Property for sale in Slovakia

1/ Capital: Bratislava

Is the capital of Slovakia and, with a population of about 427,000, also the country's largest city. Bratislava is in southwestern Slovakia on both banks of the Danube River.

2/ Country: Slovakia

Is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of over five million and an area of about 49,000 square kilometers (almost 19,000 square miles).

3/ Property for sale in Slovakia

Within Slovakia, as a European country, there are many new developments being planned - from apartment buildings to large scale city complexes. As a EU member the property market of Slovakia is open to all other citizens of EU. The only restriction Slovakia has imposed is on agricultural and forestry land. This makes for a great investment opportunity as much of the new property is to be sold off plan.

The capital of Bratislava has seen increases in excess of 30% per annum over the last two years and in some cases over 100%. This trend is set to continue throughout central and Eastern Slovakia with the popular tourist resorts already receiving considerable interest from foreign buyers.

Before investing in Slovakia it is important to consider comparative options available. Property prices in Bulgaria are thought to be reaching their peak,

having doubled in the last 3 years while in Croatia the entry level for investors is nearing GBP£110,000 plus an additional 5% purchase tax.

Slovakia is the obvious choice for home buyers and property investors, they are already a member of the EU and a huge amount of investment is already pouring into the country. The good news for property investors is that the market is still in its infancy and the prices are expected to continuing rising at a minimum of 15% to 20% per annum for the next 3 to 5 years.

Property prices understandably cannot remain at their present values with such considerable interest from foreign buyers. We estimate current demand to outstrip supply in many areas by summer 2009. A new phenomena to the Slovak housing market is 'off-plan' purchase, we anticipate an increased number of construction/development companies to enter this market in the next 12 to 18 months. There is little doubt that for the serious investor this is an exciting time to spread their portfolio to include Slovakia.

Property bought this way is usually cheaper and by the time it is built it has already gained in value over the selling price. The buyer will usually pay a reservation fee at the beginning and then pay the rest of the asking price in stages as the construction progresses, paying off the balance when the property is complete.