It’s apparent that the real estate market has been volatile for several years, but a case could be made for property investment companies to be even more bullish in the coming year . The real estate investor is currently able to purchase properties at 2006 prices. Compare that to prices the same year for staples such as food or fuel, and you can start to understand that the value is there . Real estate investing has always been an endeavor for risk-takers, who rely on their ability to find a good deal and turn a profit. Over the past 18 months average home prices have fallen as much as 22% and yet the decline has once again fueled the surge in property investment companies, with more people getting in the game. Investing now is still a means to build passive income and anticipate substantial capital growth when the real estate investor is able to hold the property for the medium to long term. Property investments are traditionally the best place to obtain a good return for your money. They frequently return a profit just from the rent, not factoring in the longer term benefit in anticipated capital growth. Property investment companies are cautious of the normal risks, but also knowledgeable about the potential for gain . The real estate investor who bought property just a few years ago has seen the market swings and many still have experienced noticeable appreciation of assets. As an investment vehicle , you should consider the continuing volatility of the stock market against a real estate investment. The risk weighs far more on the stock market where the asset is a certificate rather thana tangible brick and mortor asset. Savvy people in real estate investing know that finding the ideal investment property, securing the investment property loan, and then repeating the process remains  a opportunity to build wealth and to secure their finances for their retirement years.