Antiques possess inherent qualities that stabilise their value and make them less vulnerable to economic downturns, and are unaffected by inflation or currency changes. Their value tends to grow steadily, driven by demand rather than market speculation. And unlike other forms of investment, antiques can be tangibly displayed in the home.

So, why are antiques rising in popularity as investment assets? One reason is their inherent scarcity. Unlike other items that can be reproduced, genuine antiques are limited in supply. Pieces that have survived from previous centuries are finite, and as demand grows, the value of these items often increases. Rarity, authenticity, and provenance become crucial aspects that can drive prices up, especially for collectors or investors seeking high-quality items with verifiable origins.

Traditionally, the world of antiques was dominated by older collectors and specialists who had a trained eye for quality and rarity. But today, a younger demographic is increasingly taking a keen interest in antiques, viewing them as both decorative elements and investment assets. In an interview with IACF, Mark Seabrook, owner of Mark Seabrooke Antiques, said that the younger generation are showing an increasing interest in antiques because “they are all handmade, they’re green, they’re not throw-away items, they are good value for money, they’re English and made out of natural items”.

Eve Oliver, PR and marketing manager at IACF, regularly interacts with customers at some of Europe’s biggest antiques fairs, and says that “young people today want to buy furniture they won’t throw away tomorrow.”

Rather than opting for trends that change every season, these new-found antique enthusiasts are seeking timeless pieces that not only retain value but also add character to their homes. This is part of a broader cultural movement toward mindful consumption, where people are interested in owning fewer but more meaningful and long-lasting items with a history that will also be worth more later on.

The rise of social media is raising the profile of antiques among a new generation, as well as offering opportunities to buy and sell furniture online, and show off their finds to their followers. On TikTok, the #antiquestorefinds hashtag boasts over 36.9 million views.

Auction houses upload enticing photos to Instagram of upcoming lots, and across social media, influencers show off their purchases while dealers share insider tips on what to look for when buying. An important part of the excitement surrounding antique investing lies in the thrill of the hunt. Potential collectors and investors can scout auctions, markets, and online marketplaces for undervalued pieces with potential, adding an element of adventure to the purchasing process.

It is perhaps little surprise, then, that the UK’s antiques market has grown by more than 31% in a decade, according to a study by the British Art Market Federation (BAMF) in 2023. Many auction houses are also seeing the emergence of younger HNWI individuals (typically self-made tech and finance entrepreneurs or those with inherited wealth) into the arts and antiques market. A 2022 report shows that the average Generation Z and millennial HNWI owns 35 pieces of fine art in their personal collections.

As seasoned collectors and newcomers alike would likely both agree, antiques allow their owners to engage with history in a tactile way, and quite literally hold the past in their hands, serving as windows into the intellectual and cultural climate of previous centuries. Lovers of antiques are not only owning a part of history, but are also helping to preserve it, which in turn forms part of its attraction.

There’s a joy in the ownership of these items, in admiring their craftsmanship, and in incorporating them into daily life.

The growing trend of antique investment speaks to a deeper appreciation for quality, sustainability, and history – values that seem more relevant today than ever, in an era of mass-produced furniture and clothing.

As the demand for these items grows, antiques may well continue to appreciate, becoming a cornerstone in the portfolios of those looking for investments that carry both financial and emotional value. Antiques are a one-of-a-kind investment that are enduring reminders of the legacy of the past which, for many, is worth far more than numbers on a stock chart.