But there are challenges for advisers and clients: funds can differ a lot in what they invest in plus there are different types of investment vehicle - Reits, Oeics, geography, etc.

So with property funds there is plenty of potential for advisers to show off their knowledge and demonstrate what more the investor can get from picking a fund rather than just investing in a buy-to-let property or two.

This guide will make sure you understand the different investment vehicles available, the pros and cons of property funds and what type of investor should consider these funds.

Contributors to this guide include Philip Nell, manager of the Aviva Investors Property Trust, Guy Glover, manager of the F&C UK Property fund, and Ainslie McLennan, director of property at Henderson.