AC ESTATES Ltd.: July 2009

Thursday, 9 July 2009

Slovenian Thermal Spas and Health Resorts Through Time

The secret of well being was discovered long ago at Slovenia's thermal and mineral springs. Archaeological excavations from the Roman period bear witness to the rich history of thermal baths in Slovenia, written documents about our thermal waters date back to 1147, and the healing qualities of our mineral water have been appreciated throughout Europe for more than four centuries.

First discovered by local people, the beneficial effects of the healing springs gave rise to new methods of treatment, and in recent decades new health resorts have developed at Slovenia's springs.

At the intersection of roads leading from north to south and west to east, Slovenia has always been part of the culture of the Old Continent. In the period when Central European health spas flourished, health centers developed in Slovenia that today represent the foundations of our health resort tourism. At the same time, due to the healing qualities of their natural elements, our health resorts maintain a special status in Slovenia's health care system as well as close ties with the medical profession.

Fifteen Slovenian health spa and tourist centers take pride in their certified status as natural health resorts. The growing reputation of these health resorts over the last few years has encouraged others to study Slovenia's natural assets more intensively and thus contribute to establishing new tourist bathing centers. More: www.terme-giz.si

Unspoiled Nature

The development and recognition of Slovenia's health resorts was encouraged by the wealth of natural assets in our country. The most important are thermal waters of various qualities and temperature (from 32°C to 73°C) and mineral waters such as the world famous Radenska Three Hearts and Donat Mg followed by sea water and brine, organic and inorganic peloids, and finally the Mediterranean, Pannonian, and sub-alpine mountain micro-climates.
The wealth of Slovenia lies in its diversity.

Vineyards reign on the hills of the sub-alpine world. Below the surface of the karst region are fascinating limestone caves. The alpine world is interlaced with river canyons and adorned by waterfalls and glacier lakes. On one side, the Alps descend into the green Pannonian plains and on the other toward the blue Adriatic Sea.

In this green oasis of Europe, there is an abundance of the most varied cultural sites ranging from Roman remains to medieval castles, and ancient monasteries. The folk tradition remains extremely vigorous, reflected in the preservation of ancient crafts, customs, and typical regional cuisine.

At Slovenia's health resorts, knowledge, experience, the natural surroundings, and the character of the country are interwoven with the friendliness of the hosts. In this harmonious mosaic of health and well being, everyone finds what they truly desire and need.

Springs of Life and Vitality

Because the modern lifestyle has brought many previously unknown problems, Slovenian health resorts applying natural healing measures have developed various new methods of treatment and new programs for the prevention of diseases that take fully into consideration modern scientific research in various fields of medicine.

Some years ago, our Western culture accepted the concept of the close link between the body and the mind. Therefore, our health resorts offer not only balneotherapy and physiotherapy services but also other kinds of modern therapies based on education and learning.

Far from the city noise and the ever faster pace of modern life, we can discover the secrets of unspoiled nature and devote time to ourselves in Slovenia's health resorts and thermal spa centers. Here, we can spend pleasant family holidays, do something for ourselves, for our body and spirit, and improve our physical and mental condition. This is made possible by well equipped health and recreation centers where we can swim, jog, stroll, exercise on various equipment and playing fields, play golf and tennis, bowl, ride horses, ski, enjoy mountain-biking, and at the same time learn to live in a more healthy way.
And because an exercised and active body also enjoys exercising the spirit, our health resorts organize social, cultural, and folklore events and provide plenty of opportunities for excursions.

by: Slovenia.info

WELCOME ON: www.LuxuryRealEstate.si

Aljaž Čerček Real Estate Broker for
Luxury Homes, Elite Homes, Luxury Villas, Commercial Real Estates, Real Estates Internacional, Commercial Properties, Real Estate Investments, Investment, Investing, Slovenia, Europa, Croatia, ...
W: www.acestates.si
B: www.acestates.blogspot.com
M: +386 31 605 685

Slovenia Green Mediterranean

The Slovene coast which measures 46.6 kilometres is covered with abundant vegetation. Here is a natural reserve with a rich supply of marl and sandstone and the unique Strunjan cliff which ascends 80 metres above the sea and is the highest flysch wall on the Adriatic coast. Here are the Sečovle saltworks, first mentioned in the 13th century. Due to their extremely abundant natural and historical heritage they were named a regional park and are a rich sanctuary of plant and animal worlds. They play a very important role in the world of ornithology, because they offer ideal conditions for birds due to the warm climate and abundance of food in the saltwork pools. So about 200 bird species have been seen at the saltworks and they provide a natural habitat for about 80 bird species which nest there.

