Private wealth investors 'retreat' to home country

Private wealth property investors have begun moving back to commercial activity in the relative safety of their own country, according to one expert.

Simon Rubinsohn, chief economist at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, claims individuals will favour private wealth investment in markets they know during times of economic hardship, meaning international real estate "tends to be the first area where the crisis manifests itself".

However, those with private wealth already invested in London property markets might be reaping the benefits, as the expert observes England's capital remains "a particularly appealing location", despite the global downturn.

Describing it as a "safe haven", he notes the city could offer good returns for those seeking to optimise private wealth but reluctant to move into unknown territory.

CB Richard Ellis reported on Monday (October 4th) London was home to 27 per cent of all cross-regional global property investment transactions during 2009 and the first six months of this year.  ADNFCR-2318-ID-800103919-ADNFCR