The Slovenian history has not yet been lived by Russian (and not only) real estate buyers, while its beginning is just being written, especially since last year's US presidential elections, as a result of which Donald Trump's wife Melania, a native of Slovenia, became the country's first lady.
The influx of foreign tourists and buyers was growing every year, but after that it increased even more. Olga Sluchanko, real estate agent of Roni Nepreminine commented on the situation: “Investors from Europe are interested in the real estate market in Slovenia due to the growing popularity of Slovenian tourist destinations in the European tourism market. There is also a growing percentage of Russian-speaking investors and buyers who choose Slovenia as a country of residence or occasional vacation. Foreign buyers see Slovenia as a safe, beautiful, promising tourism and environmentally friendly country, and therefore many of them buy real estate for permanent residence. "
The expert associates the construction boom and activity in the international real estate market, which have lasted for the past two years, with a significant improvement in the economic situation in Slovenia and Europe. But at the same time, there is still a shortage of new buildings on the market, especially housing in the middle price range of high-quality construction, as well as luxury real estate in the center of Ljubljana and on the territory of national resorts. It is not surprising that the prices for such offers are growing in the first place: the region of Lake Bled - Gorenz Region, Maribor, as well as the entire coast of Slovenia - Koper, Piran, Izola, Portoroz. But on the periphery of the country, the situation is still calm, the cost of housing changes insignificantly.
Interestingly, the nature of investments in the country has also changed over the past few years. Vladimir Uvarov, Director of the Representative Office in Russia of FUTURE REAL ESTATE , explains the reasons for this: “Over the past 3 years, there has been a tendency to buy real estate as an investment that gives a certain stable income. Due to the relatively low taxes, the country began to compete with such large countries as Italy, Germany and Austria. On average, if we are talking about the profitability of residential real estate, then it can range from 4% to 6% per annum. This is profitability excluding payment of income tax. When we talk about investments in retail real estate, we can talk about returns from 5% to 9%. "
Of course, the size of the investment is always influenced by the novelty of the project, the timing of the lease agreement, as well as the location of the property and the amount of the investment itself. As a stable investment, the expert advises to purchase an existing or under construction store of any specificity in good condition with an anchor tenant with a new lease agreement. For about 150,000 euros you can buy a shop of 50 sq. M. m - this investment can give about 5% per annum.
We should also not forget the capitalization potential of the real estate itself, the value of which continues to grow. And to get a more impressive income, it makes sense to get a loan: this will not only increase the profitability of real estate (in this case, the loan will be about 2-2.5%), but it will also make it possible to purchase a more expensive and liquid project, especially since banks are ready to lend up to 70 % of the purchase price.
Due to the increased demand for rent in Slovenia for a similar amount, Olga Sluchanko recommends purchasing a one-room apartment in Ljubljana or a studio apartment (or even a small house) in a more remote location on the secondary market for subsequent renting. In addition, the purchase of a house without interior decoration near Ljubljana is always relevant. But to buy a house or apartment on the Slovenian coast or other popular tourist destinations, the amount of 150,000 euros is not enough.
The range of prices for residential real estate is quite wide. According to Vadim Uvarov, a square meter in the primary market of Ljubljana will cost 3000-3500 euros. At the same time, the purchase price will include a complete final finishing of the apartment on a turnkey basis. In the secondary market, the price will be 2500 euros per sq.m. Again, everything will strongly depend on the type of house, location and footage.
“It is rather difficult to talk about the average price on the coast: it ranges from 2,000 euros and can go up to 5,000 euros,” sums up Vladimir Uvarov. Real estate will cost almost half the price if it is located outside Ljubljana and the Adriatic coast. Olga Sluchanko notes that the decline in real estate prices in Ljubljana is expected along with the entry of new buildings into the market, which are currently in the active phase of construction.
Buying real estate in Slovenia for citizens who are not members of the European Union is possible only for a legal entity, that is, it will be necessary to open a company in the country. But the possibility of obtaining a residence permit with the right to work will cost a minimum investment of 50,000 euros. The indisputable advantage of Slovenia is the local tax system, which is one of the three countries with the lowest taxes in Europe.
Another plus of the country - indigenous Slovenes make up 90% of the population - there are almost no such countries on the map of Europe. The nation is very peaceful, treats Russians well, and this is very important both for permanent residence and for recreation. And the location of Slovenia just an hour's drive from Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary makes the country very attractive for those who intend to make a lot of business and tourist trips.
Slovenia can become an interesting option for Russian buyers, who until recently dominated the Montenegrin market - its wooded peaks and numerous coastal towns with fortresses could not leave anyone indifferent. However, the massive and in places chaotic development of the local coastline greatly influenced the atmosphere and panorama around. If you miss the former charm of quiet fishing villages, it makes sense to turn your attention to neighboring Slovenia, where this flavor has been preserved almost in its original form.
We would like to thank Roni Nepreminine for the illustrations provided.
