UK direct property was the top - performing investment sector in 2017 , with only eight sectors experiencing growth , according to research by investment manager Tilney . Direct property ’s growth of 4.75 % led UK index - linked gilts with 3.25 % growth . UK gilts , energy and telecommunications , global bonds , stock market , short - term money market , and several other asset classes also experienced growth . The biggest decline came from European smaller companies , which fell 14.42 % . UK direct property covers funds that invest directly in commercial and residential real estate, as well as leisure and healthcare buildings and student accommodation. Meanwhile , Brexit uncertainty has hit investor optimism in UK stocks , corporate bonds and stocks , according to a survey by Lloyds Bank Private Banking .
UK direct property was the top - performing investment sector in 2017 , with only eight sectors experiencing growth , according to research by investment manager Tilney . Direct property ’s growth of 4.75 % led UK index - linked gilts with 3.25 % growth . UK gilts , energy and telecommunications , global bonds , stock market , short - term money market , and several other asset classes also experienced growth . The biggest decline came from European smaller companies , which fell 14.42 % . Meanwhile , Brexit uncertainty has hit investor optimism in UK stocks , corporate bonds and stocks , according to a survey by Lloyds Bank Private Banking .