2008 was an extremely difficult year for global financial markets and economies as a whole. Unprecedented conditions, from which the real estate market has not been immune, were witnessed and this is reflected in property valuations across Europe.
 
However, the resilience of European real estate should ease any exaggerated concern and a great deal of confidence can be had in its medium to long term future, this perhaps sets Europe apart from some other real estate markets. Investors with cash reserves now have the flexibility and firepower to really make the most of the current market conditions.
 
Additionally, well-located, European real estate is amongst the most resilient asset class in the real estate sector. European investors will, in the medium term, be less affected from these difficult times.

Over the long term, Europe still offers a great opportunity for growth. Comfort should be taken in the fact that rental incomes in the region's more established and resilient countries such as the United Kingdom offer a higher degree of security of income.
 
Despite the harsh economic conditions, European real estate investors should be extremely positive about the future and European real estate’s ability to achieve medium to long-term investment goals.