Here the towns of Piran, Izola and Koper attract visitors with their medieval image. Koper with its historical core represents one of the most picturesque parts of the northern part of the Istrian Peninsula. Water sports are very important; there are many regattas in the Bay of Koper and the town has built a small marina. It also organises the Summer Festival of Primorska. The town’s surroundings and the countryside are exceptionally attractive: the steep rock walls by Črni Kal and Osp provide an ideal place for lovers of free climbing and the countryside “ boasts” specific culinary and wine offers.

Izola is a coastal town with a rich fishing tradition. Most of the tourism is concentrated on the eastern side, at the bay Simonov zaliv, where there is a seaside resort with swimming facilities, hotels and restaurants. On the western edge of the town is the marina of Izola.

The old seaport of Piran lies at the end of the Piran peninsula; it was surrounded by walls in the Middle Ages (200 metres of the city walls are still preserved). The whole town is protected as a cultural and historical monument and it has preserved its medieval layout with narrow streets and compact houses, which rise in steps from the coastal lowland into the hills and give the whole area a typical Mediterranean look. Today it is an administrative and supply centre and also an important coastal tourist resort with hotels, restaurants and holiday houses, the Sergej Mašera Maritime Museum and an aquarium, cultural institutions and events.

Portorož, a tourist town which boasts the longest tourist tradition in Slovenia and offers comfortable hotels and modern swimming pools, restaurants and events. It is a popular conference centre – various conference and meeting facilities can accommodate up to 1500 visitors. Portorož has a casino, a sport airport and marina. It is a town visited by tourists from all over Europe and other countries as well. It is an internationally known holiday centre and climatic health seaside resort.
In the Šavrinska Hills in the hinterland of Portorož lies a number of old Istrian settlements (Padna, Krkavče, Koštabona, Pomjan, Gažon), and not far from the coast there is the picturesque village Hrastovlje with its Church of the Holy Trinity which is adorned by late gothic narrative frescoes. Due to these Hrastovlje is considered as a real treasure of medieval frescoe arts in Slovenia.

by: Slovenia.info

WELCOME ON: www.LuxuryRealEstate.si

General informations about Slovenia !

Where is Slovenia?

Without a doubt, this is one of the most frequently asked questions about Slovenia. Slovenia is not Slovakia, the former part of Czechoslovakia. It is not Slavonia, a region in northern Croatia near the border with Serbia and Hungary. It is not somewhere in Russia.

Slovenia is an European state that lies on the southern border of Austria and the eastern border of Italy. It also borders the western corners of Croatia and Hungary. If you are looking at a map printed after 1991, you'll see Slovenia, right there at the northern tip of the Adriatic Sea.

Author: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia

How big is Slovenia?

Most Slovenians will answer this question by emphasising quality over quantity. This is a natural reaction from a country of two-million people.
Slovenia is small. There's no escaping it, and no denying it. Yet rather than seeing size as a limiting factor, most Slovenians see it as a positive thing. The population density is lower than the European Union and the birth rate is modest.

A drive from the northern border in Austria to the southern coast of the Adriatic would take about three and a half hours. Driving from the farthest northeastern point on the border with Hungary to the southwest border with Italy is about 5 hours by car. It would be much faster, but long stretches of the journey are picturesque country highways.

Author: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia

Is it a nice place to visit?

If you like blue skies, mountains, the Mediterranean coastline, churches, green rolling hills, vineyards, trout filled streams, European villages and castles, Slovenia would probably be appealing to you. If you prefer skyscrapers and subways, you'll certainly be disappointed.

Probably the nicest thing for visitors is the ease in which one can travel from region to region, as well as the cultural and geographic diversity in a relatively small area.

The weather in the summertime and spring is good for bicycling, hiking, kayaking or just sitting at a cafe in the sun. In the fall the wine is harvested and it is still warm enough to do most outdoor sports. In the winter, most of Slovenia, a country addicted to skiing, hits the slopes. Then, it's spring again.

Author: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia

What language do they speak there?

Slovenian is a separate and distinct Slavic language. It is written with Roman characters and it is unique among Slavic languages in that it has a "dual" verb form for groups of two people or objects (one additional headache for unlucky non-native speakers).

The Holy Bible was first translated into Slovenian in 1584 by Jurij Dalmatin

Fortunately for visitors, a very large portion of Slovenians speak English, German and Italian and there are Hungarian and Italian speaking minorities.

