An increasing number of buyers are turning to the arts and antiques market as an alternative investment, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Art and Antiques Survey.

The survey suggests that consumers increasingly view art and antiques as tangible assets which perform better than other forms of investment .

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS chief economist, observed that the art and antiques market is buoyant at present, as Britons continue to invest in material assets during turbulent economic times.

However, he added, surveyors are raising concerns over Droit de Suite, an initiative which could affect the UK art market and the quality of lots available for sale.

As art is mobile it tends to be sold where market conditions are most favourable, but the higher transaction charges and administrative costs associated with Droit de Suite could drive buyers away from the UK market and towards growing markets like China .