The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has released its latest survey showing that sales in the £50,000+ category have doubled in Q2 over Q1 of 2010:

“The results show buyers are placing a premium on the very best material often due to its relatively low availability,” said Rics spokesman Andrew Davies.  “Recent aristocratic sales have highlighted this trend, revealing the investors who are willing to pay large sums for museum quality items. However it is worth remembering the broader mid-portion of the market often presents a more mixed picture.

“Given the uncertain economic future it is of little surprise that buyers continue to invest in more traditional safe categories, such as precious metals and jewellery. However, we are noting a resurgent interest in oriental ceramics and works of art, particularly from middle and far eastern investors.”

Art Price Rises ‘Driven by High-Value Deals’ (BBC News)