LAND AS INVESTMENT

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 112, 5 February 1941, Page 6

LAND AS INVESTMENT

Tendency In Great Britain As was Hie ease in Britain in 191-1-18, says Hie ''Sunday Times,” Hie war has resulted in a heller position in the market for agricultural land, without, however, any suggestion of boom prices. Prices have hardened but buyers are cautious, and though they are satisfied will) a return of -1 per cent, against the 41 or oven 5 per cent, required before the war. they will not go Io unreason able limits and the percentage looked for is net return after making proper allowance for repairs, management, tithe, laud lax and other outgoings. The average appreciation is placed at. from 15 lo 20 per cent., with about 10 per cent, for farms with vacant: possession. Agents maintain thirl these prices show no evidence of profiteering and state that boom conditions are not likely to prevail under existing legislative protection for tenant farmers. .Many of the inquiries being made for agricultural land are from 'institutions, companies and corporations, wishing to hold their purchases indefinitely for investment purposes. Of national importance is the view of agents that a feature which has emerged indicates that there will be nothing like (be baste to return to the towns which has been shown in leaving them. This should indicate a more prosperous period for the countryside generally.