Is property a sound investment for the future?

There are numerous asset classes you can invest your money into – from stocks and bonds to exchange traded funds, mutual funds, gold, art, cryptocurrencies and more.But one of the favourites, particularly in the UAE, is property – mainly because it is a tangible asset. Investing in real estate is sometimes considered a more solid and secure investment, partly because you can actually touch your asset.

But how does a property purchase compare to investments into stocks and bonds over the long term? Should you take on a mortgage? When is the best time to enter the market? And what happens if it all goes wrong?

Host Alice Haine, the personal finance editor of The National, is joined by Dr Michael Waters, an associate professor in real estate at Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus, who helps listeners analyse whether property is a sound investment for their future.