Author: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia

What's the best way to get there?

In brief, you can reach Slovenia almost any way possible, i.e., land, air and sea. If you are coming from somewhere other than Europe, you can fly directly into Slovenia, but many people fly into Vienna's airport and take the train from there. Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital city, is by car about four and a half hours south of Vienna, Austria, and 2,5 hours east of Venice, Italy.

Once here, you can travel around by bus (usually the most convenient), train, taxi, or you can rent a car. Bicycling is very popular and the country roads and scenery make this the most rewarding way to travel. Hitchhiking is not all that uncommon, especially for students, and is relatively safe in comparison with other countries. Still, understand that this is in no way an endorsement - hitchhike at your own risk.

Once you get here there are numerous hotels, inns (gostilna) and in the mountains, inexpensive huts for climbers.

Author: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia

What's the weather like?

The weather in Slovenia varies a bit due to the variation in geography. The northern and northeastern regions are mountainous and generally cooler than the coastal and plains regions. The average temperature for the five largest regional cities is about 2.9 degrees Celsius (32 Fahrenheit) in January and 22 degrees Celsius in July.

It rains and it snows in the winter, but not as much in recent years. There are heavy seasonal winds in the coastal region called "burja". It is easy to be caught in dangerous rainstorms in the Alps even during the summer, so hikers usually take precautions.

In the summer time, there is a lot of sunshine, which may be one reason tourist and government organisations used the slogan "On the Sunny Side of the Alps" when promoting Slovenia.

Author: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia

MORE DETAILS !

Official name:............Republic of Slovenia
Political system: ...........parliamentary republic
Area: .............20,273 km2
Forest: ...........10,124 km2
Vineyards: ..........216 km2
Length of border with Austria: .........318 km
Length of border with Italy:............232 km
Length of border with Hungary:.........102 km
Length of border with Croatia: ..........670 km
Length of coast:...........46.6 km
Capital: ............Ljubljana
Population: ..............2.025.866 (31. December 2007)
Ethnic origin of population: ............Slovene(83.06%), Italian(0.11%), Hungarian
(0.32%), Others (16.51%)
Language: ..........Slovene
Religion: .............Roman Catholic (60%)
Climate: .............Alpine, Continental, Mediterranean
Time zone: .........Central European Time GMT+1
Average temperatures July: .........21°C January: -2°C
Political system: ...........multiparty parliamentary democracy
Economy: .............GDP p.c. (2005) 17.076 EUR, imports (2007) 21.5 billion EUR, exports (2007) 19.4 billion EUR
Currency: ............Euro, 1 January 2007
Education: ............Universities in Ljubljana and Maribor 90,403 students
(2005/2006)
Culture: ............38 professional and numerous amateur theatres, 2 operas, 45 permanent galleries, 121 museums, 19 professional orchestras and a symphony orchestra
Media: ............14 daily newspapers, 45 weeklies, state television, private televisions, state radio station, local radio stations

Government Communication Office

The Government Communication Office is a professional service of the Slovenian Government and its Ministries. It is responsible for reliable, timely and complete information between the government, its representatives and the local and foreign public, and also carries out promotional activities of the country. On their web pages you can find information about the Government and its activities, a calendar of events, results of surveys of the public’s relationship with the government and information intended for journalists.

slovenia.si
This special page is intended for the presentation of Slovenia. The page contains more detailed information on Slovenia, business opportunities, data on the organisation of the country, its history, statistical data on inhabitants, the economy,...

Slovenian take-over of the Euro as of the year 2007

As the first among the 10 new Member States which joined the EU in 2004, Slovenia adopted the euro as its official currency on 1 January 2007. The country nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Alps is thus the 13th state to join the European monetary union. The tolar, the national currency, ceased to be used 15 years after its introduction; at the time, Slovenians paid 239.64 tolars for one euro. The new coins feature, among other things, Lipizzaner horses, Triglav as the highest mountain in the country, and France Prešeren as the author of the national anthem.
As of the beginning of March 2007, the old Slovenian currency (tolar) can be exchanged for euros only in the issuing bank (Bank of Slovenia).

