by ZeeShan Kahloon 
Real estate has historically produced average returns of 8%, with potential returns of 15% or more. Despite rental growth, the rental yield in Pakistan is roughly 7 to 9 percent, which is lower than other investment possibilities. However, on the other hand, real estate may offer consistent monthly revenue that a gold investment cannot.
Real estate may be an appealing long-term investment choice since the value of the property improves over time. Real estate outperforms gold in terms of returns when volatility is low. Furthermore, as the market expands, so does the value of your home. Including real estate in your total wealth calculation is a prudent idea.
Gold is an excellent investment because it outperforms inflation. Over time, the returns on gold investments are in line with the inflation rate. The downside is that when gold gains in value, it is due to a depreciation of paper currency. As a result, profits on gold investment become minimal.
Comparison Of Gold Investment Vs Property Investment
Here’s a detailed comparison:
Capital Required
The quantity of money or financial resources required to purchase a specific asset or venture is now known as the capital requirement. Higher capital usually results in higher financial gains.
Gold
Gold investing requires a considerable amount of cash. In Pakistan, for example, the current price of 10gm of 24 K gold is roughly Rs. 120,456. In brief, you’ll need a substantial sum of money to invest in gold. The gold price changes every day.
Property
Real estate investment necessitates a substantial amount of cash. However, keep in mind that larger financial rewards require more cash. A minimum investment of Rs.15 Lac may be required to invest in good projects produced by top construction companies or in any property in Pakistan.
Liquidity
The ease with which you may turn your investment into tangible cash is known as liquidity. Different investments have different liquidity ratios. Some can be immediately transformed into cash, while others take some time.
Gold
Gold has extreme liquidity. If you wish to sell your gold, simply take it to a goldsmith, who will convert it into cash at the current rate.
Property
Real estate may have moderate to low liquidity based on the sort of property you own and current market circumstances. When compared to gold, real estate provides less liquidity. Selling your house might take many days or even months. While selling the property, documentation and stamp duty are required, making the process a bit lengthy and complex.
Returns
Returns are the additional funds earned from your investment. Each investment opportunity has a predetermined return ratio.
Gold
Gold funds have returned 25.43 percent in the previous month and 22.51 percent in the last three months globally. This rate, however, changes from time to time.
Property
Real estate is one of Pakistan’s most profitable investment choices since it not only provides a tangible asset but also provides a ROI of 20% or more. And the most important component?
Land is one of the few things whose value always increases over time. It implies that the overall worth of your home will constantly rise.
Volatility
Volatility refers to the process through which market trends shift. Some investments see rapid fluctuations, whilst others function in stable markets.
Gold, for example, has considerable volatility that varies with the value of the dollar. Real estate volatility, on the other hand, is fairly low. Both investment opportunities follow a steady and progressive trend.
Security
One of the most important aspects of a good investment opportunity is that it is safe and secure. Always invest in chances that are completely safe and legitimate.
Gold
Scammers abound in the gold market. Always acquire gold from reputable suppliers and save your purchase receipt. Check if the gold is also original. There have been several cases in the past where persons were sold phony gold.
Another disadvantage of possessing gold is the increased likelihood of thievery. Always keep your gold in a secure area and avoid disclosing the information to people.
Property
Scams abound in the real estate market, as they do in the gold industry. Invest in well-known and trustworthy companies as well. Also, before investing in any housing plan, ensure that it has been approved by the local development authority. Avoid the most frequent pitfalls when investing in real estate to live a financially rewarding yet relaxed and stable life.
Taxes
When you possess an asset, you must pay the government a fee to keep it. Every investment opportunity comes with a certain tax bracket. Zakat on an investment property is calculated based on the revenue generated by it.
Gold
If you own gold, you do not have to pay any taxes on it. However, if you are a Muslim and fulfill the zakat standards, you will be required to pay zakat for your gold.
Property
When you own property in Pakistan, you must pay property tax. The tax rate for the first year is 10%, 7.5 percent for the second year, and 5 percent for the third year.
What Would Happen to Property and Gold?
When stock markets fall, every investor feels the pain, jobs are gone, and daily income is reduced. As fewer borrowers can find the finances to move or pay expensive rentals, the stock market takes a hit.
This is also the time when institutional and savvy individual investors turn their attention to gold. During such market downturns, it tends to get a major influx of investor demand as a safe haven.
Gold Or Property? What To Choose
The best part is that you don’t have to pick between owning real estate and investing in actual gold. If you are already an avid property investor, it may be worthwhile to begin hedging your portfolio with gold investments. As we have shown, potential dangers to one asset class might be beneficial to another. The two investing conditions are therefore met: property and gold are basic, physical assets, and owning both makes timing less difficult.
However, we all know that strong economic markets do not persist forever. That is where having some gold comes into play. Relying primarily on property investment implies that the good years are fantastic, but the bad years are terrible. Combining property and gold investment mitigates the issue, ensuring that you continue to earn revenue and portfolio growth irrespective of fundamental conditions.
Real estate investing may be an unfamiliar financial vehicle, but that does not mean it should be ignored. A real estate investment, when addressed appropriately, maybe a successful and dependable investment choice that generates considerable returns. It may generate a consistent income stream while also providing great benefits such as tax advantages, diversification, and a less risky investment option to your portfolio.
Is It Necessary to Be Lucky When It Comes to Timing?
Timing and cycles may have a significant impact on your return on investment. While gold prices may climb or fall in the next months, the odds are stacked in favor of a wonderful time to buy in real gold right now.
Rather of attempting to postpone the fall in the stock market or real estate industry, invest in gold now while prices are still relatively cheap. It is preferable to have your portfolio insurance in place six months or a year before the downturn than one day after.
