How would you assess the future and past peformances of a property investment?

Hi
Im doing a report on property investments and i need some information on how would you assess the past and future performances of property investments. any tip/pointers?

look at old news paper cuttings and journals etc and then analyze how the market trend has been set previously. it is all based on supply and demand. you can find relevant ones for these on google or whatever.

there will be no "right" answer as nothing is set in stone and anything write is a prediction. you could also get the census for the area you are covering and how many houses are currently there, ask LPA for development reports and future strategies. you can then relate your research to these.

A very excellent way of gaining the ability to predict future is by making a proper evaluation of the past (history). I am South African so my answers is a bit sided but please forgive me and just look for similar bodies in your own country.

what I do for a precise prediction, I first get hold of the past purchase prices of properties in the vicinity of mine from the deeds office then I start with calculating the past annual growth rate. I also look at major events in politics, economy etc. and try to gauge the level at which they affected the groth rate of the properties. I am an electronics engineer by profession, so I am only highlighting what works for me...

Having seen the relationship above, then I make a decision immediately after I have completed the assessment of people living in the area the property is located. I always buy as if I am the one who will be living in that area..so the culture in that environment is also important to me.