To ask what is the point of investing in property?

[ImSuchABigIdiot]

AIBU to ask if it’s better to invest money in property than to invest money elsewhere? If yes, why? And, if people do invest in property, what’s the best way to do it to get maximum returns on the money you invest?

(Not a journalist, just a curious MNer who’s been on the site for a few years now under a few different names).

I am considering a buy to let to help fund my retirement, I am putting the maximum into my pension but return seems scarily low, less than £10k per year. I can pay off a mortgage before retirement age then either live off pension and rent or sell property and live off that

Wonkypalmtree if you are not in work you can contribute £3600 gross per year. If you are in work you can contribute 100% of your earnings subject to the annual allowance of £40,000 and potentially use some previous years allowance through carry forward. I'd also urge you to review the underlying investments. It may not be suitable for you. I'd look at this before giving up on a hugely efficient retirement vehicle in favour of a notably inefficient investment.

We bought a holiday cottage with an inheritance and savings so it is mortgage free. At the moment only family and us use it but we may let it out when we retire for extra income. Quite different tax rules for holiday let's. More favourable at a glance.
We invested in property because we are already sorted in other financial areas- main home, pensions, savings etc.
Any other inheritance we receive will be passed down.
It's value has gone up about 50% but we aren't planning to sell it.

In the same token is there any real point in investing in a home? Due to stamp duty and interest payment, it will take a good 10 years to start profiting from a property? I guess if you are buying a home you are less bothered about increase in value but why is buying better than renting?

Most people buy a home to live in, not looking to make a profit on selling! And far better (and often cheaper) to pay mortgage rather than rent. At least you end up with a tangible asset and somewhere to live without paying rent or mortgage when you retire!

To make it clear hubby we will have paid off our mortgage by December. We then have no mortgage or rent to have to find for the rest of our lives. What's not to like about that? I am 60 DH 58. So our monthly disposable income (occupational pensions) will be increased by £600 pm.

If we didn't buy a home we'd have to rent till we die wouldn't we.

Our agent charges 12.5%, that’s in a Scottish city.

A fucking waste of time, energy and money tbh.

I bought a small flat, which i then kept when i bought my house with my partner.

I've rented it for 3 years, not at a great profit but covered the mortgage and now i'm selling it i've made £65k profit.

I would much rathermay mortgage than rent as you will eventually own it and not have to pay mortgage or rent