World’s Wealthiest Own $4.9 Trillion of Realty

The world’s wealthiest individuals own $4.9 trillion of real estate investments, excluding their primary residences, according to ReasearchWorldwide.com.The company derived its information from a world weath report produced by Cap Gemini and Merrill Lynch. It reports that the world’s 7.7 million high net worth individuals each have, on average, $640,000 invested in real estate other than their homes. In 2003, real estate comprised 17% of the total assets of the world’s wealthiest people. The research company said wealthy investors are taking advantage of low borrowing rates to finance innovative ways to invest directly in the commercial and residential property markets.