The commercial property market is beginning to perk up, a major gathering of industry professionals in Birmingham will hear today.

The analysis comes from Peter Bill, former editor of weekly property magazine Estates Gazette, who will be speaking at the annual lunch of networking group the Investment Property Forum at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.

Mr Bill will predict that falling property prices have reached their lowest point. “I believe it will bump along for a while before gradually improving,” he will tell an audience of about 250 property professionals.

“Now is a good time to buy investment properties. Prices have fallen so far you can make a profit on the rental income alone.”