The Times newspaper has reported that the commercial property sector is one of five areas that affluent investors are turning to in the current economic climate, as an increasing number of properties offering high rental yields become available at attractive prices.

The newspaper also comment that, according to a survey by Hotbed, 75 per cent of private banks believe that the next 12 months is a key time to invest in commercial property.

Bill O'Neil, portfolio strategist at Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management, commented: "Commercial property in Europe and the UK has been neglected by investors. Worries about companies' financing persist, but it does mean this area is cheap, particularly in the UK."

Last month saw capital growth return to the commercial property market for the first time in over two years, according to recent figures from the Investment Property Databank.