Land Investment has historically been the forte of large development companies, rich farmers or wealthy individuals. It can be a profitable business if proper development of land is undertaken. Land investment is referred to as a long term investment and with land prices on the rise in many parts of the world, it is said to be the safest and smartest way of investing ones money.
Capital gains can easily be realized from land when land price increases. The most striking feature of land investment is that investment takes place in a tangible asset which the investors can readily put into use. It is a branch of real estate investment which is gaining ground as major part of capital budgeting analysis. Real estate is basically defined as immovable property such as land and everything permanently attached to it like buildings. It is essentially at this juncture that land as an asset differs from real estate as it does not necessarily includes buildings and the attachments to the land.
Land is perhaps the most basic asset that we want to invest in and may include vast open tracts with no significant estate on it. The job of developing the land lies with the developer, and with proper care to include modern houses and the associated amenities, it will significantly appreciate its value. Land situated close to developed areas will cost more as opposed to those in less developed areas. Land developed for commercial purposes and those developed for building residential complexes will have different prices and tax implications, if any.
Investing in land can be profitable as there is limited supply of land and the purchaser can really sell dear if he wants to. Besides, there is the short to medium term possibility of exceptional returns, and property values can be readily increased by erecting modern world class amenities as already mentioned.
Real property as opposed to personal or movable property is characterized by the right to transfer the title to the land whereas title to personal property can be retained. The investment in real estate essentially depends on the risks associated with it, that is to say, even if the venture succeeds when the future stream of income will accrue to the investor and the alternative investment opportunities. Real estate investment or investment in land can be attractive if viewed as a business opportunity; it can generate rental income, using it as collateral to secure a loan for a business venture, to offset otherwise taxable income through cash savings on tax-deductible interest rate losses, or simply from the profits garnered from its resale.