Property investing is all about people. Because where they live, work and play has a direct bearing on the properties required to service their basic needs. This means the key to successful property investment is to recognise behavioural and demographic shifts early on, determine the types of property most likely to benefit, and capitalise on the new trends as they emerge.

Here, Matthew Norris, Investment Adviser of the VT Gravis UK Listed Property Fund, outlines four mega trends he has identified for the next generation of property investing.

The profile of the UK’s population is changing. Life expectancy has increased dramatically over the last few years, and this is having a huge impact on the properties required to service an aging population.

The over 85s is the fastest growing cohort in the UK and it's estimated that its number will double to 3.4m by 2046*. As people over 85 will, on average, visit their GP 13 times each year*, demand for the services they depend upon will naturally increase. That means more demand for GP surgeries and for care homes.

Increased investment in the sector is desperately needed and the private sector has stepped up to support efforts to improve the properties needed for the care of the elderly. Companies are helping provide modern purpose-built premises offering not just treatment rooms but also pharmacies, physiotherapists and social care on site.

Owning healthcare assets is also attractive for investors as they provide long-term, sustainable and growing rental income, often backed by secure government funding. Coupled with the demographic shifts that work to support the long-term case for investment in the healthcare sector, and the far-reaching social benefits, the investment case becomes increasingly compelling.

The specialist listed real estate investment trusts (REITs) investing in care homes and GP surgeries understand that ensuring the quality of the accommodation they provide will be crucial not only for residents, but also for the longevity of each of the assets they own.

*Source: Office for National Statistics

Click here to find out about Mega trend 2: Digitalisation and the 3 C's.

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Gravis Advisory Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority registered in England & Wales No: 09910124. Gravis Advisory Limited’s principal place of business is: 24 Savile Row, London, W1S 2ES