Art as an investment: what to know first

Art can hold value over long periods and some works grow in value considerably. It is also very different from shares or property.

The risks

• Illiquid: selling well can take months or years, and a forced sale usually means a lower price.
• Hard to price: there is no daily market price; values rest on appraisals and comparable sales.
• Costs: buying and selling fees, insurance, storage, framing, conservation and appraisals all reduce the return.
• Authenticity: a work with weak provenance can lose most of its value if doubts arise.
• Concentration: much of the value in any market sits with a small number of artists.

What protects value

Strong provenance, good condition, documented exhibition history, and responsible representation by galleries that do not discount the artist's work.

Ways investors take part

Owning works directly; lending against works you own; and, increasingly, owning a share of a premium work through a regulated tokenized offering (see Art tokenization).

Where it happens

OxiArt informs and keeps the record. Buying, selling, auctions and investment offerings take place on Oxishops, through partner galleries and licensed parties.

This guide is general information, not financial, legal or investment advice. Speak to an authorised adviser about your own situation.