It's generally assumed that all personalised number plates will go up in value. But is that really true?

It's especially difficult to find the gems amongst the new style (also referred to as current style) number plates.

So why are the new style registration numbers so limited in investment potential?

There are 3 main reasons:

• There are a lot of letters and numbers. Aesthetically, fewer letters and numbers are more appealing as they seem more 'exclusive' - even if the meaning is not immediately obvious to the world at large. There are usually too many spare letters left over ....
• It's very difficult to 'create' something interesting from the format of the registration number. For instance, incorporating numbers such as 53 and 56 into a word is cumbersome. So they tend to end up looking like gatecrashers at a wedding. Here's an example: DA53 VES
• There are so many similar number plates. This applies when only half of the registration has meaning to the general populous. For example SU51 ??? There are 8000+ combinations of 3 letters that could come after SU51. So, unless the last 3 letters have significance (such as XXX for kisses), they just won't re-sell. Here's another example: ???? ANN As registration numbers are now released twice a year, even adding your initials at the beginning makes very little difference. The market is literally flooded with current style ANN number plates.

Of course, there are exceptions. When the letters and numbers land together just right, it's possible to create some great names and words.

Here are some good examples:

MU51 CAL

XP05 URE

PH07 OXX

But not everyone has a budget that will stretch to these. So if your budget is a little more modest, how do you choose a registration number that's personal, but also has investment potential?

Happily, it is possible to spot a few gems - even with a smallish budget. The trick is to:

• Plan carefully. Think about generic appeal, like XXX, OK, OO, or MR.
• Think ahead. Have a plan several months before the next release of registration numbers. New registration numbers are usually made available for purchase 3 months ahead of the official date. i.e. 08 registration numbers were made available for purchase for 1 month during November 2007.
• Don't dither. Make up your mind, and go for it. If you have thought of it, so has someone else!

In a nutshell, if you buy a personal number plate and also want it to go up in value (and who doesn't?) think carefully about what you're buying. You don't necessarily have to spend more.

About the Author: Kiran John is Director of The Plate Market Ltd. She specialises in buying and selling personal number plates in the UK. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kiran_John