Carter Jonas' latest research project shows that agricultural land proved to be one of the best property investments last year, with returns easily beating those of commercial or residential property.

Carter Jonas’ Research Team has developed the ‘Model Estate’, a theoretical rural estate comprising a variety of in-hand and let farms as well as commercial and residential property. It extends to a total of 3,208 acres and is situated (for valuation purposes) within the geographical triangle bounded by the M4/M40 and M5 motorways.

Returns from the Model Estate significantly beat those of residential and commercial property investments, both of which recorded negative returns. Antiques and fine wines also fared poorly. Gold, unsurprisingly, proved the best investment of all, producing a most impressive 15.7% annual return in 2009.

View the Model Estate Research Report