Alternative investments are supplemental strategies which behave in a different way to traditional assets such as bonds, shares, etc. They are typically active, return-seeking strategies that have different risk characteristics from traditional investments.
The benefits of adding them to a portfolio is to help lower volatility, provide diversification, and enhance returns. These types of investments rely less on broad market trends and more on the strength of each specific investment; hence, adding alternatives reduces the overall risk of a portfolio, with low correlation that could bebeneficial as diversification tool.
A proper investment portfolio must be based on efficiency, aiming to earn maximum returns for minimum risk. Alternative assets can help achieve this.
Real estate is arguably one of the lowest risk types of alternative investments. Living, hotels, offices, logistic hubs, and warehouses can generate higher yields and stable incomes, while historically providing downturn protection.
A proven efficient investment strategy is affordable housing for long-term letting, which can generate higher and stable yields as their income is based on the real economy.
In conclusion, real estate is a good alternative investment in general because:
- It generates recurring cash flow from rents received from tenants and leads to dividend distributions in private equity investments.
- The growth in rental rates and asset value is another reason in favour and also protects against inflation.
- Creates a more stable and balanced portfolio adding stability and acting as a safe haven during all stages of the economic cycle.