We are entering a new way of thinking with property as an investment retirement savings fund. I think we are all agreed that the price of property increases in value by at least the cost of finance. Rents etc can be weighed against upkeep expences etc with the distinct likelyhood of paying a percentage of the principle back. At the end of the run you own a couple of houses or factories whatever and retire with nothing saved for your old age other than property. This is when you take out a reverse mortgage on some of your properties to either pay a pension until you and the loved one kick the bucket or a lump sum to squander on overseas trips and fast women. What better retirement fund is there than that?. You can leave the kids the ancestrial home and your will can read [ being of sound mind i spent the lot so there]. MACDUNK