Slovenia Outlook 2008
Slovenia is small country not much bigger than Wales and is located between the established Western EU nations and the new emerging dynamic nations of the east, with borders with Croatia, Italy, Hungary and Austria.
Although lesser known than other former east block property hotspots such as Bulgaria, Slovakia and Romania, property prices in Slovenia have risen at a steep rate since the country joined the EU.
Slovenia Property Market
Slovenia's property market has enjoyed strong growth since joining the EU. The ski resorts in Slovenia's alpine mountains resemble the slopes and scenery of Austria and Switzerland. A stretch of of pristine Mediterranean coast and a beautiful capital help make Slovenia a peaceful and inviting destination for second home buyers.
Investment in Tourism & Infrastructure
Investment in tourism and infrastructure is attracting property investors to Slovenia. A shortage of quality property together with the growing demand for holiday rental property makes Slovenia an attractive option for buy to let investment.
Full EU Member & First Former East Block Country to Adopt the Euro
In 2007 Slovenia became the first former communist bloc country to adopt the Euro, further opening it up to foreign investment. Slovenia has the fastest growth rate of any of the new EU members.
EU membership has meant investment not just directly from the EU but also private investment which is driving an economic boom. The economic growth in Slovenia has created an increasing interest in and demand for real estate. Slovenia property has plenty of upside potential.
Economic Growth
Slovenia has always been the most prosperous region of the former Yugoslavia and has found the transition from a socialist economy to the capitalist free market easier than most.
Slovenia is one the best economic performers in central and eastern Europe, with a GDP per capita in PPP in 2007 at $25,755. Slovenia benefits from a well-educated and productive work force as well as dynamic and effective political and economic institutions. Although Slovenia has taken a cautious, deliberate approach to economic management and reform, with heavy emphasis on achieving consensus before proceeding, its overall record is one of success.
Fast Growing Tourist Industry & Holiday Home Market
Tourism has been the fastest growing industry in the country for the past five years. This factor combined with new legislation opening property to foreign buyers for the first time makes it an ideal time to buy a home in the region. Buying holiday homes in Slovenia is becoming an increasing trend with attracting property buyers who before would have been looking at buying property in Spain, Portugal or France.
Buy to Let Property in Slovenia
The buy-to-let market is very popular, driven by the increasing demand for holiday accommodation, especially in summer. With low-cost airlines delivering holidaymakers from the UK and Europe to the main Slovenian resorts, investors can hope to secure good yields from rental properties.
With the growing tourism industry in Slovenia and low costs direct flights from the UK and other European countries, Slovenia provides interesting buy to let investment opportunities
Property Hot Spots in Slovenia
Although Slovenia is only a small country in size, it has a diversity of regions with the potential not only for strong capital gains, but to take advantage of the buoyant holiday rental market.
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia has been compared to a smaller Prague, in terms of appearance and the city is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture. Property Prices are rising in response to the increased demand and short supply.
Primorska is located on the Adriatic coast, a small Venetian style town with cobbled streets and beautiful church spires. The town is a very popular tourist destination due to its stunning architecture and its coastal location and provides great buy to let property investment opportunities.
The Gorenjska Region located next to the famous mountain of Triglav has great property investment potential due to winter sport and popular ski resorts.
Pohorje Mountains & Maribor feature Slovenia's largest ski resort is located in the Pohorje Mountains and is the home to the popular Mariborsko Pohorje ski resort.
Slovenia Weblog