Holidays
January 1 and 2 New Year's
February 8 Prešeren Day, Slovene cultural day
Easter Sunday and Monday
April 27 Day of Uprising against the Occupation
May 1 and 2 May Day holiday
Pentecost
June 25 Slovenia Day
August 15 Feast of the Assumption
August 17 Slovenians in Prekmurje Incorporated into the Mother Nation
September 15 Restoration of the Primorska Region to the Motherland
October 31 Reformation Day
November 1 All Saint's Day
November 23 Rudolf Maister Day
December 25 Christmas
December 26 Independence and Unity Day

School holidays in 2008–2009

27 October 2008–2 November 2008.................. Fall holidays
25 December 2008–2 January 2009.................... New year holidays
23–27 February 2009 ................... Winter holidays for Ljubljana and Maribor with their wider areas
16–20 February 2009.................... Winter holidays for other regions
28 April 2009–2 May 2009 ..................... May Day holidays
24 June 2009–31 August 2009.................... Summer holidays

Stores
Working hours are mostly nonstop without lunch time closing.
- Weekdays: 8:00 to 19:00
- Saturdays: 8:00 to 13:00
- Sundays and holidays: On duty pharmacies, etc., and some private stores
Payment is in Euros; most stores accept credit cards: AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS, MASTER CARD - EUROCARD, and VISA.

Post Office
Hours of operation:
- Weekdays: 8:00 to 18:00
- Saturdays: 8:00 to 12:00
Evenings and Sundays only main Post Offices in larger centers are open; www.posta.si
International outgoing call prefix: 00
International calls to Slovenia prefix: 386
Public telephones operate on magnetic cards. Magnetic cards are sold at post offices; at newspaper kiosks and tobacco shops; www.telekom.si

Mobile telephone use
Mobile telephones in Slovenia operate in the network on the frequency bands of 900 MHz and 1800 MHz. Roaming is available in the following mobile networks: Mobitel, Simobil, Debitel, Izimobil, Mmobil, Tušmobil.

Banks
Banks will exchange foreign currency and travellers checks for Euros and vice versa. Foreign residents may open Euro and foreign currency accounts, and it is possible to send money orders and transfer payments. Changing money is also possible at exchange offices in hotels, gasoline stations, tourist agencies, supermarkets, and numerous small exchange offices.
Hours of operation:
Weekdays: 8:30-12:30 and 14:00-17:00
Saturdays: 8:30 to 11:00/12:00

Drinking Water
The water is safe and drinkable throughout the country.

Electricity
Current is 220 V, 50 Hz.

Weather
Due to the changes in climate – Mediterranean at the coast, Alpine in the Alps and Karavanke mountains, and Pannonian to the northeast of the country – the appropriate clothes for each season is recommended.
Average temperatures in July are above 21oC and in January 0oC. In the summer it can be very hot at the coast and quite cold in the mountains. We advise you to check the weather forecast before coming to Slovenia.
Weather in Slovenia

Radio Programmes
Weekend Traffic Information on RDS System after news reports on Program 2 from Friday afternoon through Sunday evening
- in English, German, and Italian
- every weekend in July and August
Holiday Weather Reports from July 1 and August 31, on both programmes at 7:1
- in English, German, and Italian
- weather in Slovenia with special reports for mountain regions and the northern Adriatic
News every day at 22:30 on Program 1
- in English and German
- news from Slovenia and international news

Frequencies:
- Program 1: AM 326.8 m (918 KHz)
- FM 88.5, 90.0, 90.9, 91.8, 92.0, 92.9, 94.1, 96.4
- Program 2: FM 87.8, 92.4, 93.5, 94.1, 95.3, 96.9, 97.6, 98.9, 99.9
www.rtvslo.si

Anti smoking law
As of August 2007 smoking is prohibited in all public places and places of employment. It is only allowed in special areas as determined by accommodation providers, in homes for senior citizens, jails, psychiatric clinics and in areas intended exclusively for smokers.
The age limit for access to tobacco products has also been increased from 15 to 18 years of age for both sales attendants and customers. As with sales of alcoholic beverages, sales attendants can demand proof of age from the customer.

Important telephone numbers
police: 113
fire: 112
emergency first aid: 112
AMZS - Automobile Association of Slovenia: 1987

by: slovenia.info

WELCOME ON: www.LuxuryRealEstate.si

Wednesday, 8 July 2009

Super-Rich Still Confident About Property Investment

posted by Tom James on March 30, 2009

The recently published Knight Frank/Citi Private Bank Wealth Report 2009 reveals some surprising facts about the attitudes of the world’s wealthy to property investment in the face of the global economic crisis.

The report shows that despite the fact that luxury house prices have fallen around the world, there is still a healthy appetite for property investment among the ranks of the world’s super-rich.

