Showcasing Property in Slovenia and the Buying Process

Sandwiched in between Croatia, Italy and Austria, the tiny Balkan nation of Slovenia is gradually emerging as an interesting real estate investment choice among property buyers who want the security of buying a property in an EU nation but the advantage of buying property at very low prices in an as yet undiscovered-by-the-masses potential future hotspot.

If you want ski resorts, coastal charm, stunning and expansive lakes surrounded by dense woodland or acres and acres of lush rolling countryside, chances are you’ll be able to find a suitable home to meet your tastes and requirements in Slovenia.  In this article we’re showcasing property in Slovenia and the buying process because we feel quite sure that this tiny but pretty perfect nation will appeal to a good few of our readers.

Did you know that the skiing in Slovenia is fantastic and the nation’s Adriatic Sea coastline is completely pristine? 

Did you know that Slovenia’s a nation with many ancient towns and villages dotted throughout its hinterland and that it has stunning natural countryside untouched by mass farming or over-construction?

It’s true – and it’s not surprising to us that Slovenia has been dubbed the Baltic Switzerland either, because geographically it has a lot in common with both Switzerland and Austria.  In terms of its coastline it is at least as beautiful as Croatia’s and in terms of finding a comparison for Slovenia’s breathtaking lakes and forests, they could easily rival the best of the same in Italy.

Yet despite all of these undeniable facts, no one really knows much about Slovenia because it joined the EU quietly back in 2004 and has since gone about its subsequent business of developing a stronger economy quietly as well.

But, luckily for you we’ve decided to showcase property in Slovenia and the buying process just in case you’re on the hunt for another emerging country in which to invest in real estate.

In terms of what’s available there are many Alpine/Austrian type ski chalets and apartments available in the nation’s ski resorts which turn into summer climbing, walking and biking retreats during the warmer months.  How about a brand new, off plan 1 bedroom apartment from EUR 76,000 or a 3 bed for EUR 106,000 close to the Pohorje ski slopes?  Or if you’re looking for a commercial opportunity what about an eight bedroom bed and breakfast lodge for EUR 100,000?

On the shores of Slovenia’s famous Lake Bled you can buy a small hotel for EUR 725,000 or a magnificent nine bedroom house for EUR 500,000.

If you prefer city living then head for the capital of Ljubljana where you can currently buy a luxurious five bedroom home for EUR 650,000, a twelve bedroom motel for EUR 1.2 million or a small weekend house in the suburbs for just EUR 83,000.

On the coast you can buy a well appointed five bedroom apartment with stunning sea views for EUR 174,950 or a three bed apartment elsewhere on the coast for EUR 145,000 or if you want seclusion, what about a former military house hidden away in the forests near Dolenjska for just EUR 70,500,

Visit the Slovenia Properties website for currently the most comprehensive listing available for commercial and residential property across the nation of Slovenia.

Finally, the process to purchase property in Slovenia got far easier when the nation joined the EU and foreign buyers no longer had to prove that there was a reciprocity agreement between their nation and Slovenia’s.  First things first you need to appoint a local lawyer to ensure your estate agent completes their job fully – it is up to the agent to carry out the usual title deed and land registry checks you see, and your lawyer just has to ensure these checks have been done properly.

Your lawyer will also draw up your contract to purchase after seeing that the estate agent’s checks have not revealed any problems or raised any issues – at this point it’s usual to pay a 10% deposit.  You then have to register for an ‘ownership status’ certificate at the offices of the Ministry of Justice and Foreign Affairs before proceeding to signing the final contract at the local notary offices and paying the balance of monies due.

You can expect to pay half of the estate agents 4% fee, VAT of up to 8.5% if you’re buying a new build property, legal fees of up to 2% of the purchase price and finally 2% stamp duty as well.