'Financial instruments' are all very well as investments and can yield good returns. But there is something safer and altogether more satisfying about owning land. In this respect, owning land is like owning fine art: you have the pleasure of ownership and can then earn a financial reward. Financial assets are also more subject to bubbles and busts. Land is an extremely safe long term investment, an important component of a diversified portfolio.
They've always said that "bricks and mortar" are a good investment - but land is even better because "they're not making any more of it"
Abstract stocks and shares