Luxury Modern "Villa Hill" in Maribor (Podravje - Slovenia).

Of the 2,000 high net-worth individuals who took part in the Attitudes Survey, as many as 55% of them plan to increase their residential property portfolios over the next two years, despite the fact that the majority have seen their property portfolios drop in value during the last year. Many still regard property as a crucial part of their portfolios and only 5% said they were “very concerned” about the fall in property values. Property experts predict that prices will start to stabilise within the next couple of years and many investors hope this will put the market on a firmer footing.

Seasoned investors are watching the market closely, particularly in regions where property values have been the hardest hit. They know that the bottom of the downturn is just around the corner and are beginning to reinvest, but they are looking for bargains in the form of heavily discounted properties, particularly in the commercial and new-build sectors. Knight Frank reports that a number of those who responded to the survey said that their clients were actively looking to take advantage of distressed sales to acquire stable assets with good yields as cheaply as possible.

Around 50% of the survey respondents said that they planned to increase their investments in the commercial property sector, which has been affected by the global economic problems. It is clear that shrewd investors with spare funds see this sector as one offering a considerable amount of growth potential, particularly the good quality property in prime locations.

Liam Bailey, head of residential research at Knight Frank, said, “Even though our Attitudes Survey, which monitored the decisions and attitudes of 2,000 of Citi Private Bank’s richest clients, shows that the vast majority of high-net worth individuals’ property portfolios has fallen in value, the rich seem less concerned about this than the decline in other investments.” The survey also showed that confidence in equity and hedge fund investments has declined significantly. Almost 100% of those represented by the survey had reduced their exposure to hedge funds.

James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk Investment Property, says that the survey results are good news for movement within the property market. “As Knight Frank discovered, it is the tangible nature of property which makes it still attractive to investors, despite everything. Even though values have dropped, investors still have confidence in property as a good long-term investment. That is positive news all round.”

WELCOME ON: www.LuxuryRealEstate.si

European Luxury Property Market Still Hot

posted by Tom James on January 20, 2009

With all the talk of the global economic slowdown, one section of the overseas property market continues to show great resiliency in the face of negative market pressures. That sector is the luxury property sector.

Exclusive Luxury Villa in Orvieto (Umbria - Italy)

European luxury property deals with a number of well-known, traditional locations throughout the continent where it costs between €1 million and €125 million to purchase mansions and homes and at least €750,000 for exclusive apartments.

Among the most popular areas for the wealthy to purchase are the Greater Zurich Area and Geneva in Switzerland, the Côte d’Azur/Provence area in France, the Balearics and the Marbella area in Spain and Toscany and Umbria area in Italy. Purchasers in these areas can easily encounter the high standards and infrastructure to which they are accustomed while also encountering other people of like minds and means.

The purchases of luxury properties are often unaffected by the present financial crisis and its accompanying tightening of credit. Quite often, those who purchase luxury estates do so without the need of external financing or mortgages. This means that purchases can be made quickly and even on impulse and at times, the luxury property market can be fuelled more by emotion than sound market decisions. No matter what the motivation, luxury home sales have been the only bright spot in many property markets.

Exactly where the rich are choosing to invest is often subject to changes in fashion. For example, the south of France has been extremely popular as a destination for the very rich but lately, areas like Zurich and Marbella have gained in popularity of late due to their lower crime rates, better airline connections and the ability to make new business contacts while at the second home.

Russians still top the list as buyers of luxury properties. They are attracted to the relative safety of property investment, especially when compared to stock markets or in some cases, even banks. Even more significantly, their overseas investments are increasingly being made outside Europe at places like Obelisk’s Laguna Beach development in north east Brazil.

James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk, states, “The number of European investors who have shown interest in Laguna has been remarkable, not only for the numbers but also for the variety. The traditional UK and Irish buyers are also being joined by Russians, French and Germans. It is an encouraging market development.”

WELCOME ON: www.LuxuryRealEstate.si

Slovenia Property Investment – One of Top 10 World Property Investment Countries

Posted: Apr 29th, 2007, by Sacha Tarkovsky.

Slovenia property investment may not be as popular as many other well known property investment locations, but savvy investors are buying and making great capital gains, in one of the top markets for capital growth in the world.
With prices starting at just $50,000 and capital growth in excess of 30% per annum combined with the potential for significant rental income, it no wonder more investors than ever are looking at Slovenia property investment.

