Investments can be divided into classes, according to their risk and return characteristics. Growth assets include shares and property which are expected to generate higher capital growth over the long term as compared to defensive assets (cash and fixed interest). They may also provide some income in the form of dividends from shares and rent from property, but typically, this is a smaller proportion of the total return over the long term.

Over the long term, growth investments have generally provided a higher return than defensive assets, but with greater volatility of returns.

The largest investment and asset that most people make is usually their own home. However, investing in property is not confined to owning your home or even a rental property. It can also include:

• Industrial
• Commercial
• Residential
• Retail
• Rural
• Tourism

You can choose to either purchase an investment property directly, or you can invest in a property trust. Investing in a property trust generally gives you access to a range of property classes (as listed above) ranging from large shopping centres to residential flats.

Property is generally viewed as a secure long-term investment, often providing better long-term returns than cash and fixed interest. For more details on property, please visit the Intellichoice Financial Services website or call 1300 55 10 45 to speak to one of our mortgage brokers. Intellichoice Financial Services has a wide range of real estate all around Australia, including Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Northern QLD.