Buy-to-let investments have been a popular means of generating high returns in the past. They’ve offered a mix of rental income growth and improving capital returns, while falling interest rates have increased the net returns of many landlords.
However, the investment appeal of FTSE 250 shares could be higher than buy-to-let properties. The index may gain from reduced political uncertainty in the UK, while its valuation may be more attractive than for properties. And with it being tax-efficient to invest in shares compared to property, now could be the right time to buy a range of mid-cap shares. It could increase your chances of making a million.
Valuation
House price growth over the last decade means buying a property has become increasingly unaffordable in many parts of the UK. House prices compared to average incomes have increased significantly, and may mean there’s limited scope for capital growth in the coming years.
By contrast, the FTSE 250 appears to offer good value for money. Since the index generates around half of its revenue from within the UK, many of its members have been negatively impacted by political risks. Following the general election, these risks may fade to some degree in 2020 and beyond. This may enable many stocks to trade on valuations that are more in keeping with their historic averages.
The end result of this process could be rising share prices. With the FTSE 250 having delivered an annualised total return of around 9% in the past 20 years, a similar rate of return could be ahead in the long run. It may prove to be higher than the property sector following its surge in the past decade.
Tax efficiency
Investing in the stock market provides a significant amount of tax efficiency for investors. Products such as a SIPP or a Stocks and Shares ISA are appealing because no tax is paid on the dividends and capital gains from money invested within them.
This contrasts with buy-to-let investments. They have been subject to significant tax changes in recent years, with mortgage interest payments now not deductible from rent for many landlords and additional stamp duty payable on second homes. These changes may cause a reduction in net returns for landlords, while FTSE 250 investors continue to enjoy high after-tax returns.
Outlook
Clearly, there’s scope for changes to be made to the taxation of both buy-to-let properties and shares. However, the latter’s lower valuation and its track record of growth suggest it could be a better means of generating high returns in the long run.
Therefore, now could be the right time to invest £20k, or any other amount, in a diverse range of mid-cap shares. They could offer high returns that increase your chances of making a million.