Capital growth potential

Investors in Slovenian property are currently enjoying capital gains of up to 30% per annum and this growth looks set to continue.
In the next decade capital growth was forecast at 278% by property specialist program “A place in the Sun” which has increased interest from property investors around the world.

Why Slovenia is hot

Since attaining independence from Yugoslavia and joining the EU, Slovenia has seen strong economic growth.
Tourism has been the fastest-growing sector of the economy and this has enabled it to produce the highest GDP of the new EU members.
Slovenia has become popular due to its variety of scenery; good infrastructure and a variety of airlines now offer cheap, frequent flights - making it easy and inexpensive to get to.

Natural Beauty

Slovenia is located between Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia and while a small country, it is beautiful and has something for everyone.

Luxury Villa in nature near Ptuj and Rogaska Slatina (Podravje - Slovenia).

Slovenia features forests, vineyards, snow capped mountains, a beautiful stretch of Mediterranean coastline and some great baroque architecture.
Slovenia has a beautiful capital – Ljubljana.
The city has been described as a smaller and less crowed Prague and comes with stunning architecture.

A booming economy

Slovenia’s accession to the EU saw big changes in the economy, as Slovenia opened its doors to overseas property buyers. Strong growth in GDP has been mirrored by growth in Slovenian property prices. The capital Ljubljana offers the best returns on investment, with prices predicted to continue rising by around 30% per annum for many years to come. The limited supply of housing and restrictions on land development are the main driving forces behind this growth. The economic expansion in the capital which will see rentals soar – giving “buy to let” investors significant income, as well as capital growth potential.
Primorska on the Adriatic coast and the mountain district of Gorenjska are the next most expensive places to buy in Slovenia.
If you are interested in Slovenian property and cant afford these areas there are plenty more to choose from, as this is a market in its early stages of development and offers better risk to reward than the more mature markets that surround it.
Slovenia has a wide range of property investments to suit all tastes and budgets.
Property for sale in Slovenia with good capital growth potential can be bought from under $50,000 in many areas.
You can invest in ski apartments in areas such as the Julian Mountains, or in traditional country houses near the vineyards or finally, in the expanding urban areas.

In Conclusion, Slovenia Offers property investors:

A great opportunity to invest in a stable and growing EU member.
Slovenian property investment offers above average capital growth potential combined with significant rental income from “the buy to let” areas and finally, being an emerging market it’s highly affordable.
In part 2 of this article you will find some of the best new emerging destinations to buy in and also an in-depth look at the buying process.
Discover more about Slovenia and Slovenian property investment and see how it could change your financial future.

Aljaž Čerček Real Estate Broker for
Luxury Homes, Elite Homes, Luxury Villas, Commercial Real Estates, Real Estates Internacional, Commercial Properties, Real Estate Investments, Investment, Investing, Slovenia, Europa, Croatia, ...
W: www.acestates.si
B: www.acestates.blogspot.com
M: +386 31 605 685

Cut-price Alps

Fresh-air fanatics are finding more bang for their bucks in unspoilt Slovenia

From Times Online , December 20, 2006, by Rhiannon James

When Adriaan Neervoort, a record shop owner from Croydon, south London, set out to buy a property in the mountains, his first thoughts were of Italy, France and Switzerland. Then he saw a television documentary on Slovenia, the tiny former Yugoslav republic draped across the Julian Alps.

Most Exclusive Villa in Slovenia with a lot of privacy. (Slovenia - Primorje)

“The more I researched it on the internet, the more fantastic it sounded,” he says. “I always wanted a place in the mountains, but the bang for your bucks elsewhere wasn’t very good.”

After remortgaging his two-bedroom flat, Neervoort, 41, is now the proud owner of a six-bedroom house in Srednja Vas, a small village in northwestern Slovenia, near the town of Bohinj and on the edge of Triglav national park.

“It’s everything that Croydon isn’t,” he says. “In terms of getting away from the rat race, it’s perfect. I was lying in bed one morning and the only sound I could hear was a man chopping wood.”

The house, bought for £140,000, is 35 years old and in need of some refurbishment, but Neervoort intends to work on it as a long-term project and eventually to retire there.

The businessman is one of a small but growing band of British buyers who have discovered that Slovenia offers a healthy dose of the outdoor life at a fraction of the cost of neighbouring Austria and Italy. More than a third of this country of 2m people is covered by mountains, and the scenery is spectacular.

