Montenegro is aiming for EU membership in 2014, which will add to its attractiveness for buyers looking for investment properties or holiday-home ownership. There are no restrictions for foreigners wishing to buy property in Montenegro, other than land for development, and the buying process is relatively straightforward. Montenegro property prices and lawyers’ fees are low and there is no capital gains tax liability in Montenegro, all of which is helping to fuel the sector.

Many people refer to wholesaling as “flipping houses.” When you wholesale, you let someone ELSE do all the hard work. All you have to do is find a property and an investor, get the property under contract, assign the contract to the investor, and boom – instant profit. Sound good? Just follow these steps for FAST, easy cash!

In Albania’s growing economy, real estate has emerged as one of the most appealing investment areas for domestic as well as foreign investors. Apart from the economic growth which is spurring growth in the real estate sector, the recognition of the need to invest heavily in infrastructure and of involving private participation therein, the recent legislation regarding creation of Special Economic Zones and the growth of road concession contracts witness it.

The early stage in Bulgaria is over. Sorry to say that, but it’s true. If you’re hoping to be in there before everyone else, the first person into that undiscovered investment opportunity, then i’m afraid it’s too late. And it’s no good to do what everyone else is doing, if you’ve read anything about Sunny Beach recently, you’ll know that buying off-plan miles back from the beach is not a good idea either.

The problem lies in the historic nature of mortgage lending which varies considerably in the US from the standard model used across Europe. In the US it is commonplace to take out a mortgage with a twenty-five year fixed rate at the time of purchase, rather than rely on the fluctuating standard variable rate mortgage that is more commonplace in the UK and across Europe.

Purchasing properties located somewhere along the Turkish Riviera is becoming an increasingly profitable business with more and more home owners and real estate investors coming from around the globe. The combination of a favorable climate, warm sea, the hospitality of Turkish People, and abundant natural and archeological points of interest makes this stretch of Turkey’s coastline a popular destination.

The property market in some areas of Romania real estate has been growing at a bullish rate of 25% to 30% p.a. for the last 3 years, fueled by speculators waiting for healthy capital returns.

The best place to invest in Europe

Romania has proven to be a safe place with high capital appreciation especially in the Bucharest area. Romania is currently undergoing major infrastructural developments which will see further capital growth all over the country. “The growth trend is expected to carry on for the next 5 years” says Damien Thiery from Romanian Properties Ltd, who adds: “Romania joining the EU January 1st 2007 along with the development of tourism on the Black Sea coast and in Transylvania, will prove that Romania in the years to come will have one of the fastest growing economies in Europe”. The “Super Highway” between Constanta and Budapest which will go through Bucharest and Brasov will be a critical element in securing Brasov’s role in Eastern Europe on a long-term basis. Not to mention that low cost airlines will soon fly to several cities in Romania lead by Wizz Air who has announced scheduled flights from London Luton to Bucharest in January 2007. British citizens are increasingly purchasing properties in Romania either as investments or holiday homes.

Where to buy in Romania

The scenery in Romania is stunning and unspoilt, the cost of skiing is very low compared to the rest of Europe, the coast is superb and the Romanians are very welcoming. As a pure investment or even as a holiday home or apartment, Brasov in Transylvania offers one of the highest potential returns as its location near the ski resorts, its infrastructural developments (new airport to be completed in 2008, “Super Highway”), and its lovely traditional town center makes Brasov one of the most sought after locations in Romania. Romanian Properties Ltd currently offers the opportunity to purchase off-plan apartments in Brasov built to Western-European standards at 900 Euro/sqm. The coast and its sandy beaches will see a high development of tourism from Western Europeans who are only starting discovering the beauties of Romania. The investments in Bucharest (shopping centers, off-plan, resales) started a few years ago, and as such the prices have already gone up in and around Bucharest. The potential, though still substantial, needs to be assessed very carefully. Prices are very cheap in rural areas but you need to be prepared to spend some time and to have renovation expenditures for your property to achieve British standards.

Steps to buying in Romania

Doing your research as well as finding a well-established agent based both in Romania and in the UK are key when purchasing in Romania. No capital gain tax when selling your property 3 years after the purchase of your property makes your investment in Romania worth while. You will need to raise the cash as mortgages are currently not available yet to foreigners. Should you wish to buy a villa or a plot of land, you will need to set up a company which is a very simple process – your estate agent should assist you with it. Purchasing a new or off-plan apartment can be carried out in your name without requiring a company formation.

What’s Next

Contact Damien Thiery from Romanian Properties Ltd (0870 224 2142) should you want any advise with regards to your property purchase in Romania.