Slovenia lies in central Europe where the Alps and the Mediterranean meet the Pannonian plains and the Karst on the borders of Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Italy.
A little under 2million people live in Slovenia about 270,000 of whom live in the lively capital Ljubljana. With the advent of the new budget airline routes Slovenia's spectacular Alpine ranges, meadows brimming with flowers, sparkling rivers and fairy tale castles are accessible with ease from anywhere within Europe.
Because of this ideal location and the country's outstanding natural beauty, Slovenia is rapidly becoming a choice place for discriminating Europeans to buy. 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. Holiday homes are an increasing trend with many people currently buying in Spain and France. However these markets are beginning to saturate whilst Slovenia offers an ideal new market.
Credit: Slovenian Properties Ltd
Slovenia itself has much to offer. It is unspoilt unlike other regions of western Europe and is a paradise for people who like the outdoors life with great opportunities for hiking, skiing, riding, cycling, climbing, water sports, golf, etc...add to this the cosmopolitan sophistication of its capital Ljubljana and the charm of the many ancient walled towns and you have an irresistible mix.
Before joining the EU on the 1st May 2004 Slovenes and the few foreigners who were in the position to buy property anticipated the event, driving up prices ahead of an expected rise closer to the European norm once accession took place. Generally property could be bought only by people living in Slovenia or by foreigners after a long and bureaucratic process involving gaining permission from the government on a case by case basis. Nevertheless, house prices in the city rose as people who were prospering bought principal residences, and prices in the mountains and on the coast rose in parallel as people sought holiday homes as a good form of investment.
A year before joining the EU in 2004 it was possible for British Nationals to buy under a reciprocal agreement. Prices were not cheap, nor was the process easy, and it could take up to 9 months to obtain permission from the Ministry of Justice and to complete the deal. However, since Slovenia joined the EU anyone residing within the EU has been able to purchase property there, often in only a matter of weeks. Slovenia was in fact a rare new entrant to the EC by not putting in place a restriction on other EU citizens buying property for the first few years after accession. In most cases, buying is relatively straight forward and uncomplicated.
Amanda Lamb gives us her top tips for buying abroad in 2009
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