Foreigners used to face a number of obstacles to buying property in the country, but since it joined the European Union in May 2004, the market has opened up. British buyers are now the biggest European investors in Slovenian property, though the numbers are still small: Britons own just 652 homes there, according to the latest figures from the Slovenian tax authorities.

A further boost is likely to come on January 1 next year, when Slovenia adopts the euro. “It sends a message to foreigners that Slovenia has got its house in order,” says Nick Barnes, a European residential research specialist at Knight Frank. The estate agency predicts that prices, which have been growing in double figures for the past few years, will increase 10%-15% next year.

Neil Saxon and his family were the only British people in Mojstrana, a village near the ski resort of Kranjska Gora, when they bought their five-bedroom house for £150,000 about 18 months ago, but they have now been joined by another family.

“Slovenia offers lots to do, no matter what the season,” says Saxon, 45, a computer specialist from Hilton, near Derby. “In winter, you can go skiing. In spring, there is fantastic foliage, and in summer, the weather is more guaranteed than here and there’s loads of mountain- biking and water-rafting.”

Getting to Slovenia is easier than ever, with budget flights to Ljubljana, the capital, and to Trieste, just over the Italian border. The roads in Slovenia are also good, which makes travelling in the country easy.

Slovenia is not just about spectacular mountains, though. Although it occupies an area smaller than Wales, it also has spas, wine-growing regions, caves and a small sliver of coast, all within easy reach of each other.

Frances Sargent, managing director of Slovenian Properties, says she is receiving increasing numbers of inquiries from British buyers looking for a flat in the capital, which they can use both for city breaks and as a base for trips to the Alps, just over an hour’s drive away.

More adventurous would-be purchasers are heading for Slovenia’s second city of Maribor, in the northeast. “It offers all the fun of a city break because it has a riverside area and an old castle, but you can also take a tram from the centre and in a few minutes you are on the ski slopes,” says Sargent. Property there is cheaper than in Ljubljana.

If there’s a downside, it’s that finding the perfect property may take a little more work in Slovenia than in more developed destinations, such as Bulgaria or Croatia. “It is a niche market,” says Sargent. “There are not many off-plan developments.” Mortgages are also still difficult to arrange locally, which means you may need to remortgage at home.

WELCOME ON: www.acestates.eu

A Guide to Property Investment Slovenia

Slovenia is a beautiful country that geographically finds itself in the thick of it all. From the Alps to the Adriatic, Slovenia has enough natural attractions to create a big stir with holidaymakers, add to this incredible historic sites and a strengthening economy, and it’s clear that Slovenia is a country that is worth taking note of from a property investment perspective.

Building in center of Maribor (Podravje - Slovenia)

With its growing tourism industry, developing real estate market and governmental stability and increasing political prominence, Slovenia is worthy of consideration, so there are following 10 reasons as strong factors driving investor confidence in Slovenia’s property market:

1) Slovenia’s Stable European Union Status Inspires Property Investor Confidence

Slovenia has been a member of the European Union since 2004. The country worked incredibly hard to gain European confidence and was heavily supported by the UK in its bid for EU entry. Since its acceptance, tiny Slovenia has become a major player in the Union, showing its dedication to and concern for the whole of Europe. Slovenia’s strong support of the EU and its acceptance of all EU principles and objectives is very good for property investors who want to know their real estate purchases take place in a country that is not closed off from the world. Slovenia is one former communist country that has made incredible strides in embracing and connecting with the world around it.

2) Slovenia’s Government is Becoming a Major Player in World Relations, Giving Prestige to the Country and Boosting Property Investors’ Faith

Although Slovenia’s democratic government is relatively new, its stability and drive to succeed is phenomenal. The first democratic elections only took place in 1991, but since then Slovenia has really impressed the worldwide community. The country has been very active in the UN, humanitarian efforts, military-stabilising and economic and cultural projects in the world community. It even chaired the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2005. Evidence of the country’s fast-rising star is seen in its impending EU presidency in 2008. Property investors who want to know their country of investment choice is respected and recognised by the worldwide community are very pleased with Slovenia’s incredible strides in such a short period of time.

3) Growing Economy Shows Great Promise for Property Investors in Slovenia

Slovenia is a very tiny country of only about 2 million people; despite this the country’s economy is on the rise impressively and sustainably. In 2006 the GDP was USD 47 billion and its annual growth rate is climbing by about 5.2 %. The country’s growing economy is fuelled by the automotive, steel, pharmaceutical and electronics industries and the nation is also becoming a tourist hotspot. The rising economy, its stability and growth are all good signs for investors who want a growing environment within which to buy property for investment purposes. The holiday rental market is also on the rise with investors often enjoying more than GBP 600 per week per property unit during peak travel seasons.

