Croatia, unquestionably a good place to invest
The countries of Eastern Europe provide many compelling reasons why the
international property investor should look to their bricks and mortar. With
a host of countries boasting various benefits and advantages, there is one
country head and shoulders above the rest - Croatia, one of Europe's
sunniest countries, with 2,600 hours of sunshine annually. Its crystal clear
seas, lush islands, unspoilt fishing villages, beaches, vineyards, Roman
ruins and medieval walled cities are just some of the many hidden charms
drawing the investor, second home and holiday home owner to its shores.
Croatia has seen an accelerating interest in its property market
over the past two years. Fuelled largely by its expectations to join the EU,
competitively priced property and an unspoilt coastline, the country is
unquestionably a good place to invest in. Throughout 2003 and 2004, property
prices have seen a capital increase of between 20 and 25 per cent. With the
substantial increase in direct flights throughout 2005 offered by UK
airlines with direct daily flights from London and Manchester to Dubrovnik,
Split and Pula, improved access and road infrastructure and availability of
mortgages expected within the next six months, this trend is set to
continue.
Croatia’s re-emergence as a tourist and property hotspot has given
investors and second homebuyers a renewed opportunity to purchase property
in a country, which in the late 80s, was competing with Spain in terms of
tourist numbers. British holidaymakers are amongst many of the tourists
making their way back to a country being rediscovered as a stunning and
desirable destination for both short and long breaks.
Paul Keppler, founder of Croatiansun, the leading UK real estate
operation in Croatia with offices in Dubrovnik, Split and Istria, had been
working in Spanish real estate for five years and began researching
different markets for the next international property buyer’s destination.
When the phone started ringing off the hook, he knew his decision to move to
and promote Croatia as the new destination for British and Irish buyers to
purchase second homes, had been the right one.
“Croatia is a fantastic country and offers great potential with a truly
sustainable market,” comments Keppler. “It has secured its position as the
leading country in residential tourism amongst the emerging markets. Factors
such as proactive governmental approach to inward investment, sound economic
policies, the revival of tourism and progression of EU access, have been key
in its revival.
“A number of large international developers currently have projects in
the planning stage and we envisage more high quality, low density
development coming through in the next 18 – 24 months. Five Star
International resorts with golf projects, luxurious detached villas, world
leading leisure facilities, health spas, boutique shops, private marinas are
just some of the things coming to Croatia.
“Those Britons who buy now will be getting in on the ground floor of a
huge property boom in a staggeringly beautiful country, which has one of the
best coastlines in Europe.”
Croatiansun has a range of new and traditional properties that have
attracted the interest of a new breed of UK property buyers. With a high
quality of life, stunning locations and properties with style and
affordability, Croatiansun has established itself as the leading agent for
the UK buyer.
The company also offers advice on the buying process itself and points
out that there are two options for private investors. One is to buy as a
foreign national, which they say can take up to six months and the second is
to form a Croatian company, which then buys the property on the buyers
behalf.
Keppler comments: “We expect to see continued capital gains in property
values at a steady rate. The government stance on development is very
encouraging and the limitations being placed on over-development will lead
to a continued supply and demand balance, which favours the international
investor.
For further information contact Croatiansun on 020 7751 4343 /
www.croatiansun.com /
info@croatiansun.com
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