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Almost half of people think investing in property is still the best way of making your money work hard – even in the downturn, rental investment is seen as a money-maker by many.

People have seen their properties lose thousands of pounds of value over the last two years, but nearly half of Brits still believe property is a good investment and that it will withstand an economic downturn. Confidence in the long term property market has obviously not been shaken – Scottish Widows has found that, If anything, it has strengthened as when questioned last year, only 28% of Brits believed property would withstand an economic downturn and thought that prices would continue to rise.

The report has found that only a third of people said owning a property this year is not as good an investment as before due to changing market conditions. Also, 45% of people still believe that property usually or always provides better returns than other investments, showing Brits can't shake off the sentiment of relying on property for their retirement.

If you have money, and are not impressed with the paltry rates offered by savings accounts and investments in this low-rate environment, there are always opportunities to be had in property investment. By using a good buy to let professional, taking expert advice from estate and lettings agents and doing your own homework you can make money from your property, regardless of the state of the property market.

The mortgage market shows no signs of easing up for first-time buyers and those with bad credit – and all these people need somewhere to live. That's why the rental market could be the best way of making the most of your money in this downturn.

SOURCE: Scottish Widows, 14/09/09

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