What is the primary purpose of real estate investment?

The primary purpose of real estate investment is to generate income or profit through property appreciation or rental income. Investors typically purchase real estate with the expectation that the property will either increase in value over time—allowing them to sell it for a profit—or that it will produce ongoing rental income that can provide cash flow. This dual potential for income generation and capital appreciation is what makes real estate an attractive investment option for many individuals and institutions.

Though providing housing for individuals and families, accumulating wealth through land ownership, and supporting community development initiatives are all significant aspects of real estate, they are often viewed as secondary benefits or outcomes of real estate investment. The primary objective remains the financial return on investment, which underscores the economic rationale behind purchasing real property.