The Golden Illusion: Have Belgrade Real Estate Prices Really Soared or Is Gold the True Measure?
Belgrade’s real estate market looks like it’s on fire — square meter prices are skyrocketing! But is it really so? Or is it all just an illusion? Let’s take a look from a different angle — through the lens of gold, the eternal symbol of wealth and stability.
Real Estate Prices in Euros vs. in Gold
Over the past 13 years, the average price per square meter in Belgrade has surged by a whopping 66.7% in euros. Sounds like a jackpot for homeowners and investors, right? But wait! When these prices are expressed in grams of gold, the story is completely different — the price per square meter has actually dropped by 26.8%! Yes, you read that right — it has fallen!
How Was This Analysis Done?
Experts from the Zlatni Standard portal compared the average price of a 60-square-meter apartment in Belgrade in June and May, and calculated how many grams of gold would be needed to buy such an apartment in both periods. The price of gold in Serbia was taken as a stable and reliable measure of value, as gold has been known for centuries as a safe haven during inflation and economic volatility.
Inflation and Real Purchasing Power
In times of high inflation and currency instability, looking only at prices in euros or dinars can be misleading. Money loses value, and assets priced in it may seem more expensive, even though the real purchasing power might be lower. Gold, on the other hand, tends to appreciate when inflation runs wild.
What Does This Mean for Buyers and Investors?
If you thought investing in Belgrade real estate was a sure path to wealth, it might be time to rethink. While prices in euros have risen, gold has risen even faster, meaning investing in gold over the past 13 years has been more profitable than buying property in Belgrade.
For average families looking to preserve the value of their money, this is alarming news. Properties are expensive, but not as valuable as they seem when compared to gold. For investors, this may signal the need to diversify portfolios and seriously consider gold as a long-term asset.
The Economy Behind the Scenes
The rise in Belgrade real estate prices is not just a result of demand and speculation. Macroeconomic factors, inflation, and global trends in gold value play a key role. This “golden” perspective reveals how vulnerable property owners and buyers are to macroeconomic forces beyond their control.
Is Buying Property Still a Good Investment?
This question now sounds like a riddle. Is it better to invest in real estate or gold? The truth is, gold has been safer and more profitable over the last 13 years. But real estate has its advantages — it provides a roof over your head and can generate rental income.
Conclusion
This analysis forces us to rethink how we view “price growth” and what “value” really means. In today’s economy, where inflation and economic uncertainty are the norm, relying solely on local currencies and prices can mislead us. Combining traditional investments with gold and keeping an eye on global financial trends is not just wise — it’s necessary.
What About You?
Have you ever thought about the value of real estate in gold? Would you dare to compare your investments to gold? Or maybe you have your own trick to evaluate true value? Drop a comment below — let’s see who the real gold experts are!
Source: B92.net, Zlatni Standard
