I recently met one of  my long-standing investment friends for a chat.  His prognosis for property was not good.  ”At best the sector is likely to flat-line but there is every chance we will double-dip” were his thoughts.  It is difficult to argue against his rationale - the banks are reluctant to lend on all but the primest investments; development activity is virtually non-existent; occupiers have gone in to early hibernation; and the public sector is preparing to offload surplus or over-rented space.

After providing those sweeping generalisations I am going to offer one more.  There WILL be opportunities to be unearthed in all sectors and across all regions.  They may be less frequent and less profitable than in previous years but if anyone can find them property people can.  Property players are a robust lot, they possess that essential creative spark and have an entrepreneurial spirit that is hard to find in other business arenas.