Changing social trends point to a huge rise in demand for housing within the next twenty years.

With an ageing population and more single people requiring accommodation, it comes as no surprise that the government has ordered planning authorities to find more land to develop, including areas of greenbelt.

The value of land has risen dramatically over the last few years (nearly 24% last year) with the most valuable land being in the South East of England. To many land is becoming a real investment opportunity, but how do you go about investing in land?

How to invest

Until recently, land investment was the domain of large developers, public bodies, farmers and the landed gentry, who formed a trusted inner circle.

This has changed, with land agents using the internet to advertise plots of land to the general public.

Although buying land is similar to purchasing a house, there are a number of issues that are peculiar to this form of speculation and those without previous land buying experience are best to deal through a land agent.

As with any investment, there are risks involved and the aim is to invest with a long-term view.

Purchasing a plot of greenbelt land that in the future gains planning permission could see your investment increase several times over.

Don Suter is Managing Editor of the UK Property Portal (www.ukpropertyportal.co.uk), an online directory and magazine for UK property sales, rental, surveyors, mortgages, conveyancing, property insurance, removals, news, investment and development