An article published this week in i-D magazine stated that it is a better investment to buy a Chanel handbag than it is to buy an apartment. The ''mythical" Birkin bag is worth its weight in gold, they say, but there's a new smart buy - Chanel's classic 2.55 bag.Known also as the flap bag, retailing for around $4,900 (about R72,000) it's likely to put a serious dent in your wallet. But, they say, in the past six years it's estimated to have increased in value by more than 70% .Baghunter tracked the bag's impressive rise to glory. Since it was released in 1955 the design has increased in value every year.When it first came out it cost $220, by the 1990s it was $1150. Even taking inflation into account that price increase is notable. To put the 70% into context, over the same period - 2010 to 2016 - South African housing prices increased about 7% a year. This, says i-D magazine, literally makes your handbag a better place to keep your cash than your home.If the 2.55 isn't your style don't worry. The pattern of value growth is uniform across all Chanel bags. In fact, 2012's Boy Bag is predicted to be the next big investment piece.Baghunter CEO Evelyn Fox says the rise in value reflects the growth of the global luxury marketplace. Although pricey, these bags are no longer only treats for the rich and famous as average consumers also choose to spend on them.One word of advice from the experts: if you spend thousands for one of these bags, keep it safe and clean. These estimations don't take into account club damage or compact spillage. The resale or auction value depends on selling the bags in pristine condition.Other luxury items that are proving to be good investments are custom sneakers with street cred like the Air Jordan 5 Retro T23 Tokyo or the Nike Air Mag ''Back to the Future". Both are reselling at a considerably higher price than they retailed for. ..