4) Slovenia’s Unique Location Makes it Very Attractive to Real Estate Investors

Property demand in Slovenia is on the rise in part due to its incredible location. The country is fast becoming a holiday hotspot because of its proximity to the Alps, the Adriatic, Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Holidaymakers find the country delivers a rather wide set of vacation options and this is fantastic news for investors serious about the buy-to-let market.

5) Diverse Geography Makes Slovenia Very Popular With International Property Investors

If ever there was an ideal location for holidaymakers with a desire for diversity, the little country of Slovenia would be it. Truly a crossroads, the country is a meeting point for four European geographic regions – the Alps, the Dinaric area, the Pannonian Plain and the Adriatic. Although the country features a fair amount of beautiful Adriatic coastline, it is famous for its mountains and skiing as much as its seaside property. The country’s unique draws are growing the tourism industry and giving credence to a buy-to-let investment strategy. Its geographical diversity also gives rise to a continental climate in most of the country and a Mediterranean climate in the southern, waterfront areas. The diverse geography makes Slovenia an ideal destination for holidaymakers and expatriates with many different landscape and climate tastes and it makes it ideal for property investors seeking diversity and choice of investment approaches and assets.

6) Growing Travel Industry in Slovenia is an Excellent Base for a Property Investment Strategy

As Slovenia becomes more widely known to the world outside, its natural beauty, unique geography, unusual attractions and hospitality are drawing in an ever-growing number of tourists. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the country’s popularity among tourists is growing steadily, it is expected to generate EUR 1,355.8 billion in travel and tourism dollars in 2007 alone. It is expected to grow its tourism industry by 3.9% per annum between 2008 and 2017 as well, and the anticipated upward climb in Slovenia’s popularity among holidaymakers presents a number of solid opportunities for property investors. From its cities and ski resorts to its seaside areas, Slovenia property investment for holiday letting is a popular prospect, giving buyers here confidence in their purchases. From Piran’s Venetian architecture to the famous Ljubljana Cathedral built in 1708, the country also has its share of attractions for holidaymakers to see and its fair share of locations for real estate investors to target.

7) Adopted Euro Currency Makes Slovenia Property Investment Easier

Whilst some buyers still will need to deal with an exchange of currency, the Euro-based system in Slovenia makes investment very simplistic for many Europeans. Beyond the ease of transaction and the transparency of pricing, the Euro tends to inspire confidence on its own, since the currency comes with the backing of so many major European powers.

8) Housing Shortage Makes Real Estate Investments in Slovenia Very Timely

As Slovenia experiences population growth from incoming expatriates, an increase in tourism and a rise in the underlying wealth of local professional classes as well, so demand in the housing market in Slovenia is very much on the increase. Shortages of housing are a problem, but new construction is ongoing in many areas. UK’s Channel 4 reports that Slovenia is “rapidly becoming a choice place for discriminating Europeans to buy.” As the country’s popularity rises, it is likely those who get in early will experience rather nice returns on their investment properties. The population growth is modest, but quite present and according to Slovenia Invest, the country is experiencing a healthy net migration growth rate. In 2005 for example, just over 6,000 more people moved into Slovenia from foreign locales than moved out and this is a trend that is expanding creating significant demand for rental and resale stock that an investor can tap into.

9) Ease of Accessibility Gives Investors Confidence in Slovenia’s Property Market

Slovenia is readily accessible from other countries such as Italy and Croatia by means of travel other than plane. For those coming from the UK and other further-away locations, new budget airline routes are making travel into Slovenia simplistic and affordable. Getting to or leaving Slovenia is not a challenge for Europeans at all in fact and this makes the country quite attractive for holidaymakers, business persons and naturally property investors too!

10) Straightforward Property Buying Process Makes Slovenia Attractive

Buying property in Slovenia used to be a rather cumbersome process that required government approval. With the country’s acceptance into the EU came a streamlining of the process. EU citizens are now free to buy real estate in Slovenia with very little government red tape. This makes buying property in Slovenia attractive, especially for those who are uncomfortable with the restrictions placed on foreign investment in other Easter European locations.

Slovenia might be a small country with regard to its size and population, but savvy investors are not letting the geographic restrictions of the nation restrict them. This country’s prominence as a stable worldwide player is on the rise as are its real estate and tourism industries.

posted by C Mahida on August 28, 2007