How UK buy-to-let beat the S&P 500 over 30 years — and why the trend has shifted recently

The useful part

Okay Login Home US Showbiz TV Sports US Politics Royals News Crime Desk Lifestyle Money U.K. Buyline Games Home US Showbiz TV Sports US Politics Royals News Crime Desk Lifestyle Money U.K. The S&P 500 index tracks the share prices of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the US.

How it works

• Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP Looking for a new mortgage?
• with double on offer for Premier accounts As Help to Buy is reborn, will Labour's First Homes plan work.
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• Both property and US equities have delivered nearly three times the total returns generated by the FTSE 100, which lists the biggest 100 companies by market value on the London Stock Exchange.

What to take from it

The average investor age has risen to 51 years, reflecting far higher capital barriers to entry created by rising house prices and larger deposit requirements. Average house prices at the time stood at just £54,900. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next I failed to sell my one-bed flat so have resorted to renting...

Example or evidence

• In 1996, the first wave of landlords was largely comprised of homeowning baby boomers in their 30s and early 40s looking to build long-term wealth through property ownership.
• 'While these investors were in their 30s back in the 1990s, many remain landlords in their 60s today.
• This is Money's partner L&C can help you with its fee-free mortgage service.
• > Compare mortgage rates > Find the right mortgage for you To help our readers find the best mortgage, This is Money has partnered with the UK's leading fee-free broker L&C.

Details worth keeping

Flat prices in London continue to fall with £71,000 shaved... This means those remortgaging or buying a home face higher costs. If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use This is Money and L&C's online Mortgage Finder?

Related coverage

• Fortune: "Buying a home also bundles two very important, but very different, decisions: where to live, and how to invest a large chunk of your life savings."
• Dailymail: Renting to students isn't for the faint-hearted, but landlords could be tempted by the fact student lets offer some of the best returns on the market,