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Post by ChrisC on Feb 25, 2004 16:38:10 GMT 1
This must be in the back of every buyer's mind! Why not cast a vote if you have an opinion...?
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Post by steaddie on Feb 25, 2004 17:39:52 GMT 1
Does it not depend on whether you are looking for capital growth or rental income ? A location might not provide both.
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jen
New Member
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Post by jen on Feb 25, 2004 18:03:17 GMT 1
..not sure how you vote but I think Istria is your best bet.
It is very accessible both in and out of season (plus cheap to get to and no need for expensive flights direct into Croatia). This is a massive plus point.
Beautiful mix of coast and glorious countryside, medieval hill-top villages, venetian ports, roman ruins, truffles and manestra! Istria still has plenty of life out of season - wonderful to spend a winter's day sipping hot chocolate at a pavement cafe at rovinj! (whereas I can imagine some of the more remote coastal areas and islands are beautiful in summer but pretty deserted and lifeless in winter).
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Post by Anna on Feb 25, 2004 18:13:20 GMT 1
I've not really explored the poll function before but, as far as I can see, only members can vote in them...sorry!
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Post by ChrisC on Feb 25, 2004 23:18:46 GMT 1
Does it not depend on whether you are looking for capital growth or rental income ? A location might not provide both. I suppose you would have to look at overall ROI, you need to be able to cover costs with a rental income, but also see a comfortable increase in capital value. I'd be surprised if there was actually much differentiation between areas where rentals are strong and the other side of the coin, the capital value. After all, both are driven by demand - by the numbers of people who want to holiday in that area.
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Post by ChrisC on Feb 25, 2004 23:22:43 GMT 1
..not sure how you vote but I think Istria is your best bet. It is very accessible both in and out of season (plus cheap to get to and no need for expensive flights direct into Croatia). This is a massive plus point. Beautiful mix of coast and glorious countryside, medieval hill-top villages, venetian ports, roman ruins, truffles and manestra! Istria still has plenty of life out of season - wonderful to spend a winter's day sipping hot chocolate at a pavement cafe at rovinj! (whereas I can imagine some of the more remote coastal areas and islands are beautiful in summer but pretty deserted and lifeless in winter). As Anna says, you probably need to register (only takes a sec!). I'm interested in your view on Istria. Tbh I've been deterred from looking in Istria by the guidebooks' description of a highly (over?) developed region crawling with Germans, Italians and Slovians and with a rocky coast and concrete esplanades in place of beaches in many areas. Maybe I've not heard the true story to date?
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Post by J en on Feb 27, 2004 10:44:24 GMT 1
Chris You really need to go there and form your own opinion - I think you'd be pleasantly surprised! Don't be put off by a few comments in guide books - I was lucky to have had the opportunity to travel there frequently with work so was able to see it for myself and fell in love with the place. Yes there are plenty of Germans and Italians that go to Istria as they can easily drive there (another reason why the area is great for investment as they too are snapping up properties) but to be honest I'd rather holiday somewhere with lots of Italians and Germans than British - that's the whole reason for going on holiday - to get away from them! Yes, there are new developments and apartments being built, but there are new properties cropping up all over Croatia - just check out the property websites - this is not unique to Istria. The coastline is mainly rocky coves and inlets rather than sandy beaches (hence the bathing platforms in some areas) but there is so much more to see and do than sit and sunbathe so this is not a problem at all (unless sitting and roasting on a beach everyday for a fortnight is your ideal holiday). Being so close to Italy, the region has a very Italian feel about it hence the frequent comparisons with Tuscany and Venice. Great food and wine, friendly people. Try the tourist board for more info (www.croatia.hr) plus the following links I found on the internet: www.vintagetravel.co.uk/croatia/croatia_info.htmlwww.istra.com/index.aspJen
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Post by Nicola on Feb 27, 2004 16:00:35 GMT 1
Please eveyone stop talking about property investment in Croatia! We've been to Istria 4 times in the last 5 months looking at property and this week have met sooo many English doing the same - it's pushing the prices up too quickly and we won't be able to afford it soon!!!! Stop telling your friends how nice it is!!!!
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Post by ChrisC on Feb 27, 2004 16:13:34 GMT 1
Please eveyone stop talking about property investment in Croatia! We've been to Istria 4 times in the last 5 months looking at property and this week have met sooo many English doing the same - it's pushing the prices up too quickly and we won't be able to afford it soon!!!! Stop telling your friends how nice it is!!!! Ha, I know how you feel. Even in the short time that I have been trying to get mobilised and commence hunting around there has been " A place in the Sun" and the Sunday Times article - won't everyone please keep the magic of Croatia secret until I have bought my place? Thanks awfully
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Post by Graham - Bosmere on Feb 27, 2004 16:33:37 GMT 1
It will only put the prices up until the price counters the demand and people discover somewhere else that is cheaper. If you look at a lot of people buying in Croatia they are just trying to get a massive return on investment based on the performance of the past 5 years. If that performance is not maintained then the market will become more stable and those buying will be those wanting to live there rather than those that want to profiteer.
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Post by ChrisC on Mar 6, 2004 23:18:02 GMT 1
Ok, I've closed the voting and, despite the low number of votes, there is a clear winner - Istria. This is something of a surprise to me. Of course I know of the advantages offered by Istria's location but I was under the, perhaps mistaken, impression that the past gains would indicate that other areas such as Dalmatia were underpriced in comparison and will rise in future to catch up. Of course this is all crystal ball stuff, but it seems to me that the favourable geography of the Dalmatian coast compared to Istria (beachy coves vs. rocky coast) and the future prospects for improvements in transport links will dictate that the Dalmatian Coast would be where the smart money goes. Personally speaking that is where I am seeking to buy, but that's really based on my own preferences for holiday location rather than coldly calculated investment prospects. Oh well, time will tell....
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Post by Steve O on Mar 7, 2004 8:58:33 GMT 1
I read in Martin Westby's latest newsletter that he has a big source of supply coming out on Hvar soon. Might be worth a look, as there does not seem to be much available on this gorgeous island yet.
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Post by Francesca on Mar 31, 2004 19:41:59 GMT 1
Going to look for a holiday home / holiday let property on Hvar in June 04 - anyone got any advice I really should consider and shouldn't continue my quest without? TEXT
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Post by Steve on Apr 1, 2004 1:39:34 GMT 1
Francesca,
I have recently bought a house in Hvar, and it is currently being re-furbished. When you arrive on the island, I would suggest that you start talking to people - it is surprising how many people know someone with property for sale. There seems to be a general distrust of estate agents (or perhaps the commision that they charge), and many would prefer to sell privately. Obviously the usual caveats apply with this, and a solicitor would need to advise you on this. Also, if you are looking at a place which requires building work, do not underestimate the effort/time that this will involve. There is a great demand for builders on the island, which can lead to delays in getting work done, and higher than expected prices.
Steve
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Post by Paul B on Apr 1, 2004 7:03:23 GMT 1
We opened our real estate business two weeks ago on Hvar and have been busy selling houses ever since. Why not check out www.croatianhouse.com to learn more? in addition to selling houses, we will be offering a full renovation and property management service later in the year. Looking forward to your visit. Paul www.croatianhouse.comwww.101dalmatianideas.com
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