types of properties such as single-family homes.
Investors should focus on markets with high employment rates and good schools, which will attract workers and drive up housing demand and property values. Furthermore, economic conditions and interest rates will affect a cap rate’s ratio between price of an asset vs its rental revenue.
Property Types
Real estate investments offer investors many avenues for returns. Commercial investments may include retail stores, warehouses and offices. Residential investments range from single-family homes and condos to townhouses; raw land real estate investments involve purchasing undeveloped land with plans of developing or leasing it out for commercial use.
Investors can invest in income-producing properties that attract renters or occupants on an ongoing basis, such as vacation rental homes which typically need maintenance between guest stays.
Investors can also play a less active role in managing real estate by investing in companies operating within industries that thrive in strong real estate markets, such as home improvement retailers or lumber suppliers.
Tax Incentives
Real estate investors can take advantage of tax deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, depreciation and repairs as they enhance investor returns. It is important to remember, however, that rental properties may generate negative cash flow which could result in financial loss for their investors.
Real estate investing carries with it the potential risk that property values may decrease over time due to changes in economic conditions, supply and demand conditions or other external influences.
Physical assets may be difficult to sell quickly, which could become problematic in an emergency or investment scenario. To reduce this risk, complete extensive technical due diligence on any prospective property before signing any contracts or closing deals.
Leverage
Real estate investments often involve borrowing money, which increases losses if property value declines. This risk can be managed by restricting how much borrowed capital goes into each deal – also known as leverage risk.
Location-specific risks can also have an effect on real estate investments. A growing city could see demand rise for apartments while low crime rates and top schools would increase single-family home demand. Environmental and construction risks as well as entitlement risk (the likelihood that government agencies delay project approvals) all pose challenges to real estate investments.
Time constraints must also be taken into account. For instance, when investing in fix and flip properties you will likely need to be available during business hours for any needed repairs and renovations. Furthermore, some real estate investments require ongoing maintenance costs or even vacancy expenses as a part of their expenses.
Diversification
Real estate investments carry risks like any investment, yet real estate remains a sound foundational asset that offers consistent long-term returns despite any recessions that might come along.
Location is of the utmost importance in real estate investments; as the old adage goes: “location, location, location.” Market conditions, economic factors and demographic shifts all have an effect on housing prices and rental rates in an area.
Real estate investing often requires large upfront capital investment, which may be prohibitive for those with limited resources. If this is the case for you, investing via REITs or crowdfunding platforms might be more suitable as alternatives.
As part of your property investment strategy, understanding how its value could change over time is of utmost importance if you intend on selling. Diversifying your portfolio with various types of properties located throughout various geographic areas is also highly recommended.